Ten employers in the province have been recognized for championing persons with disabilities in the workplace.
They were presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards today, Dec. 2, in Halifax.
Micco Companies, based in Halifax, was selected from the 10 regional recipients, for the provincial award for outstanding achievement.
The award acknowledges and honours employers who promote best practices towards the employment, independence, and service to persons with disabilities.
The other winners are:
— Brenda and Warren Chapman, Changes Hair Studio, Amherst
— Carol Church, Church’s Valufoods, Marion Bridge, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Scott Clements, Clements Janitorial Services, Bridgewater
— Donnie Mariner, Foodland Village Grocery, St. Peter’s, Richmond Co.
— Laurie Wheatley, Lewis Mouldings, Weymouth, Digby Co.
— Shelly Delaney, Marco’s Grill and Pasta House, Yarmouth
— Dave LeBlanc, Sobeys (Atlantic Team), Halifax
— Eric Turner, Turner’s Handyman and Snow Removal, Kentville
— Sherry Keen, Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth, Hants Co.
“I commend all the employers recognized for their commitment to building a more inclusive society for our citizens,” said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. “On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the award finalists and Micco Companies, as the provincial award recipient, for their well-deserved recognition this evening.”
Nominations were accepted by the Collaborative Partnership Network from regional groups. Members of the network, Team Work Cooperative and the Workbridge nominated Micco and work closely with its team to deliver training for clients.
“This is a tremendous honour,” said Micco general manager Colin MacDonald. “MICCO Companies is proud to employ incredibly talented people across the board, the employees that have come to us through Team Work and the Workbridge are no different.
“They are talented, passionate and hard working and we are the beneficiaries of their success at work year round.”
The awards coincide with the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. They were presented at the 6th Annual Symposium on Inclusive Employment and Education: Ability Starts Here – From Conversation to Action, being held today and Tuesday.
The David and Kathleen Mooney Altruism Award was also named at the symposium. Claredon Robicheau of Clare, Digby Co. was recognized for his commitment to human rights, volunteer work and forming the first community-based transportation system in the province. The award is presented in memory of David Mooney of Yarmouth, who dedicated many years to helping persons with disabilities.
The Collaborative Partnership Network works to create and maintain employment partnerships between persons with disabilities and employers. There are 198,685 persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. The network has worked with nearly 2,000 people who are either returning to work or entering the labour force and this number grows every year. Through the network people can gain access to training, job referrals and access to resources.
Source: Release
