Barton, Vt. – The Vermont Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) today announced Art LaPlante and Mark Royer of Barton’s EM Brown & Son Inc. as the winners of the 2019 “Spirit of ADA” Award, highlighting the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their employment practices.
“Giving every Vermonter the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career benefits both workers and employers,” said Governor Phil Scott. “EM Brown & Son has created a workplace culture that supports all employees and leverages each person’s strengths, and this award is well deserved.”
Eligible employers must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
- Recruitment outreach and equal accessibility in the application, interviewing and hiring procedures for people with disabilities
- Use of on-the-job accommodations, modifications, progressive employment methods and/or creative solutions for successful training and employment of people with disabilities
- Accessible physical structures, buildings, workstations and equipment and services
- Support for the employment of a person(s) with a disability as an overall employment strategy
LaPlante and Royer were nominated by Neil Morrissette of Vermont Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation (VABIR) Newport for their supportive employment of people with disabilities. They will receive their award on October 29 from 2:45-3:45 p.m. at a ceremony to be held at EM Brown & Son Inc.
“Thank you to this year’s outstanding employers as well as past Spirit of the ADA Award Winners for recognizing that employing Vermonters of all abilities enhances the workforce and strengthens communities,” said GCEPD Chair Donna Curtin.
The mission of the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is to promote equal employment for all citizens of Vermont by advising the Governor on current issues affecting employment of people with disabilities, and through partnerships between business, government and people with disabilities. Learn more at hireus.vermont.gov.