Three Athens professionals working in local businesses were recognized last month for overcoming mental or physical disabilities, or for helping those who have disabilities.
The Ohio Association in Supported Employment — an organization whose goal is to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities — gave their annual awards in April to honor area professionals in five different categories: Leadership, personal achievement, best practices, professional and business.
The awards recognize professionals committed to employment opportunities, services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities, said Vic Gable, the association's president. This year's winners are David Chapman, Teresa Fulk and Doug Mitchell.
A 14-member executive board reviewed more than 18 applications compiled from each of Ohio's 88 counties, Gable said.
Chapman has cerebral palsy, a mental condition that affects muscle control, and received the Personnel Achievement Award. He works in Ohio University's Office of the Vice President of Finance and performs data entry. Because of his disability, Chapman must wear a special hat to allow him to type.
Mary Hogan, OU's vice president of finance, nominated Chapman because of his successes on the job. Chapman faced the challenge of learning to communicate with fellow employees, using the software and typing with the special hat, Hogan said.
"These tasks are difficult for anyone to learn, but especially someone who has trouble speaking and no use of his arms or legs," Hogan said.
While Chapman struggles with difficulties that accompany his disability, individuals like Fulk and Mitchell try to help make life easier for those who face similar challenges.
Because he continues to successfully place numerous disabled individuals in jobs around the county, Mitchell received the Professional Award, Gabel said.
Mitchell is the director of the Personnel Plus department at ATCO and assists county business needs by finding employment matches for entry-level positions. ATCO, 21 South Campbell Street, is a non-profit corporation that trains people with disabilities for careers.
Businesses are beginning to realize employees with disabilities represent a great work force in Athens, he said.
"This award will serve as a personal reminder of all of those individuals waiting for an opportunity for employment," Mitchell said.
Fulk received the Leadership Award for her dedication and support to helping people with disabilities, Gable said. She is the Adult Services Program manager for the Athens County Board of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities.
Mark Shrivers, the board's transition coordinator, said he nominated Fulk for the award because she helps people with disabilities find work.
"Her dedication, ideas and attitude help set her apart," Shrivers said. "She's a great advocate for people with disabilities."
Fulk said she has several goals such as developing a wider variety of community employment options and empowering individuals and their families to make decisions about what they want.
"Now I just want to focus on what I can do to help people find jobs," she said.
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