The Utah Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities has announced its annual Golden Key Award receipients. Presented recently at the Disability:IN Utah Summit, the awards recognize those who have helped promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
“We receive dozens of outstanding nominations from around the state. These awards recognize companies and individuals who are supporting Utahns with disabilities in the workplace,” said Sarah Brenna, director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. “It’s great to see these employers take the lead in overcoming biases and building an understanding of the employability of people with disabilities.”
The recipients of the 2002 Golden Key Awards are Star Nursery, Small Business of the Year Award; Dan Albro and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Medium Business of the Year Award; Lowe’s, Large Business of the Year Award; Kennedy Wahlen, Ace Advocate/Citizen Award; Chris Hineman, Ace Employee with a Disability Award; Internal Revenue Service, Freedom Award; Utah Department of Commerce, ASAP Award; Melany Johnson and Canyons School District, Educator Provider Award; and Susan Hunter, SUU DRC and SUU Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative, Educator Provider Award.
The Golden Key Awards recognize the people and businesses that believe in the potential of Utahns with disabilities, the committee said. “People with disabilities provide a wealth of knowledge, skills, talents and experiences. They add diversity, resourcefulness and creative energy to Utah’s workforce.”