Harford County Disabilities Seeks Nominees for 2023 Employment Awards

The Harford County Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for awards in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

The awards highlight the accomplishments of employees with disabilities and recognize employers who give them the opportunity to join and excel in the workforce. The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 1, 2023.

Hosted by Kristy Breslin of WJZ News, the Employment Recognition Awards will be celebrated this year on Wednesday, October 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Richlin Catering and Event Center in Edgewood.

Anyone can nominate a person, business or other organization that has made an impact in someone’s life or in the community as a whole. Nomination forms and details for each award category are available online at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3367/Disability-Employment-Awards or by contacting Rachel Trovato, Harford County disabilities coordinator, at 410-638-3373 or rntrovato@harfordcountymd.gov.

Awards in several categories will be given to the person or organization that consistently supports the advancement of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards: Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, Harford County Student Worker of the Year, Accessibility Award, Ruth Helen Thompson Memorial Community Service Award, Media Award, Volunteer of the Year, and Veteran of the Year.

The theme for this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Advancing Access and Equity.” The national theme recognizes the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive.

“We are proud to recognize the skills and talents that citizens with disabilities bring to the workplace,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “We want to thank local employers who continue to help create and foster an inclusive community by hiring employees of all abilities.”

The Harford County Commission on Disabilities was established in 1995 to serve as the voice of the disability community in Harford County. Members are appointed by the county executive, with the approval of the Harford County Council. For over 20 years, the Commission on Disabilities’ Employment Committee has been celebrating the accomplishments of local employees with disabilities with these annual awards.