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 "People with disabilities have the same drive to achieve the
American dream, to be successfully employed and fully participate in
life," Governor Pat Quinn said. “Today we honor those who have
helped people achieve their dreams. I'm fully committed to making
Illinois the nation's leading employer of people with disabilities.”
The ICED’s Agency of the Year award recognized the Illinois Tollway
as a leader among state agencies for its approach to implementing
the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights
Act. The Tollway fully engages in a flexible and interactive process
to explore reasonable, effective and sometimes creative
accommodations. The Tollway currently employs 165 people with
disabilities, about 11 percent of its workforce of nearly 1,500
employees.
“The Illinois Tollway values the diversity of our workforce and we
are continually striving to improve access to our employment
opportunities,” Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. “While we
have become more proactive when it comes to addressing the needs of
people with disabilities, we always look to deepen the Illinois
Tollway’s talent pool by hiring the best and brightest people
available.”
“It is an honor to be here today to spotlight the truly exceptional
performance of these organizations and individuals who have all
worked so hard to create opportunities for people with disabilities
to participate in the workforce,” IDHR Director Claps said. “The
Illinois Tollway was deservedly singled out for recognition for its
outstanding affirmative action record in employing people with
disabilities, including recruitment, hiring and accommodation
practices.”
“We salute the Tollway and all the other honorees for their
dedication to creating a workplace environment that gives every
worker an opportunity to fulfill their potential,” IDHS Secretary
Saddler said.
The Legislator of Year award was presented to State Representative
Esther Golar for her work to expand opportunities for people with
disabilities around the state.
ICED gave Certificates of Award to the following state agencies for
hiring employees through the successful Disability Opportunities
Program: the Departments of Public Health, Natural Resources,
Healthcare and Family Services, Revenue, Veterans Affairs, and Human
Services, as well as the Gaming Board and Illinois State Police.
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The ICED award for Employee of the Year went to David Dailey, a
Department of Transportation employee who has devoted his
professional career to expanding employment opportunities for people
with disabilities.
The ICED award for a non-profit went to two organizations this year:
the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation and the Chicago Zoological
Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo, incorporating many
programs and events for guests to the zoo with disabilities.
In the media category, ICED awarded the Willowbrook High School
Musical Junior with its cast of students with disabilities.
The ICED Advocate of the Year award was awarded posthumously to Dan
Dickerson, a former IDHS employee and committee member. Dan helped
countless individuals with disabilities around the state by working
to broaden access and opportunities for all.
ICED represents the interests of more than 4,000 employees with
disabilities in state government. The awards program promotes
independence, access, and opportunities for employees with
disabilities. The ceremony in Springfield also featured a
presentation of a caterer who received assistance from the Division
of Rehabilitation Services to open her own business. A panel
discussion about opportunities for business owners with disabilities
in Illinois was also held.
For additional information on ICED, please contact Susan Allen at
the Department of Human Rights, at (217) 785-5119 (V),
1-866-740-3953 (TTY), or Susan.Allen@Illinois.gov or visit
www.state.il.us/iced.
[Text received; interagency committee
on employees with disabilities]
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