On Oct. 24, HCDDS honored employees with disabilities who are thriving in their jobs and making a difference in their workplaces.
Our annual Employment Spotlight awards breakfast coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a national recognition celebrated each October to highlight the positive impact people with disabilities make in the American workforce.
We recognized five local employees for their dedication and success:
- Andy Schwertman (Everybody’s Records)
- Sean Jackson (Skyline Chili)
- Chris Rolfes (Remke Markets)
- Sarah Phillips (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center)
- Phyllis Berry (St. Vincent de Paul)
In total, the 17 nominees represent more than 200 years of combined work experience.
For Rolfes, work is about purpose. “I work because I want to help people and make a positive difference in life,” he said. Berry added, “I like my job, and I like getting paid.”
The Employment Spotlight awards also recognized IKRON for their Culinary Training Program. Their program helps people with disabilities build skills and confidence for careers in food service through teamwork, mentorship, and real-world experience in local kitchens and restaurants.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!
About National Disability Employment Awareness Month
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent” to showcase how every worker brings unique skills, perspectives, and strengths to their job.
It began in 1945 as a weeklong observance highlighting the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded NDEAM into a monthlong event to include all people with disabilities. Since 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has led this annual celebration.
