For Immediate Release - May 04, 2011

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Awards Local Employers for Creating Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

BOSTON - Nine local companies will be honored this week with Distinguished Employer Awards by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and two of its advisory boards, the Greater Worcester Employment Resource Collaborative (GWERC) and the Greater Boston Employer Advisory Board (GBEAB). The state recognizes employers who have exhibited exceptional commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities, and the MRC held an awards ceremony today at the Boston Marriot Copley to recognize these employers. Another awards ceremony was held yesterday at Worcester Technical High School to recognize employers for their commitment in this arena.

"These events recognize and celebrate the commitment of Massachusetts employers to inclusionary hiring," said Commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Charles Carr. "Collaborative efforts between employers and the Commonwealth create opportunities that empower persons with disabilities and promote independence."

The MRC and the GBEAB recognized the following honorees with the 2011 Distinguished Employer Award:

Ace Employment Services, Inc.

  • Marc Cirino, Vice President, Sales

Allied Barton Security Services

  • Joe Scagline, Regional Director, Human Resources

Tri-M Maintenance

  • James Murphy, Manager of Business Development

Landmark Assisted Living

  • Frances Frith, Assistant Executive Director

  • Christopher Ryan, Food Service Director

Associated Industries of Massachusetts

  • Gary MacDonald, Senior Vice President

The Greater Worcester Employment Resource Collaborative honored award recipients on May 3 at Worcester Technical High School. The 2011 Distinguished Employer Award recipients are:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Asian Longhorned Beatle Cooperative Eradication Program

  • Patricia Sharp, Regulatory Supervisor

Walmart

  • Kathy Hartman, Assistant Store Manager

UMassMemorial HealthCare

  • Ellen Sheil, Director of Staffing and Talent Acquisition

Alexander, Aronson & Finning, CPS

  • Helene Wilhelm-Burke, Administrative Lead

Employers interested in learning more about hiring people with disabilities are encouraged to contact MRC Employment Services Specialists Dan Craven at (617) 776-2662 or Margaret Prunier at (617) 821-1131.

About the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission assists individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. The MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services, and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income federal benefits programs for Massachusetts citizens with disabilities. The MRC serves people with all types of disabilities except those who are blind, who are served through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

# # #