RI Department of Human Services
Office of Rehabilitation Services
"Helping Individuals with Disabilities to Choose, Find
and Keep Employment"

10th Annual Employer Honor Roll
Employer Honor Roll Awards Ceremony
Hosted by the RI Department of Human Services
Office of Rehabilitation Services
October 27, 2006

The DHS/Office of Rehabilitation Services is a customer-centered, values-based organization which works in partnership with the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), staff, and employers in order to assist Rhode Islanders with disabilities to achieve high quality employment outcomes.

Moreover, we are developing approaches to serving business customers through a national Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)-Business Network that specializes in employer development, business consulting and
corporate relations. This will lead to our VR customers having access to national employment opportunities and career development
resources.

Employment is an important way in which we all fully participate in our communities. All of us need various types of supports and assistance to find and maintain meaningful employment. Individuals with disabilities often require specific supports to join the workforce.

Today, we celebrate the VR – business partnership with employers that lead to high quality employment and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

We are pleased that you have joined us today for the Tenth Annual Employer Honor Roll to celebrate employers who have made a significant investment in the future of Rhode Island’s workforce. Thank you.

Raymond A. Carroll, Administrator
The RI DHS - Office of Rehabilitation Services
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Distinguished Guest Speakers
Master of Ceremonies:  Karen Adams, News Anchor Eyewitness News WPRI-TV
Welcoming Remarks: J. David Sienko, Chair - State Rehabilitation Council
Raymond Carroll, Office of Rehabilitation Services
Keynote Speakers: Kathy West-Evans, CSAVR, Director of Business Relations
Donovan Williams, ORS Customer    
Award Presenter: Ronald Racine, Deputy Administrator, Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Stephen Brunero, Deputy Administrator, Vocational Rehabilitation
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Accommodation
Recipient: Graphic Innovations

Adjusting to a job's routines requires flexibility and a welcoming workplace. The Outstanding Achievement Award for Accommodation recognizes an employer whose exceptional job accommodation demonstrates creative and flexible ways to help the employee successfully carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Donovan William - Keynote Speaker, Missy Koch - ORS Counselor, Ray Carroll - ORS Administrator, Jim Larkin - Employer, Louis Esposito - Employment Specialist

Successful job performance demands that employees are active, integrated members of the workplace. The Outstanding Achievement Award for Integration recognizes an employer's efforts to involve the employee in all aspects of the daily work environment, including training, communication and social opportunities.

Elizabeth Brooks - ORS Counselor, Ray Carrol - ORS Administrator, Lena Sousa - Employment Specialist, Robert Gagnon - Employee

Advancement
Recipients: Neighborhood Health Plan of RI

All successfully employed individuals have career aspirations. The Outstanding Achievement award for Advancement recognizes an employer who offers the same opportunities for advancement to employees with disabilities as they do to thosewho are not disabled.

Monica Dzialo - ORS Employment Supervisor, Rui Cabral - Employee, Kathey Riquinha - Employer, Ray Carroll

Ray Carroll, Joel Rawson - Employer, Stephanie McKenna - Employee, Jan Verecchia - ORS Supervisor

2006  Rhode Island Employer Honor Roll
Child Care Connection
Citizens Bank
Cox Communications
CVS
Exeter Job Corps Academy
Garber Travel
Graphic Innovations
Laidlaw Transit Inc.
Lifespan Corporate Services
McCoy Stadium - Pawtucket Red Sox
Ocean State Harley Davidson
Neighborhood Health Plan of RI
Pizza Hut
Providence Journal Company
RIBI Security
St. Elizabeth Manor
Walt's Roast Beef
Compass Group - Metlife Cafeteria
Exeter Automotive Inc.
Hamilton Printing Co.
Home Depot
Smith Hill Early Learning Center