Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 18, 2003

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Announces the 2003 Winners of the Governor’s Council on Disability Inclusion Awards

Jefferson City, MO -- The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Governor’s Council on Disability is proud to announce the winners of the Twelfth Annual Inclusion Awards.

The annual awards recognize and honor Missouri's individuals, groups, organizations and businesses for their successful inclusion of people with disabilities in the areas of employment, education, parenting, advocacy and community.

Nominations were accepted in four categories:  Employer of the Year, Educator of the Year, Advocate of the Year and Excellence in Universal Design and Technology.

The winners are:
· Employer of the Year
 American Food and Vending, Kansas City, MO

· Educator of the Year
 Marilyn Ditto-Pernell, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

· Advocate of the Year
 Mary O’Brien, St. Louis, MO

· Excellence in Universal Design and Technology Award
 North Kansas City School District, Kansas City, MO

Awards will be presented to the winners in their community.  For more information, contact the Governor’s Council on Disability at 1-800-877-8249 or visit them on the web at www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/.