2004 Winners of the Employment Awards

The Governor's Trophy: Individual

Scott Haynes, Fort Worth

Scott Haynes has a proven track record of assisting and empowering persons with disabilities seeking gainful employment. For more than twenty years Scott has led at the local, state, and national levels with his involvement with the Fort Worth Mayor's Committee, the Governor's Committee, and the former President's Committee (now the Office of Disability Employment Policy). He demonstrates diversity, scope, and the spirit of the ADA by assisting people with disabilities in the areas of housing, education, job training and employment. Scott reaches out to others with disabilities to assist in gaining independence through education, housing and employment.

Scott Haynes: 817-531-5670, ext. 2851, 817-475-7335 (cellular), Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, scott.haynes@twc.state.tx.us
Contact: Adriana Giraldo, Fort Worth Mayor's Committee, 972-595-3600, agiraldo@freshadvantage.com
Nominator: Barbara Selman, United Cerebral Palsy of Tarrant County, 817-332-7171, ext. 602, bselman@ucptc.org

Employer: Small Business

Scooter's Café, Austin

Scooter's Café is proactive in employing people with disabilities; approximately 20 percent of positions are held by persons with disabilities. Scooter's Café is innovative in modifying the facility and accommodating the needs of employees to ensure a successful work environment. Scooter's Café is dedicated to the professional growth and advancement of employees and embraces the recommendations from employees to continually develop and improve the business.

Contact: Scott Smith, Scooter's Café, 512-424-5499
Nominator: Chip Howe, Austin's Mayor Committee, 512-443-1360, chiphowe@austin.rr.com

Employer: Medium Business

Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center, Austin

The Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center provides vocational training and job placement services for survivors of traumatic brain injury and neurological disorders. The Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center is dedicated to ensuring employment success through the services provided in diversified professional fields and businesses. The Center prepares the individual to fill all types of positions from managerial to entry level. The Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center is commended for this commitment and for securing competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Contact: Victoria Sandoval, Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center, 512-443-1360
Nominator: Chip Howe, Austin Mayor's Committee, 512-443-1360, chiphowe@austin.rr.com

Employer: Government

Department of Treasury, Fort Worth

The Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth serves as a leader in providing significant employment opportunities to people with disabilities. The Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing actively recruits, employs and affords opportunities for advancement. To ensure the employee is able to successfully perform the duties of the position the needed modifications and accommodations are provided. The Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing created an entire project using the talents of people with disabilities.

Contact: Adriana Giraldo, Fort Worth Mayor's Committee, 972-595-3600, agiraldo@freshadvantage.com
Nominator: Karen D. Riley, Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Fort Worth, 817-847-3932, karen.riley@bep.treas.gov

Martha Arbuckle Award: Most Innovative Local Committee Project

Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities

The Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities created and implemented a training module on sensitivity and awareness for the Austin Police Department. This innovative training will significantly impact the attitude and communication between the police department and the disability community. The Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities is commended for acting and developing a service for a need identified in the community.

Contact: Ron Lucey, Chair, Austin Mayor’s Committee, 512-377-0577, ron.lucey@dars.state.tx.us
Nominator: Chip Howe, Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, 512-443-1360, chiphowe@austin.rr.com