From The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Montgomery Alabama
– Auburn resident and Ole Times Country Buffet employee
Andrew Heinzen was presented with the Alabama Governor’s Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities Small Business Employee of the Year
Award. The statewide awards ceremony sponsored by the Alabama Department of
Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) was held Thursday at Taylor Road Baptist Church in
Montgomery.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who presented the awards, said she is proud to spotlight
the trailblazing individuals and businesses, especially as National Disabilities
Employment Awareness Month is observed throughout October.
“Their grass roots efforts are vital in raising awareness of the tremendous
potential of those with disabilities in our workforce,” she said. “Last week, I signed
a proclamation declaring October as National Disabilities Employment Awareness
Month in Alabama. Already, nearly 39 percent of Alabamians with disabilities are
realizing their dreams of holding a job to provide for themselves and their families.”
Andrew, who has spina bifida, is a dependable, dedicated, and determined
employee who brings great value to the restaurant and coworkers. His smile and
selfless attitude inspire his coworkers to work harder.
ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw added that it is an honor to
recognize the talented individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve competitive,
integrated employment and the employers who chose to provide opportunities for nontraditional workers.
She said ADRS will continue to do its part to place people
with disabilities in jobs that fit their skill sets.
“I recommit to you that the department will do everything we can to ensure that
people with disabilities have every opportunity to pursue the American dream,” she
said.
The Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
awards recognize the contributions and successes of people with disabilities and
those businesses that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to
achieve through competitive, integrated employment.
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is the state agency serving Alabama’s
children and adults with disabilities.
