CELINA, Ohio (10-12-23) —Mercer County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Mercer DD) announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

Mercer DD recognized three individuals this year, by spotlighting their employment and employers. Those being acknowledged include: Kevin Weitzel, Celina Tent; Austin Campbell, Reynolds & Reynolds; and Christine Houston, PAX Machine.

Shawn Thieman Superintendent of Mercer DD

“We are very excited to showcase our individuals that are employed during October. Through collaboration and inclusive thinking, we want to continue to spread the important message that all perspectives are valued, including those of individuals with disabilities. We hope these efforts will result in more success stories such as Kevin, Austin and Christine.”

One such success story is Kevin Weitzel. Weitzel has been employed at Celina Tent for more than a year and plans to continue his employment for years to come. Weitzel, not only brings joy to his coworkers at Celina Tent, but he has brought lots of good to the culture and morale at Celina Tent.

Jill Roy, Vice President of The Celina Company

“Kevin has brought out the best in people here. Kevin working at Celina Tent has brought out the best in himself by making him grow, and it’s also made our people excited to work together,” she continued.

Weitzel has allowed people to have fun at work, by bringing employees together for events, such as Halloween.

His manager, Randi Foreman–

“Kevin loves Halloween and last year got everyone across the company to participate in dressing up as the 101 Dalmatians. He even went out and bought everyone dog collars to wear.”

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Thieman said–

“Employing individuals with disabilities, not only allows individuals to contribute as an active employee, but also benefits our communities as a whole. During the labor crisis, employing individuals with disabilities can also help fill those open gaps in employment.”

Roy said on Weitzel’s employment at Celina Tent —

“Our employees are better people because Kevin works here. He has been a wonderful addition to our staff, and he brings up our morale.”

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Mercer DD serves approximately 500 eligible children and adults in Mercer County through a wide range of programming, supports and services. For additional information, visit mercerdd.org. To view the 2023 NDEAM stories, visit Mercer DD’s YouTube page or follow Mercer DD on Facebook.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about NDEAM by visiting www.dol.gov/ndeam.