Disabled Awards

Geri Ruth presented the 1996 National Organization on Disabilities Awards, which are sponsored by AFSCME and the National Organization on Disabilities. Ruth, of Local 1549/DC 37, chairs AFSCME's Advisory Committee for Members With Disabilities.

1996 Winners:

New York DC 37's Health and Safety Unit developed an extensive training curriculum on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which included two classes for shop stewards, an all-day educational conference and an instructional guide.

District of Columbia Council 26, Local 3976 fought the U.S. Department of Agriculture's attempt to downgrade an employee with cerebral palsy. As a result, member Elias Orozco was provided with a computer that enables him to do his job.

Illinois Local 2000, Illinois Union of Social Service Employees hired a full-time ADA coordinator who works with the state to develop and to adapt the work environment whenever necessary. The local has ADA training for stewards and office representatives, and an ADA library.

1995 Winners Were Also Recognized:

Connecticut Council 4, Local 269 State Labor Department employees helped a visually impaired member gain job advancement by convincing the employer to provide Braille and voice computer equipment.

Florida Council 79 negotiated a job transfer for a member with a speech impediment from a position requiring her to make public announcements to an equivalent job without such duties.