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News Release

Last modified: Monday, March 3, 2008

IU recognized for employment of people with disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Stone Belt will recognize 10 local businesses and organizations, five of them Indiana University affiliated, at its annual Business Recognition Ceremony on March 4 (Tuesday). The event will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Convention Center Olcott Young Room.

The awards are presented during National Disabilities Awareness Month to recognize outstanding contributions in promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Mayor Mark Kruzan will attend the event to read a proclamation declaring March 4 as Disability Awareness Day for the City of Bloomington. Stone Belt CEO Leslie Green will lead the event and Stone Belt staff, clients and award recipients will discuss their employment experiences.

The following employers will be recognized:

• Cook Pharmica
• Goody's Family Clothing
• Indiana Institute for Disability and Community Early Childhood Center
• Indiana Memorial Union Hotel Housekeeping and Laundry
• IU Center for Survey Research
• IU Herman B. Wells Library Customer and Access Services
• IU Police Department
• O'Malia's Marketplace
• Pizza Hut East
• Taco Bell West

"Having employers who are willing and eager to partner with Stone Belt's Employment Services is extremely important in helping people with disabilities to achieve independence and inclusion in the community and be contributing members to the work force and economy," states Stone Belt CEO Leslie Green. "Many businesses in our community understand the value of hiring people with disabilities and have welcomed our clients with open arms."

Stone Belt is a community-based organization with over 45 years of experience in serving persons with developmental disabilities. With locations in Monroe, Lawrence, Owen and Bartholomew Counties, Stone Belt's mission is to prepare, empower and support persons with developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the life of the community.

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