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Taylor Carty and Mayor Rowse at the Mayor's Awards 2024
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19th Annual Mayor's Awards: "Access to Good Jobs for All"

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Recognizing the Role of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Workplace

On October 23, the 19th Annual Mayor's Awards celebrated National Disability Employment Month, honoring employers dedicated to hiring and supporting people with disabilities. The event's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," emphasized the importance of an inclusive and diverse workforce, recognizing employers who lead in inclusive hiring practices.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October to raise awareness about the contributions of workers with disabilities. It highlights the importance of creating equitable job opportunities and building inclusive communities where everyone can contribute their talents. Established in 1945 by Congress, NDEAM reinforces the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life. Learn more about the history and federal language of NDEAM and the ADA on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

Keynote Speaker Taylor Carty is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities through policy work, particularly in healthcare, education, and disaster preparedness. As the National Academy of Social Insurance's 2024 Eileen Sweeney Graduate Intern in Disability Policy, Taylor recently collaborated with the Urban Institute’s Disability Equity Policy Initiative on projects addressing the intersection of disability with housing, upward mobility, and disaster preparedness in rural areas.

2024 Awardees:

Tri-County GLAD Regional Director Ginny Nyholm and Mayor Rowse
Tri-County GLAD Regional Director Ginny Nyholm and Mayor Rowse

Non-Profit Award: Tri-County GLAD
This award is given to an organization that exemplifies inclusion and accessibility. Tri-County GLAD, a subsidiary of Greater Los Angeles on Deafness, Inc., serves deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf-disabled individuals across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Their services include advocacy, communication access, peer counseling, employment development, independent living skills, and community education. Their Communication Education program offers workshops to inform and train the public. Tri-County GLAD is committed to ensuring equal access to all life’s opportunities. The award was accepted by Regional Director Ginny Nyholm.

Preschool Administrator Erika Ronchietto and Mayor Rowse shaking hands.
Preschool Administrator Erika Ronchietto and Mayor Rowse.

Outstanding Effort Award: Learningden
The Outstanding Effort Award recognizes The Learningden as a place where children imagine, create, explore, and learn using natural materials such as clay, art supplies, and household items. The center promotes learning through interaction with peers, parents, staff, and friends in a family-centered environment. Dedicated to nurturing the whole child, The Learningden creates a space where children thrive and develop a strong sense of community, family, and togetherness. "We are safe. We are friendly. We are respectful." The award was accepted by Preschool Administrator Erika Ronchietto.

Grocery Outlet Representative accepting an Award from Mayor Rowse.

Employment/Accommodation Award: Grocery Outlet (2840 De La Vina Street)
This award is given to employers who embody the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their employment practices. Grocery Outlet is honored for creating job opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This year, Grocery Outlet hired three employees with disabilities and uses adult work experiences to provide pathways to permanent employment.

Santa Barbara Food Action Network representatives with Mayor Rowse.
Mayor Rowse, Gus Anderson, Shakira Miracle, and Rachel Johnson.

Design/Accessibility Award: Santa Barbara Food Action Network
This award honors individuals or organizations that have developed innovative solutions for accessibility or provided accommodations ensuring equal access while maintaining aesthetic success. The Santa Barbara Food Action Collaborative (SBFAC) is recognized for using customized employment to accommodate an individual with cerebral palsy. SBFAC works to connect, advocate, and build capacity within a network of food system stakeholders, fostering a robust, equitable local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed. The award was accepted by SBFAC Executive Director Shakira Miracle.

Honorable Mentions:

Blind fitness representatives and Mayor Rowse smiling and holding a recognition certificate.
Brianna Pettit, Dan Broz, Mayor Rowse, Bob Burnham, Tania Isaac-Dutton

Non-Profit: Blind Fitness 
Blind Fitness is honored for providing recreational accommodations to individuals who are blind or have low vision, promoting inclusive opportunities for physical activity and well-being.

Mayor Rowse and representatives from Trimnasium holding a recognition certificate and smiling
Julianna Vannik, Mayor Rowse, and Jennifer Vannik.

Employment/Accommodation: Trimnasium
Trimnasium is recognized for its commitment to employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a paid internship program with the Tri-Counties Regional Center and adult work experience with PathPoint, Trimnasium offers meaningful employment opportunities and fosters inclusion in the workplace. 

Emmarose Floral owner and Mayor Rowse holding a recognition certificate and smiling.
Emma Lauter and Mayor Rowse.

Design/Accessibility: Emmarose Floral
Emmarose Floral is celebrated for creating an accessible workspace for a small person and cultivating an inclusive work environment.


Organizing Committee:

  • Alpha Employment Services
  • California Department of Rehabilitation
  • City of Santa Barbara
  • Tri-Counties Regional Center
  • Independent Living Resource Center
  • American Sign Language Program at Santa Barbara City College
  • Momentum Work, Inc.
  • PathPoint
  • Santa Barbara Unified School District
  • Pamela Gunther
  • Julie Homes

Special thanks to:

  • Vons-Albertsons-Pavillions
  • Trader Joe's
  • Mo's to Go
  • Santa Barbara EAC

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We offer accessible recreational programs, and dedicated services to ensure all residents can fully participate in city life. By collaborating with local organizations, we strive to create a community that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for employment and participation in year-round programs.

The City continually improves its facilities, programs, policies, and practices to ensure accessibility. Key initiatives include the Airport’s Sunflower Program, Website Accessibility, and the Access Advisory Committee

For more information on the City’s accessible website features and resources, visit our Accessibility Resources.