Vermont Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

11/10/2025

We can't stop smiling after recognizing 28 Vermont employers with the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award last month!

11/07/2025

Last week, we proudly hosted our previous Spirit of the ADA Award ceremony at Copley Hospital in Morrisville to celebrate our Morrisville area winners.

👏 Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Copley Hospital, Price Chopper Morrisville, Maplefields Morrisville, Ocean State Job Lots, Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury/Stowe, and the Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort.

These businesses exemplify what it means to open doors for all Vermonters, breaking down barriers and championing the talents of individuals with disabilities. Their commitment to accessibility, understanding, and opportunity truly embodies the spirit of the ADA.

A huge thank-you to Copley Hospital for hosting this inspiring event and to all our partners who continue to make Vermont a more inclusive place to work and live. 💚

11/01/2025

This Tuesday, our Committee was in Chittenden County proudly honoring three outstanding employers at the Spirit of the ADA Awards ceremony in Burlington:

🍫 Birnn Chocolates of Vermont
🏠 Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity – Swanton
🌼 Stellar Healthcare | American Meadows
☕ August First
🌿 American Meadows

Each of these businesses has demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusive hiring, accessibility, and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed. Their leadership shows that inclusion isn’t just a value, it’s a daily practice that strengthens our communities.

Thanks to HireAbility Vermont for hosting the event and Champlain Community Services for outstanding nominations.

10/31/2025

Great coverage from our Bellows Falls Award Ceremony and the Special Needs Support Center on their Spirit of the ADA Award.

The Special Needs Support Center in White River Junction, Vermont, receives the 2025 Spirit of ADA Award for supporting people with disabilities.

10/30/2025

Last week, our Committee headed South to honor three employers in the Bellows Falls/Brattleboro area with 2025 Spirit of the ADA Awards. We were thrilled to honor:

🏆 Sonnax – Bellows Falls
🏆 Garden Path Elder Living / Bradley House – Brattleboro
🏆 Special Needs Support Center (SNSC)– White River Junction

These organizations exemplify what it means to create inclusive workplaces where every individual can thrive. As Dr. Kendra LaRoche, Executive Director of SNSC, shared:

“The Spirit of ADA Award is not only an honor for SNSC—it is a call to action for our community. We must continue building workplaces and neighborhoods where people of all abilities are welcomed, valued, and celebrated.”

Huge thanks to Sonnax for hosting the event and to the HireAbility Vermont team for supporting the award.

10/29/2025

Last week, we were proud to honor five outstanding local employers at this year’s Spirit of the ADA Awards in Barre during a fantastic ceremony at Vermont Granite Museum. The awardees were:

🏆 Blackwell Bookkeeping
🏆 JaniTech
🏆 Casella Waste Management
🏆 CP Dudley
🏆 The Barre Partnership

These employers exemplify the spirit of the ADA through their commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity for all Vermonters.

Special thanks to the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living, Vermont Department of Labor, and HireAbility Vermont for joining us at the event and celebrating these amazing employers.

10/24/2025

Thanks to the Middlebury Community Television team for covering our Spirit of the ADA Ceremony honoring EastView At Middlebury last week. EastView stands out for its supportive workplace, adaptive practices, and dedication to helping every employee thrive and our team was thrilled to honor the team.

Thanks to the HireAbility Vermont and The Vermont Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation for supporting these awards.

The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities awards Eastview in Middlebury with the Spirit of the ADA Awards for their work in employin...

10/20/2025

The GCEPD is proud to recognize EastView at Middlebury with a 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award for its exceptional work in creating an accessible and supportive workplace.

This quote from the nomination said it all: "EastView at Middlebury creates opportunity and belonging through inclusive hiring, compassionate mentorship, and a workplace where every individual can thrive.

Congrats to the EastView at Middlebury Team!

10/19/2025

The GCEPD recognizes Trio Community Meals in Rutland for a 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award for their work to create accessible and supportive workplaces.

The nomination shared, "Doug Jones, or Trio Community Meals, leads by example, proving that collaboration and opportunity can transform lives and strengthen communities."

Congratulations to Doug and the team at Trio Community Meals.

10/18/2025

The GCEPD was also pleased to honor Price Chopper -West Rutland with a 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award this week at our Rutland Award Ceremony. Under the leadership of Store Manager David Bishop, the Price Chopper team provides accessible employment opportunities, including informational interviews, flexible scheduling, transportation accommodations, and other means to ensure each individual has the support they need to thrive. The nominations shared, "David and his team consistently demonstrate empathy, creativity, and collaboration."

Congrats to the Price Chopper West Rutland team

10/17/2025

Each year, the Vermont Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) recognizes Vermont employers who go above and beyond to create inclusive, accessible, and supportive workplaces with our Spirit of the ADA award. This year, we are honoring 28 Vermont employers!

We kicked off our award ceremonies this week in Rutland, where we honored Walmart for its unwavering commitment to accessibility in the workplace. A powerful quote from the award nomination reads, “The Walmart team shows that inclusion, flexibility, and empathy are the foundations of a strong and supportive workplace."

Congrats to the Walmart Rutland team! 🏆 👏

10/13/2025

We’re kicking off the 2025 Spirit of the ADA Awards!

These awards celebrate Vermont employers who go above and beyond to create inclusive, accessible, and supportive workplaces for people with disabilities. 🌟

We are celebrating 28 Vermont employers this year and will be hosting regional events around the state over the next three weeks.

We are thankful to kick off these awards with this great video made by Junction Arts Media, celebrating the work of the Special Needs Support Center in White River Junction.

Dr. Kendra LaRoche and the Special Needs Support Center have been honored by the Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities, which re...