The seven awardees from Saipan who were given honors during the Employers Recognition Ceremony in celebration of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month were the Aloha Council Boy Scouts of America, the Department of Public Safety, Freedom Air, Head Start, NMPASI, Saipan Ice & Water Co. Inc., and Santa Remedios Church.
State Rehabilitation Council Chairman Isidro K. Seman yesterday urged companies that haven’t been involved in hiring persons with disabilities to get into the program.
“Persons with disabilities are just like the rest of us. They can work like everybody but in different ways. Sometimes they even do much better than us,” Seman said.
He said persons with disabilities are more dedicated and committed to their jobs.
Businessman Tony Pellegrino, owner of Saipan Ice & Water Co. Inc., said his company has been hiring persons with disabilities for so many years. He was with one of his employees, Donald Gottwald at the recognition yesterday who has been working for his company for the past 11 years despite his severe vision problems. Gottwald said he values his job as it helps pay the bills and buy the daily needs for his family.
Elena Sutton, a visually impaired employee who is president of the NMPASI board, said she has been working for the past 16 years just like any ordinary individual.
Sutton works with assistive technology in processing loans for individuals with disabilities who need wheelchairs, computers and other equipment.
Cynthia Attao, an employee at the administration office of DPS, leaves her Kagman home at 6:30 a.m. to report to work every day. She has been working for DPS for the past six years.
She said despite her being confined to a wheelchair, she is treated just like the rest of the regular employees.
OVR Director Margarita Olopai-Taitano said separate recognition rites were held for employers who hired persons with disabilities on Tinian and Rota earlier.
For more information about OVR and its programs, visit its office on Navy Hill call 322-6537, fax 322-6536 or email nmidir@ovrgov.net.
