In an announcement highlighting strides in inclusive employment, Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, named the recipients of the 2025 Governor's Inclusive Employer Award: the Cleveland Guardians Baseball organization and the City of Cincinnati. This recognition comes during October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), aligning with efforts to underscore the value of diversity in the workforce.
Harking back to the inception of his governorship, DeWine's very first executive order set the tone for his administration's approach to inclusion. Issued right after swearing into office, Executive Order 2019-03D was established with a vision for Ohio, tagging it as a Disability Inclusion State and a model employer for individuals with disabilities. Despite Ohio's often-chilly weather, the warmth towards forward-thinking inclusivity efforts seems unyielding. Information retrieved from the state's official website commended the Guardians and Cincinnati, citing, "Congratulations to the Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati," as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his praise.
These awards align with legislative support, with H.B. 110 ushering in a mandate that honors employers who exemplify inclusion during NDEAM. The Guardians and Cincinnati have not only met but surpassed the criteria, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to an inclusive work environment that embraces the talents of workers with disabilities. As noted in the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's official release, "By valuing the contributions of skilled workers with disabilities and fostering disability-inclusive workplaces, we can demonstrate what it means to ensure that no Ohioan is left behind."
More than a nod to social responsibility, these awards underscore the importance of equal opportunity employment and the recognition that workers with disabilities bring advantageous skills to the table that can significantly enhance a workplace. Both the Cleveland Guardians and the City of Cincinnati echoed this sentiment, having implemented policies and practices designed to integrate inclusivity into their organizational fabric. With their approaches now validated by the state government, they stand as beacons, guiding other employers in Ohio towards similar inclusivity endeavors.
