Brown’s Independent recognized for supporting citizens with disabilities

UPDATE: They won!

Brown’s Independent has been nominated for this year’s Celebration of People awards, recognizing the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations promoting accessibility, inclusion and full community participation by citizens with disabilities.

“Owners, Todd and Sandra Brown, have a long history of providing individuals with disabilities opportunities to work in their store, learn various skills and be contributing members of their community. They have brought awareness to the business and local community of the benefits of training and hiring people with disabilities, the positive impacts this has on the person and their families, the store staff and customers. The Browns have been true advocates and role models as business owners making their store an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. In addition, they were the first grocery store to develop and run baking classes for individuals with disabilities and they offer numerous co-op placements to students with physical and developmental disabilities from the local high school. A number of these students have gone on to be permanent employees at the store. The Browns have also supported Special Olympic athletes, events to raise funds for numerous causes, such as the Annual Motorcycle Ride for Autism and were willing participants on the employers’ panel at Citizen Advocacy’s 2015 Caregiver Retreat.”

This years winners will be announced at a dinner on December 1. More info: https://celebrationofpeople.com/