Employer of the Year Award

Beginning in 1998, the Disability Services Board has honored employers who demonstrate sensitivity and support for their employees by presenting the Employer of the Year Award. In 2004, the award was renamed after Martha Roberts Tarrant, a dedicated supporter of disability services who was chair of the Jefferson Area Disability Services Board at the time of her death earlier that year.

Awards are presented to employers who provide quality customer service to people with disabilities, develop effective communication skills for working with people with disabilities and discover local resources available to support working with various disabilities.

2007 Employer of the Year

On October 29, 2007 at the new Virginia Workforce Center - Charlottesville, the Disability Services Board named Crutchfield Corporation as its 2007 Martha Tarrant Employer of the Year. Robin Clark, DSB member, commented that "It seems like they focus on more of the abilities of the individual as opposed to the disability." It was noted on the form nominating Crutchfield for the award that “One of the Crutchfield Corporation’s core corporate values is to respect each of its workers and to provide a work environment that promotes dignity, teamwork and personal satisfaction. This has been particularly true of the experience that each of our clients has enjoyed…The Crutchfield staff and management both display a high level of respect, appreciation, inclusion, patience, support and helpfulness.” As part of the award, local business owner and former DSB member Doug Owens donated $250 in technological support to assist in meeting future training needs. Owens is the owner of Technology Tamers, a local company providing computer services focused on providing individuals within organizations with the correct tools and knowledge to be successful. They also provide software training to persons with disabilities.

CBS 19 interviewed several Crutchfield employees in a story which aired on October 13 and 14th, 2007. You can read a synopsis on their website by clicking here . NBC 29 also aired a story related to Disability Awareness month on a lead from the DSB. A summary of their story is available here .

Nominations are open until September 1 for the 2008 Martha Tarrant Award and the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) Disability Employment Champions. The form should be submitted to DRS and is available here.

Past Employer of the Year Award Winners