This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the lasting contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” also connects to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, honoring workers with disabilities past, present, and future.
Springbrook is proud to join this nationwide celebration by sharing the stories of the staff and the people we support. Throughout October, we will highlight their experiences, achievements, and the important role they play in strengthening our communities.
Follow along as we share these stories below!
Katie Krause: Teaching Empathy, One Class at a Time
Meet Katie Krause! For more than 15 years, Katie has led Springbrook’s
Sensitivity Training class, helping new employees understand the importance of empathy, inclusion, and respect. Through hands-on activities and open
conversation, Katie, who has cerebral palsy and uses a power chair, shows that disabilities do not define a person’s abilities. Her lessons continue to inspire
hundreds of employees and remind us all that true inclusion begins with
understanding.
Read Katie’s full story
Finding His Rhythm: Dallas Carman’s Path to Independence
From sweeping stairwells to greeting residents with a smile, Dallas Carman takes pride in his work and the independence he’s building with support from Springbrook’s Employment Services team.
His dedication and quick pace make him a valued member of the janitorial team, where he works alongside Springbrook staff and The Ford on Main’s maintenance crew.
Read more about Dallas’s journey toward confidence, community, and his goal of living independently.
Sarah Hartmann, CEO of Vêsucré, Honored as 2025 Manufacturer of the Year by NYSBDC
Vêsucré was recognized as the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year by the NY Small Business Development Center!
While the award honored Sarah’s leadership, she made it clear: this recognition belongs to the dedicated team members who craft every dessert with skill and care.
From Gwen, Donnie, April, Joseph, and Alex in the kitchen to Senior Operations Director Chef Charlie Shaw, these Operations Associates prove what’s possible when businesses embrace inclusion. Their hard work has brought Vêsucré’s plant-based, zero-waste desserts to 450+ stores across 11 states!
The award ceremony ended with the entire team, cheered by community leaders and dignitaries, and celebrated by media coverage from WBNG Binghamton and Otsego Media.
Springbrook recognizes Vêsucré as one of the many businesses that provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This recognition is more than an award, it’s a celebration of meaningful work, community partnership, and the incredible contributions of the team members.
Richard “Rich Eggers with Human Technologies
Meet Richard “Rich” Eggers—a hardworking, determined, and inspiring member of the Springbrook community.
Growing up as an autistic person, Rich was often told independence might not be possible. But he never stopped believing in himself. Today, Rich is thriving: working a steady job with Human Technologies through Springbrook’s Supported Employment Program (SEMP), living independently, and proving every day that people with disabilities are capable of amazing things.
Rich’s journey hasn’t always been easy, but with persistence and support, he has built a life full of pride, purpose, and possibility.
Quotes from Springbrook Employment Specialists
What I enjoy most about my job as an Employment Specialist is seeing the progress and the excitement of the people we support when they obtain a job. During assessments, as they improve their performance, they recognize they are fulfilling responsibilities, and that makes them feel proud! I also enjoy being a mentor and role model, drawing from my own diverse work history to teach important skills and demonstrate what it means to be professional.
I love being an Employment Specialist for many reasons. I get to meet the people we support and advocate for those who may feel uncomfortable advocating for themselves. I value the bond and trust we build together—it does not happen overnight, but through dedication and long-term commitment. This work comes naturally to me, and I cannot see myself doing anything else.
I love working directly with the people we support through the entire pre-employment and employment process, from building skills in prevocational services to supported employment, where I can help ensure they maintain meaningful work. This allows me to continuously support people throughout their vocational journey and help them reach their goals. It also gives me the opportunity to build strong business connections, where the people we support can learn new skills or gain employment. Most importantly, I am proud to challenge negative stigmas surrounding the word ‘disability’—both in the community and in the lives of the people we support.
The most rewarding part of my position is seeing the people we support discover their path—starting without knowing their direction and eventually becoming paid employees in the community. I also enjoy building new business connections that help make this possible.
Thank You Business Partners!
Building Community. One Job at a Time.
At Springbrook, we are incredibly grateful for the businesses and organizations that partner with us to empower people through employment services. These partnerships help make meaningful, inclusive work opportunities possible for all. Your support fosters independence and growth for so many in our community.
A heartfelt thank you to the many businesses for being part of this vital mission. Your commitment to inclusive hiring practices helps create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we are building a more inclusive community, one job at a time.
| Applebees | NYS Veterans Home, Oxford |
| Bainbridge Guildford Bus Garage | Ocean State Job Lot |
| Barber Landscaping | Ollie’s |
| Bassett Medical Center | Otesaga Resort |
| Binghamton School district | Outback Steakhouse |
| BJs Wholesale Club | Pathfinder Village |
| Brookdale Castle Gardens | Preferred Mutual |
| Pusterla | Price Chopper |
| CADI at SUNY Delhi | Resource Center for Independent Living |
| Clark Sport Center | Riverow Bookshop |
| Colgate University | Springbrook |
| Cortland Child Development Center | SUNY Cortland- ASC |
| Cullman Center | Syracuse University |
| Delhi Central School | The Canopy |
| Family Dollar | The Country Diner |
| Elizabeth Brewster House | The Depot |
| Farmers Museum | TOPS Market |
| Hartwick College | United Forestry Products |
| Helping Celebrate Abilities | United Methodist Nursing Home |
| Human Technology Corporation | United Presbyterian Church |
| Lakeview Lawn and Landscape | Vesucre |
| Judy’s Corner Kitchen | Walgreens |
| McDonalds | Walmart |
| New York Goat Yoga | Willow point Nursing Home |
| Ninas | Wise Guy Sammies |
| Norwich Methodist Church | YMCA |