Press Release: Disability Community Fills East Wing of the Capitol at Colorado’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month Ceremony

For Immediate Release | October 27, 2025

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and its Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) hosted over 120 attendees at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the East Foyer of the Capitol Building. Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera joined the celebration to recognize people with disabilities, employers, partners and individuals who make exemplary efforts in the intentional recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of individuals with disabilities. The ceremony also honored DVR staff whose bold actions have significantly impacted the people and partners they serve.

"It was a privilege to honor so many dedicated public servants, employers, and community partners who are helping make our workplaces and communities more inclusive every day," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "I commend our partners across state agencies, including CDLE, for your tireless work to build a Colorado where everyone can contribute and belong. Together, we're creating a future where inclusion isn't just an idea - it's action."

During the celebration, DVR recognized employers who completed DVR's Employer Challenge, a year-round commitment to hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities, recognizing that this untapped talent pool is key to achieving an equal and open workplace. The following three employers were recognized:

• Colorado School of Mines
• Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
• Great Wolf Lodge

The Culture in Action Awards, a partnership between DVR and the State Rehabilitation Council, were also handed out to the following DVR employees during the celebration: Shannon Brannan, Sean McCarthy, Julia Vargas, Rebecca Clark, Krista Hedlund, Heather Brooks and Sandra Sharp.

Throughout the event, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) were spotlighted for their leadership in disability rights, advancing Colorado's commitment to being a Colorado for All. DVR participant Ana Guerra was also celebrated, along with her employer, Willow Creek Elementary, DVR Counselor Emily Jensen and support team with Ablelight for their collaboration in disability employment receiving this year's "Employment for All" award.

The event wrapped up with a screening of "A Colorado for All: A Legacy of Accessibility," a new documentary co-produced by LT. Governor Primavera and OEDIT spotlighting Colorado's leading role in the National Disability Rights Movement. Filmmaker Steve Weiss introduced the film, which explores the roots of Colorado's leadership in disability advocacy, from early grassroots organizing to landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act, while also highlighting the state's continued efforts to center accessibility, inclusion, and human rights.

From Left to Right, top row: Lorien Dancer, OEDIT Marketing and Communications Intern; Dustyn Deerman, Press and Communication Coordinator Lt. Gov's Office; Arielle Brachfeld, Interim Film Comissioner; Skylar McKelvey, OEDIT Program Manager; Honorable Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera; Steve Weiss, Colorado for All Producer; Kristin Corash, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Director; Vallen Sarnoff, DVR Communications Manager. Bottom row: Benjamin Meyerhoff, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office Administrator; Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, Disability Activist; Josh Winkler, Disability Policy Advisor to the Lt. Gov.

A large crowd fills the hallway of the East Foyer at the Capitol building for the 2025 NDEAM Celebration.

Lt. Governor Primavera presents with an ASL interpreter at the 2025 NDEAM Celebration.

The event wrapped up with a screening of "A Colorado for All: A Legacy of Accessibility."

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