(COLUMBUS, OH) - Today, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) announced Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati as the 2025 Governor's Inclusive Employer Award winners for their commitment to individuals with disabilities in the workplace. 

Moments after taking the oath of office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. To reinforce his commitment to Ohioans with disabilities, H.B. 110 included presenting an award during October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to employers who meet the criteria for having a workplace inclusive of individuals with disabilities. 

"Congratulations to the Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati," said Governor DeWine. "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." 

"Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati are shining examples of tapping the often-overlooked skills and talents of individuals with disabilities," said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. "These efforts enrich our workforce, ensuring that everyone in Ohio has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our economy."

Cleveland Guardians Baseball

Award presentation to Cleveland Guardians Baseball. From left to right: Paul Dolan, Principal Owner and CEO; Allison Kwan, Manager, Engagement & Belonging; Matt Grimes, Head of Engagement & Belonging; and Kevin Miller, OOD Director.

Cleveland Guardians Baseball has integrated disability inclusion into its workplace culture and community engagement. Through strategic planning and partnerships with disability organizations, the Guardians prioritize accessibility in hiring, employee support, and public representation. A representative participated as a panelist at the Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo on August 14, 2025, where they showcased the organization's initiatives to enhance accessibility and create an inclusive game-day experience for guests with disabilities.

The City of Cincinnati

From left to right: Kevin Miller, OOD Director; Sheryl Long, Cincinnati City Manager; Latisha Hazell, Cincinnati Human Resources Director; and Marlena Schmitz, OOD American Sign Language Interpreter.

The City of Cincinnati also demonstrated its commitment to disability inclusion, emphasizing accessibility throughout its operations and employment practices. With more than 6,600 employees, the City integrates disability-inclusive policies in hiring, training, and communications. All staff involved in hiring, human resources, and reasonable accommodations regularly participate in training in disability etiquette and awareness, inclusive language, and hiring best practices, ensuring a proactive and equitable approach for all. 

Both Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati have engaged in activities to support the hiring of OOD job seekers, participated in educational opportunities offered by OOD, and taken part in events that highlight disability inclusion and accessibility.

"We appreciate our partnerships with Cleveland Guardians Baseball and the City of Cincinnati, which help connect skilled workers with disabilities to job opportunities," said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. "These awards serve as an inspiration for other employers to follow suit and embrace disability inclusion in their hiring practices." 

"We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Governor DeWine and our partners at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities," said Matt Grimes, Head of Engagement & Belonging for Cleveland Guardians Baseball. "At the Guardians, we believe baseball is for everyone and know that means being intentional about removing barriers and creating opportunities for individuals and groups with different abilities." 

"I'm so incredibly grateful to Governor DeWine and leaders at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities for recognizing the intentional steps we've taken to open our doors to everyone," said Sheryl Long, Cincinnati City Manager. "I make it my priority to ensure that our thousands of public servants are representative of our community's depth and diversity. Investing in a supportive work environment is making sure that our employees can be their whole selves while on the job, which means the entire community benefits."