Bill Demaio fought to win his position as the Director of Parks and
Recreational services in New Britain, CT. In addition to managing
a large staff, budget and resources, Bill has also created a wildly
successful summer concert series.

Adrian Garcia likes to work with his hands, and his position as a
plumber with a small company allows him to do that every day.
Adrian's boss is happy to be able to offer a job to a Veteran, but it
is really Adrian's work ethic and ability that landed him the job.

Michael Mihok is in the top 2% at his company Pepsico in Purchase NY.
As a member of the financial accounting team, he serves a vital role to
Pepsi's shareholders, making sure all accounting practices at the
company are sound. Michael also worked with the company to form a
diversity committee which now has members across the country. Michael
spends his free time with his wife and children.

Fred Graves is working on a career in radio but he is not there yet.
His plan is to finish college while working to pay his way. Even though
Fred has a disability he is expected to work as hard as his siblings
and support himself.

Fred Frank is a born salesman who was on top of the world as an
executive headhunter. After a bacterial infection and a coma resulted
in a disability, people told Fred he would never work again. Instead of
listening to negativity,

Steven Andrewchowsky spent 22 years in a hospital because he had an
undiagnosed mental illness. Now thanks to a proper diagnosis and
medication he is living life on his own terms with a full time job and
his own apartment. In his time off, Steven loves collecting coins and
stamps but his favorite hobby is working on his 1984 VW rabbit.

Denise Sweeney is a supervisor at Conn and Conn Mortgage in West
Hartford, CT. She knows first hand the benefits of hiring people with
disabilities.

Stuart Cohen is owner of Conn and Conn Mortgage in West Hartford, CT.
This is a small company demonstrating the benefits of focusing on
ability rather than disability. Employee Stephen Mendelsohn, whose
autism makes him extremely focused, is the perfect person for the
highly detailed work he performs. His organizing skills and ability to
remember zip codes has saved a ton of money in postage. Stuart Cohen
also benefits from his friendship with Stephen.

Marge has worked at Vision Dynamics for four years and it is more than
just a job for her it is a passion. As a salesperson she shows people
with low vision products that allow them to continue to enjoy the work
and activities they love. Marge has low vision herself, and can
remember the depression and isolation she felt when she was not
working. She uses this experience to help others. It is not just about
the sale for her, sometimes it is about offering hope.