Campaign for Disability Employment announces 'What can YOU do?' video contest winners

Public asked to vote for runner-up videos

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative of leading disability and business organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, has selected the winning videos in the 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest. This nationwide contest challenged filmmakers to produce disability employment awareness videos that reflect the diversity of skills people with disabilities offer, challenge common misconceptions about disability employment and reinforce the CDE's core message that, at work, it's what people CAN do that matters.

The 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest winners were selected in three categories: employer, youth and general public. Judging was based on originality, content, reflection of campaign themes and categories, production value, impact and accessibility. Winning videos now will be used in support of the campaign's national effort to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

In the employer category, Adam Dylewski of Washington, D.C., and the Chemists with Disabilities Committee of the American Chemical Society were recognized for their video, "Chemists with Disabilities: We All Can." The video, which features chemists with disabilities sharing the value and talent they bring to their industry, demonstrates ACS' leadership on the issue of disability employment and the benefits of fostering a work culture welcoming of the talents of all individuals, including workers with disabilities.

The youth category winner is Jake Johnson of Clarence, N.Y., for his video "What WILL You Do?" The video illustrates the importance of developing and reaching goals and believing in oneself.

Finally, in the general public category, the honor goes to Dylan Johanson of Rosendale, N.Y., for his video "Challenge Your Assumptions." The video shares the true story of Margaret, a school cafeteria employee who helped a child who was choking, potentially saving her life. Margaret is a hard-working and valued employee who has a disability.

Everyone is encouraged to view and share the winning videos in support of the CDE's mission to challenge negative perceptions about disability employment and increase knowledge and understanding of the skills and talents of people with disabilities. The CDE now seeks public participation in the "What can YOU do?" video contest by asking everyone to vote for their two favorite runner-up videos. Two videos will receive $250.00, courtesy of the US Business Leadership Network, a CDE founding partner. Cast your vote today at http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/videoVOTE.html!

To see the videos and for more information, visit http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.