Society Honors Businesses Championing Disability Employment Across MLB Cities
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is proud to announce the launch of the 2024 “Ability Transcends Challenges” (ATC) award series, a new initiative aimed at recognizing businesses in Major League Baseball cities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to disability employment. This award is being made in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
PBATS President Nick Kenney presents the ATC award in Kansas City.
PBATS members believe that people with disabilities have an important role to play in America. In 2014, using illustrations from baseball, PBATS developed the “Ability Transcends Challenges” (ATC) program which demonstrates that people with disabilities can be a significant engine in the life of our country, if given the opportunity.
In 2015, as part of the ATC program, PBATS collaborated with TOPPS to produce a first of its kind baseball card set featuring MLB players with disabilities titled Pride & Perseverance. From Jim Abbott to Curtis Pride to George Springer, and many others, baseball has always shown an incredible commitment to inclusivity for all people and PBATS believes the American workplace is no different.
The 2024 ATC awards were presented to 10 businesses across the country that have gone above and beyond to create inclusive workplaces, providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These businesses serve as beacons of progress, setting a standard for what it means to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The businesses receiving the 2024 awards include:
- GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Working Together Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, OH)
- Howdy Homemade Ice Cream (Dallas, TX)
- GM Able (Detroit, MI)
- Down Syndrome Innovations (Kansas City, MO)
- Exceptional Minds (Los Angeles, CA)
- Dan Marino Foundation (Miami, FL)
- Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)
- First Place AZ (Phoenix, AZ)
Nick Kenney, President of PBATS, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative, stating, “At PBATS, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute and succeed in the workplace, regardless of their abilities. The Ability Transcends Challenges award is our way of celebrating those businesses that are not just talking about inclusion but are actively making it a reality. We are thrilled to partner with the NDSS to honor these trailblazers and highlight the importance of disability employment.”
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, also shared her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “The National Down Syndrome Society is delighted to partner with PBATS on this important initiative. Businesses that prioritize inclusivity not only enrich their own work environments but also lead by example, showing the world the incredible value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. We applaud all of the award winners for their commitment to this cause and look forward to celebrating the deserving recipients of the Ability Transcends Challenges award.”
As part of the recognition, each honored business will receive a personalized award plaque and signed memorabilia from MLB teams, further connecting the world of professional sports with these outstanding community leaders.
For more information about the Ability Transcends Challenges award series, please visit pbats.com/atc or contact Sam Radbil, PBATS Director of Communications & Partnerships.
About PBATS: The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is an organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of baseball players at all levels, while also engaging in community outreach and educational initiatives.
About the National Down Syndrome Society: The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down Syndrome, advocating for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome in all facets of life.