City Employee Services Director Daniel Grundmann Honored by INARF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, [lopezd@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:lopezd@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN - City of Bloomington Employee Services (ES) Director Daniel Grundmann has been named the Partnership Award winner by the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (INARF) for his leadership in shaping attitudes and practices toward people with disabilities.

A statewide organization comprised of more than 80 companies from a variety of industries, INARF presents [Director of Employee Services, Daniel Grundmann|image:1880,right]the award annually to an individual, business, club or educational institution that has made significant contributions to improving the lives of people with disabilities through innovative approaches to service delivery and by helping to form positive public perception.

Susan Rinne, Executive Director for Monroe County-based Options, nominated Grundmann for the award. Rinne also serves on the INARF board and was recently recognized by the organization for her service. In her nomination of Grundmann, she noted how his commitment to this cause has made long-term changes in public attitudes a reality.

"Daniel exemplifies all the characteristics of a community partner," Rinne said. "His efforts around promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities have been innovative and have led to lasting changes in how agencies like ours help people find jobs."

Grundmann, the City's ES Director since 2001, serves as lead business representative for DiversityWorks and has worked for years with Options, Stonebelt and other organizations and programs in developing and implementing employment strategies for people with disabilities. Additionally, he has delivered speeches and served as a discussion panelist at national, state and local conferences, advocating for more education and awareness for businesses regarding the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

"I am honored that INARF has recognized me, and I'm especially grateful to all the self-advocates, dedicated staff, volunteers and members of organizations statewide that make it their mission to advocate for people with disabilities and educate the public," said Grundmann. "We at the City of Bloomington have been fortunate to work in partnership with key players in our community who understand how important this cause really is."

INARF plans to present the award to Grundmann at its annual conference on Wednesday, Mar. 11, at the Sheraton Keystone Hotel in Indianapolis.

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