SADI DISTRIBUTES 2ND ANNUAL BARRIER FREEDOM AWARDS

Businesses, individuals and a city were honored over the weekend at the second annual Barrier Freedom Awards banquet sponsored by the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.

Schnucks in Cape Girardeau received the 1997-98 employer award for the company's efforts to hire people with disabilities. "They seek out people rather than just have them apply," said Miki Gudermuth, SADI's executive director.

"That puts them ahead of other employers."

Country Mart in Jackson was given the retailer award for its strides in making the store more accessible, including moving the handicapped parking to a spot almost in front of the door.

The store also was cited for its wide aisles, accessible restroom and low vegetable, fruit and bakery counters. Gudermuth called the store "user-friendly."

The media award went to Sam Blackwell of the Southeast Missourian. Blackwell was cited for having empathy in portraying various types of disabilities and for his care in the language used to portray people with disabilities.

Lowes in Cape Girardeau received the organization's humanitarian award. Lowes provides SADI materials for building ramps free of charge. Because the labor alone for building the average ramp is $650, Gudermuth says SADI would only be able to build a couple of ramps per year if not for the company's generosity.

"They also help with delivery," she said. "They bend over backward."

The City of Perryville received the community service award for its efforts to make the town square accessible with curb cuts. The city was lauded for seeking the opinions of people with disabilities in devising its plan for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

State Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, was recognized with a Barrier Award as an elected official who helped SADI get started. "She has supported our efforts both by word and deed," Gudermuth said.

No organization like SADI is ever going to be completely happy with what a legislator does, Gudermuth allows. But, she said of Kasten, "She puts her heart into it."

The SADI employee of the year is adminstrative assistant Leemon Priest. He was cited for his work "above and beyond the call of duty.

"He goes all out and follows up real well," Gudermuth said.

Priest once called from a hospital bed after surgery to make sure the organization's checks were all taken care of.

Southwestern Bell received a technological humanitarian award for donating computer equipment which enables SADI to use the Internet. The company also made SADI part of the test market for its visual phone.

Past recipients of Barrier Freedom Awards include Cracker Barrel, JCPenney, Target Stores, Wal-Mart Stores, architect Charles Herbst, WPSD-TV, the Southeast Department of Mass Communication, Snappy Delivery, Sears, Melvin Gateley, State Rep. David Schwab and the Southeast Missourian.