Employers want workers with attitude – the ‘can do’ approach to life that can be channelled to achieve successful outcomes. The 2012 Attitude Awards celebrate people with exactly that mindset and who have overcome more hurdles than most to reach their goals. The awards also recognise the employer who best gives them chance to succeed.
This year the winner of the 2012 Attitude ACC Employer Award is Invacare. The Auckland-based company supplies medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles for people requiring home and other non-acute health care. Its goal is to help customers lead the most active, vital lifestyles possible.
Sometimes customers even become employees. Paralympian Peter Williams damaged his shoulder so badly in training he was unable to work. Invacare helped him with equipment and then offered him job. The company has two wheelchair users on its team of 50 as well as other employees living with learning, hearing and other less visible disabilities, or who are recovering from injury.
Stories like these are the reason that many organisations have continued to support the awards over the past five years. ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart says the award winners constantly demonstrate that with ambition and the right support it’s possible for anyone to achieve his or her goals, regardless of the obstacles along the way.
Attitude Awards’ chair Robyn Scott-Vincent says there are multiple ways person or organisation can become involved in the awards: from entering as nominee to becoming sponsor or simply by attending the event.
ACC Supreme Attitude Award and Spirit of Attitude winner: Sharon Davies
For helping to make Swanson accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and the elderly.
Attitude ACC Employer Award: Invacare
For providing equal and fair employment in supportive environment.
Sport Performer Award: Adam Hall
Paralympic gold medallist in slalom skiing.
Courage in Sport: Neelusha Memon
First legally blind person to successfully complete the Coast-to-Coast individual race and now training to be the first New Zealander and woman with disability to conquer the seven peaks in seven continents.
Artistic Achievement Award: Andrew Blythe
Helped pave the way for artists with disabilities to be seen as part of the contemporary art world.
Youth Award: Erin Gough
For her accessibility work in the Christchurch rebuild.
Making Difference Award: Nola Burgess
Creating community for Gisborne’s blind people.
Attitude Hall of Fame: Sir Murray Halberg
Inducted for his services to disability in New Zealand.
More information on www.attitudepictures.com/attitude-awards M
