Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 7
The Chattanooga Area Employment Consortium (CAEC) is set to host its annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month Luncheon Celebration and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center, commencing at 11:30 a.m. This year’s luncheon carries a national theme of “Celebrating Talent and Value,” aiming to recognize the significant contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce.
A highlight of the event will be the attendance of Commissioner Brad Turner, the inaugural head of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. He was appointed by Governor Bill Lee in 2024 as part of a strategic initiative that unified the Department of Disability and Aging with the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. Turner had previously held the position of commissioner for the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from 2019 to 2024.
Under Commissioner Turner’s leadership, the department now oversees a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees dedicated to providing support and services to over 1.5 million older adults and individuals with disabilities in Tennessee. These services include various home and community-based programs, such as the Tennessee Early Intervention System and Family Support Program, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for their clients. Furthermore, the department has gained national recognition for its innovative policies, particularly its achievement as the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership.
In addition to his administrative roles, Turner also sits on the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services’ board of directors, marking a first for Tennessee. His advocacy not only stems from professional obligations but also from personal experience; as a father of a daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Turner is committed to championing the rights and voices of individuals with disabilities and the elder population.
The Luncheon will be hosted by Latricia Thomas, the evening anchor and managing editor at News Channel 9, and will feature award presentations, including the Scott Kramer Advocate of the Year, the Jill Hindman Employer of the Year, and the Employee of the Year. These awards aim to honor those making strides in promoting awareness and fostering an inclusive workforce.
Proceeds from the event will be utilized to fund seminars and outreach programs designed to educate local businesses about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and older adults. Highlighting the importance of workforce inclusivity, officials state that supporting these demographics can lead to enhanced community engagement and improved overall quality of life.
For those interested in nominating deserving individuals or organizations for awards or seeking sponsorship opportunities, the CAEC encourages visits to their website at caectn.org or reaching out via email. This event signifies an essential step in fostering a more inclusive employment landscape in the Chattanooga area and beyond.
