Nebraska organization recognizes individuals, businesses for Disability Employment Awareness Month
By Jolie Peal 
, Reporter Nebraska Public Media News
Oct. 1, 2024, 4:30 p.m. ·
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Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (Nebraska VR) celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month by honoring those creating inclusive workspaces.
The department recognized five individuals and businesses at a ceremony Tuesday.
Nebraska VR helps those with disabilities find and retain jobs. The department also helps connect businesses with potential employees. State Rehabilitation Council Chairperson Chris Gaspari said these awards help honor those connections Nebraska VR makes.
“We have so many great businesses that we partner with, and this annual event is an opportunity to recognize some of those for being such strong advocates,” Gaspari said.
Nicholas Natale owns Cryptic Tattoos in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He received the Disability Employment and Inclusion Entrepreneur Award. Natale worked with Nebraska VR to launch his tattoo shop in 2017.
He said he focuses on creating a supportive work environment while also staying connected to the community.
“We've held fundraisers for a child that had cancer,” Natale said. “We raised, I think, $5,000 for his family to help them with their stay in Denver and any medical bills they could go to. We try to stay in touch with the community.”
Natale said he hopes to continue that work.
The full list of honorees were:
- Entrepreneur Award - Nicholas Natale in Scottsbluff
- New Business Award - Pinkelman Truck and Trailer in Norfolk
- Small Business Award - Community Christian School in Scottsbluff
- Large Business Award - Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln
- Champion of Disability Employment Recognition Award - Michael Bursaw in Kearney