Committee Prepares to Honor Outstanding Disabled Workers and Inclusive Employers-August 22, 1974

Drawing inspiration from public service messaging urging communities not to “handicap the handicapped,” the Greater Norwood National Employ the Handicapped Week Committee is organizing its upcoming observance scheduled for October 7 through October 11.

During a planning meeting held yesterday, the committee initiated preparations to formally recognize both the Handicapped Employee of the Year and the Understanding Employer of the Year—the latter honoring businesses maintaining a high ratio of disabled workers—during a special celebratory banquet.

While committee leaders emphasized that all disabled workers in the greater Norwood area are eligible regardless of background, this year’s program will place special emphasis on recognizing disabled Vietnam veterans and mentally handicapped individuals. Nominations for both employee and employer categories can be submitted by any community member, provided the business or worker operates within the greater Norwood region. Committee leadership also stressed a broader community goal: raising year-round awareness rather than confining advocacy to a single October week. During yesterday’s proceedings, Mrs. Florence Clifton of the Dedham welfare service office was appointed co-chairman, joining Joel M. Samuels, area supervisor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, who was named secretary. An additional co-chairman is slated to be announced at the committee’s next scheduled meeting on September 3.

In local philanthropic news, Norwood’s recreation department successfully hosted its third annual Carnival Against Dystrophy at Legion Field, drawing several hundred local youngsters and raising $456 for the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America. The event featured a special appearance by television personality Rex Trailer, a prominent figure in muscular dystrophy fundraising campaigns, who signed autographs, distributed souvenir photographs, and accepted the proceeds from the carnival. Additional attractions drawing crowds to Legion Field included penny tosses, sponge throws, golf cart rides, and local clowns.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger