October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive employment. Across the Special Olympics movement, athletes redefine expectations and prove that inclusion drives excellence, both on and off the playing field.
From fast-paced kitchens to manufacturing plants and local businesses, Special Olympics athletes are making a real impact. Their stories share a common message: when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given opportunity, they don’t just succeed, they lead.
Kenny Melvin—Building His Own Road
After years as a truck driver, Kenny started his own trucking company in 2018, followed by a power washing business that serves local farms and trucking fleets.
“I got tired of being told I couldn’t do it,” Kenny says. “If you tell me I can’t, I’ll prove you wrong.”
After being diagnosed with cancer, he chose to pivot from long-haul trucking to local work to protect his health while still running both businesses successfully. Through it all, Special Olympics has remained his anchor.
“It saved my life,” Kenny said. “It gave me focus, purpose, and family. My wife coaches, my grandkids are Unified partners, it’s our life.”
Kenny’s message to others chasing their dreams, “Be passionate, be fair, and never give up.”
Chelsea Davis—Leading with Heart at Chick-fil-A
For Chelsea, work is about connection, community, and confidence. As part of the Chick-fil-A team in Greenwood, Indiana, she wears many hats from taking orders to bagging meals to greeting guests with a smile.
“This is probably my favorite job,” Chelsea says. “I get to see people I’ve met through Special Olympics, and even some of my friends work here too. Chick-fil-A is very supportive; they always make sure I can take time off for Special Olympics events.”
Chelsea’s journey to Chick-fil-A was built on experience. After roles at Old Navy and Pizza King, she found a workplace that values her talents and her voice. She also volunteers at The Hope Gallery, a nonprofit boutique and ice cream shop run by people with disabilities, where she first learned customer service and money-handling skills.
Her message to employers is simple and powerful, “Give people with disabilities a chance because you never know what they can do.”
Now a Special Olympics coach for swimming, volleyball, and basketball, Chelsea brings the same positivity and teamwork from the workplace to the playing field. Her story is proof that inclusion at work creates ripple effects far beyond the job.
Zach Brown—Building His Future at Toyota
At a Toyota supplier facility in Indiana, Zach Brown helps assemble seat fans for vehicles like the Sienna and Highlander. The job combines his lifelong passion for cars with his attention to detail and strong work ethic.
“I love where I work,” Zach says. “It’s a great place with good people. I could do this until I retire.”
For Zach, who grew up learning from his dad in their family garage, the transition from hobby to career came naturally. Now, working alongside a team that values his skill and precision, he’s found both purpose and belonging.
Zach’s dad, who also works at Toyota, is proud of the company’s inclusive hiring practices. “Across our campus, we’ve hired around 100 people with disabilities,” he says. “It’s made our whole team stronger.”
Zach’s advice to other companies, “Don’t look down at people with intellectual disabilities. We all have the same knowledge we just show it in different ways.”
Jordan Carson—Teeing Up Confidence and Inclusion
At Topgolf, Jordan Carson found more than a job, he found belonging. A natural leader and Special Olympics athlete, Jordan brings enthusiasm and focus to his role on the hospitality team, where he helps create memorable experiences for guests.
Jordan reflected on the power of inclusive workplaces to bring out hidden strengths. Through sports, he learned teamwork and discipline; through work, he’s built confidence and independence. Supported by a team that values his contribution, Jordan thrives in an environment that celebrates effort as much as achievement.
“When people include you and trust you,” Jordan says, “it makes you want to do even better.”
Inclusion at Work Works for Everyone
Kenny, Chelsea, Zach, and Jordan each prove that when people with disabilities are welcomed and supported, everyone benefits. Teams grow stronger, workplaces become more compassionate, and communities become more connected.
As we honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the employers, families, and allies who make inclusion real every day and the athletes who show the world what’s possible when opportunity meets ability.
