Autism Delaware presents awards for employee and community employer and leader

Autism Delaware has announced the winner of the new Jason Anderson Outstanding Employee Award. Anderson was senior director of ticket sales and operations for Dover International Speedway and a major advocate for employees with autism when he died in a multi-vehicle collision in January.

Autism Delaware created the one-time award in Anderson’s memory to acknowledge an individual with the same “above-and-beyond spirit that Jason Anderson had when working with people with autism,” says Autism Delaware Executive Director Teresa Avery. “Just by way of example, Jason personally oversaw the introduction of his office assistant, Jaclyn Dotson, to Gov. Jack Markell during his visit to Dover Motorsports in October 2014. Dotson was one of nine employees at Dover Motorsports and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, who were participants of Autism Delaware’s POW&R program. We honor Jason’s name by giving the award to Lynn Murphy, the office manager of the Palmer Chiropractic Life Center.”

“I nominated Lynn for this award,” adds Palmer Chiropractic owner T. Shane Palmer, DC, “because, right from the beginning, she has treated our POW&R participant [Melissa Chong] as if she were her own daughter. First, Lynn found out what Melissa liked and didn’t like, and then Lynn decorated Melissa’s work station with the Disney characters that Melissa liked. Lynn also chooses work for Melissa that meets her skills set and gives her the time she needs to work. Lynn makes Melissa feel the most comfortable. Of all the folks in the office, the two of them just click.”

Given in tandem with the Jason Anderson award, the prestigious Autism Delaware Noel Perry Smith Award for Outstanding Employer was presented to Palmer Chiropractic Life Center to acknowledge hiring practices and for serving as a positive model for the employment community.

“Palmer Chiropractic is a long-time employer of POW&R participants,” says Avery. “Thanks to Dr. Palmer, POW&R participants have been able to gain valuable work experience. Palmer Chiropractic models not only the POW&R program for other businesses in the community but also the benefit of diversity in the work force.”

In addition to the Noel Perry Smith award, the 2015 Autism Delaware Outstanding Community Partner Award was presented to the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships Inc., which was acknowledged for extraordinary effort on behalf of individuals and families with autism. Tushar Patel and Fred Hertrich IV accepted the award on behalf of the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships.

“The Hertrich family is a strong supporter of Autism Delaware as the highest level sponsor for our event in Rehoboth Beach, the Blue Jean Ball," says Avery. "The Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships is also this year’s exclusive BidPal sponsor for the Blue Jean Ball. And in 2013, Fred and Lyndie Hertrich served as the event’s honorary chairs.”

For more information, go to www.autismdelaware.org.