A.B.L.E. and EMPOWER Awards

The A.B.L.E. Award (Ability, Belief, Leadership and Equality to Achieve Access For All) is designed to recognize the outstanding commitment of a business or public entity in fulfilling the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Highlighting the efforts of an outstanding business or entity may motivate others to provide improved accessibility to goods and services. Businesses must be within the city of Brookings.

The EMPOWER Award is designed to recognize the outstanding commitment of a business in employing and empowering individuals with disabilities. Highlighting the efforts of an outstanding business may motivate others to increase opportunities to hire individuals with disabilities. Businesses must be within the city of Brookings.

Nomination Form - A.B.L.E Award (PDF)
Nomination Form - EMPOWER Award (PDF)
2023 Awards Press Release (PDF)

PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

2021 A.B.L.E. Award Winner

• Brookings Cinema 8

2021 EMPOWER Award

• Children's Museum of South Dakota

2020 - event was cancelled due to COVID-19

2019

2018 A.B.L.E Award Winner

• City of Brookings - Carnegie Library (PDF)

2017 A.B.L.E. Award Winners

• Brian Gatzke - Sixth Street Centre and Condominiums (PDF)
• Hy-Vee Food Store - Human Resources Department (PDF)

2016 A.B.L.E Award Winners

• Accessible Community Gardens Project - A collaboration between Seth Smith and the Brookings Parks and Recreation Department (PDF)
• Swiftel Center - Inclusive Seating Design (PDF)

2015 A.B.L.E. Award Winners

• The Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge (PDF)
• Trendz Consignment Studios (PDF)

2014 A.B.L.E. Award Winners

• Dakota Nature Center (PDF)
• Swiftel Center Catering (PDF)