Celebrating Inclusion That Works

Eric Retelle and GYK During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to celebrate the impact of people with disabilities in the workplace and recognize the power of inclusion.

At Special Olympics, we know that the skills developed through sports — teamwork, leadership, confidence, and self-advocacy — extend far beyond the playing field. In fact, individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics are twice as likely to be employed compared to those who don’t participate.

Yet barriers remain. People with intellectual disabilities experience unemployment rates three times higher than the general population. Inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do — it works. Employers who hire inclusively report stronger workplace culture, greater employee loyalty, and nearly 48% lower turnover.

One person who embodies the connection between inclusion and opportunity is Special Olympics athlete and Merrimack Tigers team member, Eric Retelle.

Building Belonging at Work

Eric has worked at GYK, a creative agency in Manchester, since 2015. As he approaches his nine-year anniversary this November, Eric continues to make an impact through his hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm.

“I help maintain cleanliness in the Manchester office and motivate and influence employees by creating an agency newsletter,” Eric shares. “Not many workplaces have this kind of atmosphere where co-workers are valued and care about their employees and their personal lives outside of work — I love this about my job.”

Connecting Work and Community

Eric’s role at GYK has also helped spark deeper connections between the company and Special Olympics New Hampshire.

“GYK always has a volunteer day, so they’ve volunteered at the State Summer Games for a few years,” Eric explains. “They’ve supported me with fundraising for the Penguin Plunge and even hosted a mini rock-paper-scissors tournament that raised a significant amount of money. When Special Olympics had an office in Manchester, we even did a cornhole game together in 2019. GYK also attends the Champions Together Breakfast.”

Dreams and Goals

When he’s not at work or on the playing field, Eric continues to dream big about his future. “I’ve had many dream jobs,” he says. “Right now, I want to own a life-coaching practice or business and be an online influencer.”

This month — and every month — we celebrate inclusion that works: where athletes like Eric bring their skills, drive, and leadership to workplaces that see their full potential.

Inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s an advantage.