October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Labor announced that “Increasing Access and Opportunity” is the theme for this year. At Move United, we use the power of sport to push what’s possible for people with disabilities – confronting ignorance, fueling conversation, and inciting action that leads us to a world where everyone is included.

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, here are some athletes and individuals working across the adaptive sports industry and using the power of sport to push what’s possible.


Tyler “TC” Carter

I am currently still in training for the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing and working at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. I am a supervisor with the Guest Experience Team and work to ensure every visitor has a wonderful experience at the museum and that our U.S. Olympians and Paralympians have their stories shared. Sport has prepared me for this role as I’ve lived, breathed and learned about the Olympics and Paralympics through my journey. My life experiences have prepared me for this role and I am passionate about sharing the stories and honoring the amazing athletes in these movements.

Bridgette “Gette” Ruppenthal:

“Being out on the water gives me a sense of peace which has helped me through some pretty tough times.  Learning how to control the kayak, or at least mostly sort of control, has empowered me and increased my confidence beyond anything I could have imagined.  After school, when I rejoin the workforce, the patience and leadership skills I’ve gained as a result of being part of Team River Runner and Move United will no doubt benefit me and those around me.”

Noah Elliott:

“I have been staying busy in these crazy Covid times. I am working as part of a great team at Steamboat Stars Adaptive Recreational Sports. Continuing to present keynote speeches via Zoom, and I am also actively training and being a father to my wonderful daughter. My sport has prepared and nurtured me to be a great advocate for not only adaptive sports & athletes, but also for others, my family, and me personally.”


Nicole Roundy:

“Having recently completed my MBA, self-care and developing my professional growth outside of sport has been my focus the last two years. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to represent the United States and while I never won a Paralympic medal, I’m proud of my career and what I put into it. The world doesn’t always validate our accomplishments, so sometimes we have to learn how to provide that validation to ourselves. It’s probably one of the hardest lessons I’ve ever learned. I think that the work ethic, the focus, the dedication and the confidence that we develop from participation in sports carries directly into a professional career as well as our professional lives. I now work at Emarsys, which is a software company that provides automated marketing solutions to some of the biggest retailers in the world. There’s a lot of variety and flexibility and they embody a team culture. It’s been a great fit for me because I’m independent, but I also feel supported and connected to my co-workers. We have a mantra of #WeAreOne and that’s consistent with the culture I experienced as a part of #TeamUSA and the culture of #MoveUnited.”


Bob Meserve:

“I am employed by The Neenan Company in Fort Collins, CO. I have been with this Company for over 26 years and currently work in the position of Contracts & Risk Manager. Our Company is an integrated Commercial Design-Construction Company with projects throughout the Western States. I have worked in the construction industry my entire career, both in the office and on project sites. I also currently serve as the Chair for the Multi-Sports Organization Council for the USOPC and on the Board of Directors for an organization called No Excuses.

I sustained a spinal cord injury due to a skiing accident in 1983. Engaging in sport post injury help me to regain confidence in myself by focusing on my abilities, not my disability. I truly believe in the motto: “If I can do this, I can do anything.” Sport created opportunities for me to participate alongside friends and family in enjoyable activities and opened my eyes to the fact that anything is possible. I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone, stretch your goals, demonstrate your value and never stop believing in the future of possible.”

You know the power of sport and how sport can help shift the narrative from Disabled to This Abled. You too can join the movement! Check out current jobs available in the adaptive sports industry by visiting https://moveunitedsport.org/get-involved/jobs/.