Melanie Hogan was awarded the EP Maxwell H. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award during the Disability Awareness Night hosted by the Lake County Captains. The award was presented during a ceremony preceding the Captains’ July 24 home game.

Hogan is executive director of Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential (LEAP), a social service agency that provides independent living and employment services for people with disabilities in eight Ohio counties.

The other award recipient was Thomas Rathbone, President and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation.

The award was presented by Randy Newsome of Exceptional Parent magazine and the partners of the Michael Carter Financial Group, the special needs planning division of the Skylight Financial Group and the local host for Disability Awareness Night.

Hogan has been associated with LEAP, a Center for Independent Living, for 15 years; she was appointed executive director in 2001. She has been involved in the human-service field for more than 25 years, working with people with disabilities in a variety of capacities, including residential services, vocational rehabilitation, and independent living services.

In addition, Hogan has served on numerous boards, councils, and coalitions that promote equal access to employment and community living for people with disabilities. She holds a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheeling College.

Disability Awareness Night was begun in 2002 by Exceptional Parent magazine to bring attention to the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of people with special needs, as well as those who care for and support them. The Schleifer Distinguished Service Award is named for the magazine’s founding editor-in-chief. More than 300 individuals and organizations have been recognized through the Disability Awareness Night program, which has grown to more than 40 annual events held at major- and minor-league baseball stadiums around the country. Award winners have included medical professionals, caregivers, athletes, military personnel, people who work for special-needs organizations, therapists, and others.

In 2004, MassMutual’s Special Needs Group began partnering with Exceptional Parent magazine to sponsor the event. The Michael Carter Group, which is affiliated with MassMutual, is the local Disability Awareness Night host. Financial advisors certified as special care planners are dedicated to providing education, resources, and financial solutions to families who care for individuals with special needs.