Forerunners news release

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
November 23, 2010 Laura Field
lfield@clearedgemarketing.com
312.961.5054
The forerunners, featuring nAblement Professionals, Wins Silver Hugo
Award at Chicago International Film Festival
Chicago, IL (November 23, 2010) — The forerunners, a documentary film created to
encourage students with disabilities to pursue education in science, technology, engineering
and math, earned this year’s Silver Hugo Award in the Human Resources Category at the 46th
annual International Communications Media Competition (INTERCOM). The documentary
features professionals from nAblement, an Enterprise Service of SPR Companies that supports
the training, mentoring, networking, placement and professional growth of qualified
candidates with disabilities in the technology field.
INTERCOM is one of the longest-running international competitions of its kind and was hosted
by the Chicago International Film Festival and Cinema/Chicago in October.
The forerunners documents tenacious, hard-working individuals who demonstrate problem
solving skills and creativity while managing a disability. In the film, they discuss difficulties
encountered and how they succeed and cope. The film emphasizes the inherent strengths
related to disabilities that can translate to valuable skills in the professional workforce. It
also carries a message for parents, educators and employers: expect and support success.
Co-produced by Patrick Maher, Managing Director of nAblement, and Fong Chan of MIND
Alliance, a math and science educational initiative supporting students with minority
backgrounds and disabilities, the film premiered last June at the Chicago Cultural Center.
“The nAblement team was elated to help fashion this timely message, honor some of our
respected clients, and to provide a forum for our skilled consultants to mentor students
toward career success. The forerunners beautifully shows the tremendous pride and passion
of this population and dramatically illustrates the depth of this under-tapped resource,” said
Maher.
Denver-based director and writer Sean J.S. Jourdan of Kekule Productions worked directly
with Maher on the film.
“The individuals that we interviewed honestly shared their hopes and fears and revealed,
perhaps without even knowing it, their many strengths. Being a part of this project, and
meeting our subjects, certainly enriched my life. I hope our audience will share in this
experience and be both inspired and enlightened,” said Jourdan. “We are honored by this
prestigious Award, and it is my hope that the recognition will result in a wider exposure for

2. the issues that the film covers.”
The Award comes on the heels of another honor for SPR Companies. Earlier this month, the
company was recognized by the Chicago Jewish Vocational Service for its dedication to
employing professionals with disabilities in the technology field through nAblement.
About nAblement
Founded in 2004, nAblement is a unique channel of SPR Companies focused on supporting
the training, mentoring, networking, placement and professional growth of qualified
candidates with disabilities into technology roles. nAblement is a part of SPR Companies.
About SPR Companies
SPR provides Fortune 1000 and mid-market companies with world-class technology solutions
and in-demand talent through its family of companies - Redpoint Technologies, MPS Partners
and Talent Acquisition Partners. Through its specialized Enterprise Services — Impact Insights,
Social Syntax and nAblement — SPR also offers high-value IT-business alignment, social media
and diversity solutions. SPR has served the Midwest since 1973 and is proud of its award-
winning track record of helping organizations achieve critical business objectives and solve
even the most complex technology challenges. Learn more at www.sprinc.com.
About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is a nonprofit cultural and education organization dedicated to encouraging better
understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving
image. INTERCOM is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also
include the Chicago International Film Festival (October 7-21, 2010), CineYouth Festival, The Hugo
Television Awards, International Summer Screenings Program and Education Outreach programs.
For more information please visit www.cinemachicago.org.
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