Howard County Executive James N. Robey and the Commission on Disabilities Issues will be hosts of the annual Disabilities Awards Breakfast at 8 a.m. Oct. 2 at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville.
The event celebrates the achievements of citizens with disabilities, their employers, advocates and service providers. Richard Cohen, a member of the commission, will speak.
Winners, announced yesterday, are:
The Howard County Public Library, which won the Accessibility Award for its acquisition of American sign language resources for library patrons. Valerie Gross, the library director, was specially honored for establishing the program and expanding the library's programs for the deaf.
The Howard County government, which won an Accessibility Award for its efforts in creating physical accessibility for the disabled in buildings, on grounds, sidewalks, roadways, paths, parks and in other facilities. The county executive and former County Council member Mary C. Lorsung were praised for their support of the redesign of the County Council chambers (the Banneker Room) and closed-captioning of Gtv, the county's information channel.
Jason Edward Fisher, a senior at Centennial High School and an expert speaker for Disability Awareness Project events, who won the Youth Award. Fisher, who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, participates in wheelchair sports.
Anne Wade, founder and coordinator of the Disability Awareness Program, who received the Individual Achievement Award. She retired recently after almost 20 years as coordinator of the program for the county school system.
Sunrise Assisted Living, which was named Employer of the Year. The facility has hired and supported students and adults with disabilities, including autism, developmental disabilities, speech and language impairment and emotional problems. Chef Colin McKevitt received compliments for his support of students who assist him in the kitchen.
Don Bard, who received the Ralph Mulloy Advocacy Award. Bard, founder and executive director of the Lazarus Foundation, worked with the Atholton High School faculty to develop training programs for all students in rebuilding and maintaining computers and encouraged students with disabilities to apply and join the school's Information Technology Academy.
Howard Transit, the county transportation system, which received the Service Provider Award for its accommodations for people with many types of disabilities.
Ten Oaks Ballroom is at 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville. Admission is free, but registration is requested. There is a suggested $5 breakfast donation.
Information: 410-313-6402.
