The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities recognized those who have done work with and for people with disabilities at its 19th annual awards luncheon Wednesday in Hunt Valley.
The 13 honorees included Cody Mulligan, a 9-year-old student who read his thank-you from his own notes in braille; Christine Bianco, an elementary school guidance counselor whose "Celebrating Differences Day" has become a model throughout the county; and Harry Keene, a developmentally disabled man who works full-time and lives on his own.
"I hope people get another chance like I did," Keene said to a cheering audience of about 300.
The commission paid homage to caregivers, such as Jim and Carole McBride, who have nurtured three young men with special needs into thriving young adults, and to the Men of Calvert Hall, who have completed numerous projects for Gallagher Services. Members saluted Gov. Martin O'Malley; Henry Sanfilippo, a 30-year state employee in Division of Rehabilitative Services; WBFF FOX45 for its supportive programming; and the Target store in Cockeysville for recruiting, training and retaining disabled workers.
The commission chose Linda Starner as teacher of the year for her three decades of assisting students with disabilities, and Rosemary Easley as volunteer of the year for sharing gardening skills with the mentally ill.
Michelle Hart, a mother of three, two of whom have disabilities, received the advocacy award. Jim and Teresa Zinkhan, founders of the Baltimore Saints Special Hockey League for disabled skaters, received the Chairperson's Special Award.
"A healthy community thrives because it looks out for the needs of its neighbors," said County Executive James T. Smith Jr. "That is the fabric that holds communities together across the nation. The deeds recognized today are not rare, but they are still extraordinary."
