The Commission on Disabilities Annual Awards recognize individuals, agencies, families, and businesses in Baltimore County for achievements and contributions by and for its citizens with disabilities. The deadline for 2008 nominations has passed.
The Awards Program and Luncheon honoring the winners will be held on October 15, 2008 at a site to be determined. The winners will be chosen by members of the Commission and its Work Groups, and will receive notification during the month of August. Invitations and details of the luncheon will follow in September, and tickets will be available at that time.
Award categories have been developed in seven areas specific to the work of the Commission:
Disability Education Award
The school in Baltimore County which provides exemplary disability awareness programs for students, staff, faculty and parents.
Education Advocate of the Year
A student, teacher, or other individual who actively works to instill a positive attitude and acceptance of persons with disabilities in Baltimore County schools.
Student of the Year
- A student with a disability who attends either a public or private grade school, high school, or college in Baltimore County, and who is an exceptional role model not only for students with disabilities, but for all students.
- The nominee will be someone who engenders a positive attitude not only for himself or herself, but also for other students with disabilities, and for his or her school.
Teacher of the Year
A teacher who, through exceptional effort both in and outside of the classroom, instills in others a positive attitude and acceptance of persons with disabilities, and promotes inclusive education best practices. This person must teach in Baltimore County in any public or private program from pre-school to post secondary.
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Employer Award
- Business or government agency located in Baltimore County that has hired and trained a person(s) with a disability, and promotes employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- The efforts of the employer must be beyond what is mandated by federal, state, and local law.
- The business or agency has an exceptional record of practicing equal opportunity in employment.
Employee Award
- A full or part-time employee with a disability who lives or works in Baltimore County.
- An employee who is fully integrated into the workforce, and has maintained employment.
- May be a student with a disability who attends an academic institution in Baltimore County, or an adult employee.
Employee Advocate Award
- A person who works with or advocates for Baltimore County residents with disabilities.
- A person who has done an outstanding job of facilitating the entry of qualified individuals with disabilities into the workforce and/or;
- Enhanced public understanding of the importance of people with disabilities in the workforce.
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Housing Accessibility Award
- A land developer or multi-family housing complex located in Baltimore County, which has shown an understanding and awareness of the residential needs of individuals with disabilities, and
- Has renovated and/or made a housing unit(s) accessible for tenants with disabilities.
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Legislative Award
Elected public official representing constituents from Baltimore County, who has shown an awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities through legislation and/or constituent services.
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Family Advocate Award
- Parent(s), grandparent(s), or guardian(s) who has advocated on behalf of his/her child in such a way as to bring attention to the needs of all individuals with disabilities.
- Individual(s) has effected positive change in the disability system and/or community to the benefit of individuals with disabilities.
Media/Public Awareness Award
- Print or electronic medium, or an organization which presents a positive image and/or clearly presents people with disabilities in Baltimore County.
- Organization or individual that best promotes awareness of disability issues in Baltimore County, and promotes a positive image and the theme of integration for people with disabilities.
Volunteer Award
Person or organization who, through volunteer efforts, has contributed towards the full participation of people with disabilities in Baltimore County.
Friend/Neighbor Award
Person who has assisted a friend or neighbor with a disability to participate in community activities in Baltimore County.
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Transportation Award
Individual, business or organization that has made significant efforts toward enhancing transportation for persons with disabilities living in Baltimore County.
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Accessibility/Architectural/Construction Award
- Business or organization located in Baltimore County that has exceeded federal and Maryland law in making its facility physically accessible to citizens with disabilities, or
- An architect or builder who has made exceptional and creative efforts in designing/constructing a facility that has exceeded federal and Maryland law for accessibility.
Chairperson Special Award
Do you know of an individual, business, or organization that epitomizes a spirit of courage, or has made special contributions to the inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities, but just doesn’t seem to fit into any of the above categories? If so, please use this category to tell us, so we can consider them for the Chairperson’s Special Award.
MailHal Franklin, Administrator
Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities
Drumcastle Center, 2nd Floor (MS #1102M)
6401 York Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
Fax
410-887-5696
E-mail
hfranklin@baltimorecountymd.gov
Revised July 11, 2008
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