The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities
The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities 21st Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon
At the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities’ 21st Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, Commission Chair Terri Parish joined Ms. Kathleen Cairns of WBFF Fox 45 to recognize 14 individuals, businesses and organizations for their achievements and contributions by and for citizens with disabilities. Over 260 guests attended the affair, the second most in the events 21 year history. View pictures (PDF) from the event.
The Commission also used the opportunity to announce it has published the third edition of its hugely popular “Resource Guide for Individuals with Disabilities. View the guide (PDF).
The highlight of the ceremony was the recipient of the Commission’s Special Chairperson’s Award by Dr. Nancy Grasmick, a County resident who was honored for her years of service to the County’s, and State’s, students, especially those with disabilities. Other award winners this year include:
Employer Award: Mr. Shane Imschweiler – Catonsville Home Depot
Public Awareness Award: Ms. Mary Anne Kane Breschi – Maggie’s Light Foundation
Education Advocate Award: Ms. Santa Wallace, Goucher College
Disability Educators Award: Ms. Kirsten Merashoff – Perry Hall Middle School
Volunteer Award: John and Terry Fram – Maryland Council for Special Equestrians
Disability Support Award: Ms. Janice Jackson – Women Encouraging Abilities Now
Student Award: Ms. Amber Joy Miller - Middle River Middle School
Teacher Award: Ms. Suzanne Beer - Ridge Ruxton School
Outstanding Community Program Award: Ms. Zoey Robinson – B’More Abilities Special Arts Center
Transportation Services Award: Mr. David Lesane – Baltimore County CountyRide
Disability Advocate Award: Mr. Kelby Brick
Employee Award: Ms. Ruth Tayman – Applebee’s of Catonsville
Family Support Award: Robin and Kim Willard
Special Chairperson's Award: Dr. Nancy Grasmick
About the Commission
Terri Seitz Parrish, Chair of the Commission
Benjamin Dubin, Vice-Chair of the Commission
Baltimore County believes that a Commission on Disabilities is necessary to advise on the coordination and development of the County's policies for citizens with disabilities. The County endorses the policy that no qualified person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity within Baltimore County. The goals of the Commission are: to achieve an effective and systematic delivery of public, private, and consumer resources to all people with disabilities in the County; to identify the strengths and weaknesses in programs, services, and resources available to citizens with disabilities; and to propose the means whereby the needs of citizens with disabilities can be met.
In support of these beliefs and goals, the mission of the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities is to foster attitudes and promote behaviors which respect and value people with disabilities among County government, its citizens and others.
In fulfillment of this mission, the Commission on Disabilities holds a vision of the future where a culture and environment exist in Baltimore County which provides the supports and opportunities for all people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life.
Members of the Commission are appointed by the County Executive. The Commission includes people with disabilities, family members, representatives of public and private service-providing agencies, and State and local government.
In an effort to keep the public aware of issues related to persons with disabilities, the Commission has developed a number of publications which are made available to the public free of charge and/or through this web site.
The Commission normally meets on the third Wednesday of every month except July and August, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Please call the Commission for information about the location of monthly meetings, and to request special accommodations.
Contact
For additional information on the Commission, or for assistance not covered here, please call or write:
Division of Neighborhood Improvement
Commission on Disabilities
Drumcastle Center
6401 York Road., 2nd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
Directions
Phone: 410-887-3580
TTY: 410-887-2799
MD Relay: 711 (Maryland Relay)
Fax: 410-887-5696
E-mail: hfranklin@baltimorecountymd.gov
Revised November 9, 2011
