Awards Program: Awards Program

2007 Commission on Disability Issues Awards Program

The annual Howard County Commission on Disability Issues (CDI) Awards Program recognizes outstanding efforts in:

advancing full participation in community life for all citizens;
promoting both the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
achieving independence through pursuing personal goals while living with a disability.

On October 4, 2007 the Commission hosted their 13th annual awards program and recognized the following individuals and organizations:

Employer of the Year
Crab Shanty Restaurant
Mr. William King, Owner,
accepting award from County Executive Ken Ulman.

The Crab Shanty, a local restaurant, received the Employer of the Year for their commitment to advancing employment options for people with disabilities. Partnering with The Arc of Howard County, other service providers, and the Howard County MD Public School System, The Crab Shanty provides employment opportunities for workplace success. The Crab Shanty values their employees as evidenced by a flexible approach to providing an atmosphere where individual skills and talents are maximized.

Service Provider of the Year
Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center
Center Directors Helen and John Tuel

The Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center, Inc. was selected the Service Provider of the Year for increasing skills and independence of local citizens through therapeutic horseback riding. The nomination states that the center's directors, John and Helen Tuel, believe wholeheartedly in the power of horse back riding to breathe new life into children and adults with disabilities. People gain mobility, and a renewed sense of self by riding and being around horses. The Tuels always greet and treat their riders with respect and dignity.

Accessibility-Universal Design:
Glenwood Community Center
Gary Arthur, Director of Recreation and Parks

The Glenwood Community Center received the Accessibility-Universal Design award for creating fully accessible facilities and services. Design promotes broad spectrum barrier-free and assistive solutions that works to help improve the daily life for people with disabilities while also serving the general population. Recognition is given to Warren Walker of Construction Dynamic Group, Inc. in Columbia and David Loudermilk, Facilities Program Manager of the Howard County Department of Public Works. Both met with the Commission's Access Committee early in the design process to discuss accessibility. Once the plan was developed, the Access committee reviewed and evaluated the plans and provided additional easy access and use modifications that were incorporated into the final design.

Individual Achievement
Joe Swetnam, Executive Director, Fidos for Freedom
accepts award from County Executive Ken Ulman

Joe Swetnam, recipient of the Individual Achievement Award was praised by his nominators for his outstanding work with Fidos for Freedom, an organization that trains and provides service, hearing and therapy dogs for central Marylanders. Joe's involvement with Fidos for Freedom began in 1992 and through the years he has served in a variety of volunteer positions. In 2004 Joe became Executive Director of Fidos for Freedom. A community leader and role model, Joe is recognized for improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens.

Individual Youth Achievement
Rahul Rajagopalan, a junior in high school,
accepts award from County Executive Ulman

Rahul competes in county science fair projects, develops his musical talents on the piano and clarinet and works to master tournament-level chess, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. In addition, Rahul is a junior volunteer for Fidos for Freedom, the organization that trains dogs to assist people with disabilities.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2006

Employer of the Year: Tony Adams – Pizza Hut
Service Provider: Bob Marietta
Accessibility-Universal Design: Owen Brown Giant Foods
Individual Achievement: Debbie Meyers
Individual Youth Achievement: Joey Kasura
Ralph Malloy Award: James Robey

2005

Employer of the Year: Andrea Griesman, Columbia Bank
Service Provider: Life, Inc
Accessibility-Universal Design: AMC Columbia 14 Movie theatre
Individual Achievement: Sheri Thomas
Individual Youth Achievement: Amy Herstein
Advocacy: Police Chief Wayne Livesay and States’ Attorney Tim McCrone

2004

Employer of the Year:Macaroni Grill
Service Provider: Tommy DeWeese, Troup 615
Accessibility-Universal Design: Café de Paris
Individual Achievement: Tim Daly
Individual Youth Achievement: Tatyanna McFadden
Advocacy: Andre Fontaine

2003

Employer of the Year: Sunrise
Service Provider: Howard Transit
Accessibility-programmatic: Howard County Library
Accessibility-physical: Howard County Government
Individual Achievement: Anne Wade
Individual Youth Achievement: Jason Fischer
Special Community Service: Peg Browning
Advocacy: Don Bard, Lazarus Foundation

2002

Employer of the Year: Neighbor Care, Annapolis Junction
Service Provider: Mitchell Penney
Accessibility: Howard Transit
Individual Achievement: Pierre Colombel
Individual Youth Achievement: Christina Gregg
Advocacy: Tonia Lewis

2001

Employer of the Year: Athletic Club of the Columbia Association
Service Provider: Melliza Crisuoli
Accessibility: Dr. Exposito, Mayer, Hogan and Associates
Individual Achievement: Carletha McGriff
Individual Youth Achievement: Langston Barnes
Advocacy: Donna Jayanathan

2000

Employer of the Year: Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center
Special Partnership: Fidos for Freedom
Accessibility: B & O Railroad Museum
Individual Achievement: William Herndon
Individual Youth Achievement: Shelby Kennedy
Advocacy: Joseph Singleton

1999

Employer of the Year: Super Fresh
Service Provider: Timbers at Troy
Community Partnership: Asean Bistro
Accessibility: St. Matthew’s House
Individual Achievement: Peg Browning
Individual Youth Achievement: Amy Sullenger
Advocacy: Anne Wade

1998

Employer of the Year: Jo Ann ETC
Service Provider: Charles Heron, DDS
Community Partners: Peter Beck and William Thies
Accessibility: Colosseum Gym & Fitness Center
Individual Youth Achievement: Conor Joyce
Youth in Community Service: Dunloggin and Harper’s Choice Middle Schools
Advocacy: Arthur Gold

1997

Employer of the Year: Children’s Discovery Center
Service Provider: Meredith Lowman
Accessibility: The Challenge Trail, GSA
Individual Achievement: Mark “Bill” Law
Individual Youth Achievement: Joshua Lowman
Advocacy: Bernice Hoeper

1996

Employer of the Year: Corporate Express
Service Provider: Barbara Dougherty
Accessibility: Wellness Center at Inwood
Individual Achievement: Roger Blair
Individual Youth Achievemen: Emily Rader
Advocacy: Andrea Paskin

1995

Employer of the Year: Jill Flores, McDonalds
Service Provider: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Accessibility: Church of the Resurrection
Individual Achievement: Sean McKeon
Special Youth Award: Jennifer Melichar
Advocacy: Linda Cook

For more information on Disabilities Services and future Commission on Disability Issues events, go to Disabilities Services web page or call Erica Lewis, Disabilities Services Specialist, at 410-313-6402 or TTY - 410-313-6401.

The 2008 Howard County Commission on Disability Issues annual awards program will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008, 6:30 PM in the Banneker Room.

To access the 2008 nomination form click here.

Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2008.

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