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October 3, 2008

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Howard County hails outstanding achievements at 14th annual event

Commission on Disability Issues Award Winners Who Inspire Us All to Make a Difference

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman and the Commission on Disability Issues last night announced the winners of the County’s 14th Annual Disability Awards Program, which spotlights people and advocates who have made significant contributions to full inclusion in community life for all citizens. The ceremony was held at the Bain Center at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia.

The winners in seven award categories were:

Employer: River Hill Sports Grille – The River Hill Sports Grille was nominated for their commitment to advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Howard County. The restaurant values diversity as evidenced by hiring practices that welcome people with disabilities and recognizes that increasing job responsibilities and advancement are core components for a productive and motivated workforce.

Service Provider: The Arc of Howard County – The Arc of Howard County was nominated for providing the necessary support for full community participation, specifically in the area of employment. The Arc works diligently to find job matches where individuals will flourish and increase their skills resulting in greater independence for the people they serve. The Arc believes job development and placement is not a one size fits all process and tailors services to meet the needs of the individual.

Educator: John Wyseman – John Wyseman, a work study/transition teacher at Reservoir High School, was nominated for demonstrating creativity and flexibility, as well as developing instructional methods customized to meet each student’s learning style. He has a unique gift for creating educational solutions customized to meet each student’s learning style,and pulling the necessary resources together to ensure each student’s success. Mr. Wyseman is an educational leader who envisions and creates methods to help his students reach their full potential.

Accessibility – Universal Design: Jay Raksin – Jay Raksin was nominated for creating barrier free solutions resulting in improved daily life for people with disabilities. For the past 15 years, Jay has worked for The Arc of Howard County which serves many individuals who are aging. For this population to comfortably age in place, renovations to their existing homes were needed. Jay spearheaded the effort to obtain funds and recruited volunteers to assist with the renovations of three Arc homes.

Individual Achievement: Deanna A. Green – Deanna Green was nominated because she is an outstanding role model, mentor, community advocate and educator. Deanna is currently employed as the Consumer Program Coordinator for the local National Alliance on Mental Illness “NAMI” in Howard County. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership as a local, state and national spokesperson for people who live with chronic mental health diagnoses, touching many lives with her personal story of overcoming obstacles. She also provides support and mentoring to people experiencing difficulty accepting their illness and complying with treatment.

Individual Youth Achievement: Mirza Rayyan Baig – Rayyan Baig was nominated for achievements and involvement in a wide range of school and personal development activities. A 2008 graduate of Atholton High School, Rayyan was on the honor roll during his senior year and an active member of the varsity cheerleading squad. He successfully completed work study placements in varied settings, eagerly learning new tasks and developing new work skills. Rayyan is an amazing young man who through dedication, hard work and persistence has demonstrated that success. He is currently enrolled at Howard Community College.

Commission Achievement: Joanne Piersall – Joanne Piersall was nominated for bringing extraordinary passion, leadership, vision and skill to her position as vice chair of the Commission on Disability Issues. Joanne helped coin the tag line, “Celebrate the Possibilities,” that is now used to mark this awards program. Like many of us, she chooses to celebrate the possibilities in everything she does to serve this commission and county.

For more information on the event or to arrange to interview the winners, please call Erica Lewis, Disabilities Services Specialist, at 410-313-6402 or TTY 410-313-6401.