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See release for photo caption.
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DATE: October 30, 2009
CONTACT: Don Sinclair, Human Services Department
PHONE: 954-357-6157
EMAIL: dsinclair@broward.org
The Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities presented the 2009 Disability Awareness Awards during a recent ceremony at the University Center at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. The event was held in conjunction with the 30th Annual DisAbilities Expo and in honor of National Disability Awareness Month (October).
The advisory board presented 13 awards in nine categories. The honorees were selected from nominations submitted to the advisory board by members of the local community.
The DisAbilities Expo provided the public an opportunity to gain information about services, resources and products for persons with various disabilities within the community. The expo was presented in part by the Broward County Libraries and Parks and Recreation divisions, Paralyzed Veterans Association of Florida, Center for Independent Living, 2-1-1 Broward, Nova Southeastern University Office of Student Disability Services and the Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities.
For more information on the 2009 Disability Awareness Awards and/or the Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities, call the Broward County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards at 954-357-6500 (voice), 954-357-6181 (TTY) or visit www.broward.org/disability.
A complete listing of the 2009 Disability Awards honorees and category descriptions are cited below.
2009 Disability Awareness Awards and Honorees
Advocate of the Year - Awarded to an individual or entity whose nomination indicates outstanding achievements in advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities within our community. 2009 Advocate of the Year: Tonya Fox Shaw, special needs coordinator, Memorial Healthcare System
Most Innovative Local Project (Government) - Awarded to a city or county project, program, service, or physical design or alteration to a facility that demonstrates an outstanding contribution to our community. 2009 Most Innovative Local Project (Government): City of Pembroke Pines Miracle Field
Most Innovative Local Project (Private Industry) - Awarded to a local private industry project, program, service or physical design or alteration to a facility that demonstrates an outstanding contribution to our community.
2009 Most Innovative Local Project (Private): ARC Broward "Parents as Teachers" (PAT) Program
Outstanding Local News Coverage - Awarded to either a local news agency or news professional that demonstrates outstanding coverage of a disability-related issue that has contributed to our community.
2009 Outstanding Local News Coverage: The Miami Herald Broward Neighbors Section
Service Provider of the Year - Awarded to a local nonprofit agency that provides disability-related services and has demonstrated outstanding or innovative achievements in service delivery, advocacy, new programs, or physical accessibility.
2009 Service Provider of the Year: Alzheimer's Family Center, Inc.
Student of the Year - Awarded to a student with a disability who currently attends a local school and has demonstrated either outstanding academic achievement or has demonstrated achievements in advocacy for the rights of students with disabilities. Two students were honored for their efforts this year. 2009 Students of the Year: Matthew Iscovits, Broward College, and Garrett Mayersohn, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Teacher of the Year - Awarded to a teacher for any local private or public institution who demonstrates outstanding achievement teaching students with learning, physical, or sensory disabilities. 2009 Teacher of the Year: Jorge Rios, Wingate Oaks Center, Adult Program
Transportation Driver of the Year - Awarded to a transportation driver who demonstrates outstanding customer service and service delivery for persons with disabilities. This year, two drivers were honored for their work and service to their clients.
2009 Transportation Drivers of the Year: Jack Bently and George Schwab, both with Handy Van
Volunteer of the Year - Awarded to an individual whose nomination indicates outstanding achievements as a volunteer to an agency that assists persons with disabilities. For 2009, three individuals were selected due to their exemplary volunteerism.
2009 Volunteers of the Year: Dr. Jacob Benson, Broward County Talking Book Library; Celia Chacon, Host of Cooking Without Looking (PBS) and Vision World Foundation; and Elliott Galland, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Volunteer Ambassador
Photo Caption:
The award for the "Most Innovative Local Project Government" was awarded to the City of Pembroke Pines for its Miracle Field, which is the home site of the Miracle League, a baseball program for youth with disabilities. Pictured, left to right, Chuck Vones, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Pembroke Pines; Karen Dickerhoof, Chair, Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities; Mayor Frank Ortis, City of Pembroke Pines; Broward County Commissioner Lois Wexler; Mary Palacios, Special Populations Coordinator, City of Pembroke Pines; and Mario Salceda, Commissioner, West Pembroke Pines Miracle League.
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