July 11, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Erica Lewis, ADA Specialist, Department of Community Resources and Services, 410-313-6402 (Voice/Relay)
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Commission on Disabilities has announced that nomination forms are now available for its 2019 awards program. Awards are given annually to recognize outstanding efforts by individuals, businesses and community organizations that advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws. To be eligible, nominees must live, work or conduct business in Howard County. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, August 14, 2019.
“In Howard County, our goal is always to be a model community that provides the best quality of life for everyone. We owe a great debt to the hardworking individuals and groups who serve our residents with disabilities and their families, and those who promote disability rights in our community,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “If you know of a person or group who leads by example on these issues and expands opportunity for the disabled community, I encourage you to nominate them for this award.”
The nomination categories and eligibility criteria are:
- Employer Award – An employer who values diversity and provides equal opportunities for employees with disabilities, as evidenced by hiring practices, staff development, advancement possibilities and/or accommodation practices.
- Service Award – A person or organization that advocates for and supports individual choice in areas of education, employment, housing, social and/or recreational activities through commitment to self-determination and integration.
- Physical Accessibility Award – A person or organization that advances universal design through broad spectrum, barrier-free and assistive solutions to improve access for people with disabilities and benefit the general population.
- Programmatic Accessibility Award – A person or organization that demonstrates a commitment to the spirit of the ADA and other disability rights laws through welcoming environments and accommodations that allow participation beyond legal requirements.
- Individual Achievement Award (Adult) – An individual, 22 years of age or older, who has a disability and has achieved success as a role model or leader in a specific area, including, but not limited to, athletics, art, education, employment and/or community advocacy.
- Individual Achievement Award (Youth) – An individual, 21 years of age or younger, who has a disability and has achieved success as a role model or a leader in a specific area, including, but not limited to, athletics, art, education, employment and/or community advocacy.
For details about the award categories or to download a nomination form, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/CDI. To have a form mailed to you or to request the nomination packet in an alternate format, contact Erica Lewis, 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or ealewis@howardcountymd.gov.
Submit completed nominations by:
- email to Erica Lewis at ealewis@howardcountymd.gov; or
- mail to Howard County Commission on Disabilities, Attention: Erica Lewis, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046; or
- fax to 410-313-6424, Attention: Erica Lewis