Ability Counts Luncheon Winners Go "Beyond The Walls"
Oct. 11, 2002
Sixteen individuals and organizations will be recognized for their contributions to remove the wall of barriers for people with disabilities at the 2002 Ability Counts Community and Student awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Ballroom, Third and Jefferson streets.
The Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues and the city's Equal Opportunity Department coordinate the Ability Counts Awards Program, which recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the advancement of people with disabilities.
This year's community award winners are:
¨ Architectural Accessibility
Award - American Express Travel-Related Services - Desert Ridge Campus,
¨ Employee of the Year Award
- Ella Pitchford, Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center
¨ Employer of the Year Award
- American Express
¨ Media Award - HMA Public
Relations
¨ Phoenix Mayor's Award -
Joseph Mikitish, state of Arizona, Office of the Attorney General
¨ Don Aldrich Advocacy Award
- Bruce A. Gardner, APS/Pinnacle West Dr. Max Dine, Arizona Center for
Disability Law
The annual student awards program recognizes outstanding students with disabilities
for their personal and academic achievements. For students in grades one through
nine, the first place winner will receive $500 and the second place winner
will receive $250. For 10th grade through college, winners will receive awards
of $2,000 for first place and $1,000 for second place.
"Improbable Theatre," Phoenix-based artists dedicated to the personal, social
and political voices of people with disabilities will perform three original,
dramatic and humorous vignettes for luncheon attendees. Through these vignettes,
they hope to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue and influence public
behavior and policy regarding people with disabilities.
Cost of the luncheon
is $30 per person, and the proceeds will benefit the Ability Counts Student
Scholarship program that recognizes outstanding Phoenix students with disabilities.
Corporate tables are available for $500. The event is sponsored by the Phoenix
Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues, Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department,
Aramark, KTVK 3TV and the Phoenix Suns. For more information, disability accommodations
or to reserve a seat, call 602-262-6690/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY.
The commission
celebrates the achievements of the winners of the 2002 Ability Counts Student
and Community Awards, who have refused to be limited by physical and mental
barriers or attitudes.
Detailed information about the winners.
Media Contact:
| Marcie Colpas |
602-262-6164 |
