UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George George’s County Executive Jack Johnson, along with Congressman Steny Hoyer, Deputy Chief Administrator Officer of Health and Human Services, Howard Burnett and Director of Family Services, Patricia Morris recently joined Family Services and the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities for their annual recognition luncheon at LaFountaine Bleu in Lanham, Maryland.
 
“I am proud that this month was created to bring about greater awareness, understanding and support for individuals with disabilities.  We are all a part of the human race and every person with a disability should be respected and valued as contributing members of our society,” said Johnson.
 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was enacted to end disability-based discrimination, and to promote inclusion, full participation, economic self-sufficiency and quality of opportunity to all people with disabilities.

A riveting keynote address was delivered by Selene Faer Dalton Kumins, Director of Metro Access Services, who shared a personal story about her plea for help in order for someone to assist her with pressing an elevator button that was not reachable from her wheelchair.

Congressman Hoyer reminded the luncheon attendees “to see people as people and that all of us have some sort of apparent and non-visible disability.”

Another integral part of the luncheon was the awards ceremony that highlighted service providers.  
As the award recipients were called upon to receive their honor Burnett stated, “You play such a crucial role on so many levels to effect a positive difference in the lives of those you serve and we thank you for turning hopes and dreams into reality for people with disabilities.”  

2009 Award Recipients:

Anthony Cancelosi of the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind received the 2009 Employer of the Year Award; Jay Lord received the 2009 Employee of the Year Award; Dr. Paul Hahn & The Children’s Development Clinic received the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award and Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community development Rental Assistance Division  received the 2009 Partnership Award.

At the conclusion of the program Johnson remarked, “Today’s celebration and those happening throughout the United States are the result of the long struggle that people with disabilities have had in achieving their civil rights and the chance to pursue their goals.”

Johnson further noted, “It is encouraging that there has been a steady stream of significant steps forward in recognizing both the rights and varied capacities of people living with disabilities however, there is still work to be done as noted by Ms. Kumins when sharing her elevator experience.”