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April 1995 |
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April 1995 |
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Diane Ebberts, Director of the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities recently presented the town of Frederick, Maryland the only Honorable Mention awarded in the annual National Organization on Disability's Community Cash Awards Competition. Frederick won in the category of communities with less than 50,000 population. Nine other communities nationwide received awards ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 with the largest cash award being $10,000. The awards recognize the most creative programs which increase the participation of people with disabilities in the life of the cities, towns, townships and counties where they live.
In announcing the winners, Jim Brady, vice-chairman of N.O.D. noted, "It is exciting to witness the changes that are occurring at the grass roots level in this country as people with disabilities are empowering themselves to take an active role in their communities. Attitudes of non-disabled people towards those of us who have a disability are changing as physical barriers are coming down. We're showing we have much to contribute to America and we're proving it big time!"
Frederick was recognized for its Challenge Theater, a division of the Arc of Frederick County, Inc. The theater produces plays dedicated to educating young people to the needs, challenges and potentials of people with disabilities. Challenge Theater provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to be active participants in professional theater productions and to be paid for their contributions as actors and crew members. Peggy Sheehan and Jo Houck of Frederick are co-directors of the company.
Frederick is a member of N.O.D.'s Community Partnership Program (CPP) a national network of more than 4,100 towns, townships, cities and counties committed to increasing the participation of people with disabilities in au aspects of community life. Charlotte Glick is the community's N.O.D. Representative. She was appointed by Mayor Jim Grimes to the post.
The N.O D. Community Cash Awards Competition is sponsored annually by the Westinghouse Electric Company. For additional information on the program contact Shirley Sandage, Director of Program Development at N.O.D.
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Challenge Theater strives to eliminate attitudinal barriers that prevent people
with disabilities from becoming involved in all aspects of community life. The
shows tour to grades K-6, featuring a small cast of actors, including actors who
are disabled, set, costumes, music and audience participation. The plays are
supported by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, issued by the
Frederick Arts Council.
An original play, JUNK (Just Us Normal Kids), by Michael Hulett, toured to schools, arts festivals and community theaters this past year, including at-risk schools. The play featured five actors, including a Frederick County High School student who had cerebral palsy. The lessons of friendship, caring, cooperation and teamwork were taught in an educational and entertaining way. Challenge Theater was invited to perform JUNK at the Kennedy Center for the Very Special Arts Festival in April, 1994. Challenge Theater provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to be active participants in theater productions and to be paid for their contributions as actors and/or crew members. Challenge Theater plans to continue producing plays that feature actors and/or crew who are disabled. A new original musical play will premiere in early April, teaching positive solutions to problem solving, map skills, geography and cooperation through teamwork. This is an exciting project which enables Challenge Theater to continue to provide educational and entertaining live theater to young people. Perhaps this quote from a young student who saw JUNK says it all, " I learned to respect other people." |
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