	February 2000

From The Desk Of...

A Message From Chairperson Gaynell Colburn

Welcome to the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities Fifth Annual Awards Luncheon. We are here today to celebrate excellence in employment by honoring deserving employees and employers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the workplace. Thank each of you for coming today and for sharing in this experience with us. To the employees and employers of the year, congratulations on a job well done.

As the 21st century approaches, there are still strongholds of inequality against people with disabilities. There is still resistance to change. Still, far too many people with disabilities are unemployed and underemployed and face attitudinal and policy barriers. Each of us must work to breakdown these strongholds. As we have done in the past, the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities will continue to work with the citizens of Baltimore, city and state agencies, and our friends from the various disability commissions and organizations within the region, to serve as an advocate for people with disabilities.

Finally, as Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke leaves office, on behalf of the Commissioners, I would like to thank him for his leadership in creating the Commission and fostering an environment for its growth and service to the community. Thank you Mayor, and much success in your future endeavors!

Ms. Rebecca "Becky" Ogle, Executive Director

Becky Ogle, a native of Tennessee, was named Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities on June 26, 1998. Prior to her appointment to the Presidential Task Force, Ms. Ogle held a number of positions advocating for the health care, employment and the societal inclusion of people with disabilities. Ms. Ogle's involvement with government started in 1990 when she worked as Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy for the Spina Bifida Association of America. Ms. Ogle has also held a number of disability outreach positions in the 1992 and 1996 Clinton/Gore campaigns and inaugural primary committees, including Director of Disability Outreach in the Office of Public Liaison for the 1996 Clinton/Gore General Election Committee. Ms. Ogle has led several legislative and public education campaigns related to the important issues the Task Force is addressing, including health care, accessibility, and assistive technology.

Erma Perry-Chief of Disability Management/ADA Coordinator and Luncheon Chairperson

Thanks to Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, more than nine years ago I had the incredible privilege of attending a weekend conference hosted by the United States Conference of Mayors. Information from that conference set the stage for Baltimore's response to its responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Essentially, the conference was a "cookbook" for ADA coordinators in municipalities nationwide as we prepared for the tasks of assuring that our cities would be equipped with the knowledge to move ahead with pro-active compliance with the ADA. Mayor Schmoke appointed a group of citizens and city agency representatives to serve on the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Issues Impacting Disabilities. During this time I was appointed ADA Coordinator for the city. Along with my staff, technical assistance was provided to the Mayor's Advisory Committee. The Mayor's Advisory Committee established an ADA plan of action with timelines for implementation consistent with the timelines mandated by the United States Congress. The plan, named ""Access with Dignity" was signed by Mayor Schmoke on June 26, 1992, and continues to provide the guidance to agencies for architectural and program accessibility.

I am especially proud to note my involvement in helping to shape the ordinance defining the work of the current Mayor's Commission on Disabilities. In 1995, I was honored to receive the Maryland Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities' award for public service for the work benefiting people with disabilities in our community.

As chairperson of the 5th annual Mayor's Commission on Disabilities awards luncheon, I welcome each of you as we celebrate five wonderful years showcasing the "best of the best" in employment of people with disabilities, I have had the opportunity to grow as I have observed nominees and honorees that share Mayor Kurt Schmoke's vision, and the spirit of the ADA to empower individuals to live happy and productive lives through full employment.

The Executive Director
Nollie P. Wood, JR., Ph.D., M.P.H.

According to Tony Coelho, Vice Chair of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities, during the first three years after ADA was passed more than 800,000 adults with severe disabilities went to work. As more and more individuals enter and re-enter the workforce, the example of increased hiring clearly helps to erode deeply rooted stereotypes, myths and misconceptions. But for the millions of people with disabilities still waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves, statistics are not very encouraging. Mr. Coelho further reminds us that "the staggering unemployment rate facing Americans with disabilities is a problem that effects all of our citizens, and it is up to everyone to confront his or her own attitudes. By making a conscious effort, each of us can make a difference."

The City of Baltimore, through its Mayor's Commission on Disabilities and city agencies continues to impact its citizens by addressing such issues as transportation, housing, telecommunications, employment, and public service. The Commission is especially pleased with our accessibility work with ArtScape, Port Discovery, and along with the Department of Personnel, our accessibility tour for visitors from Baltimore's Sister City, Kawasaki, Japan.

In 1997, the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities honored Mayor Schmoke as a visionary. The vision for the formation of the Commission speaks to the Mayor's concern for the future of our city, and places in history his legacy of empowerment and respect for individual and collective excellence for Baltimore's citizens.

Mayor's Commission On Disabilities 1999 Honorees

Employer of the Year - Public
Department of Recreation and Parks
Thomas V. Overton, Director

The Department of Recreation and Parks has consistently hired persons with disabilities in positions from custodial workers to office support staff to managers. The employees are spread throughout the department from our maintenance units to publicity and promotion to recreation administration. The department is especially proud of the employees who have been hired in their therapeutic recreation division. Many of them started out as young campers and were hired when they reached adulthood. The department employs auxiliary aids and services as well as assistive technology to accommodate employees with disabilities. Also, the department is working diligently with the Office of Occupational Medicine and Safety to return temporarily disabled employees to work. Additionally, the department has served as an alternative assignment for employees from other agencies that have been injured on the job,

Employer of the Year - Private
National Information Services Corporation (NISC)
Fred Durr, President

NISC is a software publishing company. It distributes data covering a wide range of topics in the natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities. The primary customer is the academic community. The president, Fred Durr initiated a discussion with The League to hire a qualified shipping clerk. The League staff was able to recommend a qualified individual to fill the position and he was hired. While the newly hired person was qualified to perform his duties, Mr. Durr had to work with him on issues of hygiene and inappropriate boundaries with the staff. This was a period of adjustment not only for the employee, but also for the staff at NISC who did not have extensive experience working with a person with a developmental disability. Mr. Durr kept in very close contact with staff at The League and requested feedback in order to address sensitive issues related to the employee. Mr. Durr was willing to provide assistance with the employee's need for stable housing. Without the active advocacy of Mr. Durr, the initial problems the employee faced could have escalated resulting in termination of the employment. Mr. Durr is recognized because his actions exceeded the mandated laws. He recognized a quality employee and made the necessary accommodations to retain the employee.

Mayor's Commission On Disabilities 1999 Honorees

Employee of the Year - Public

Edwin Donald Wayson, Jr.
Systems Analyst I
Baltimore Police Department

Edwin Donald Wayson, Jr. is a former Baltimore Police Officer who was grievously injured in an automobile accident, As a result of the accident, Mr. Wayson was paralyzed from the chest down. Only through hard and painful work and gritty determination, he recovered some limited use of both arms and even less use of his hands. After a few years, Mr. Wayson began to explore employment options, opting to return to school to learn data processing. He was subsequently re-employed by the Police Department as a civilian computer programmer An example of Mr. Wayson's skill was demonstrated a few years ago when a software vendor for the department was unable to deliver a promised feature. Mr. Wayson taught himself a totally new computer language and wrote the program himself. That was more than five years ago. The enterprise-wide program is still in daily use throughout the department, collecting all the department's crime data for reporting to the FBI. Mr. Wayson's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Essex Community College.

Employee of the Year - Private

Katie Brennan
Program Associate
Port Discovery Children's Museum

Working with large numbers of visitors and in a variety of situations is challenging, Ms. Brennan has accepted this challenge and meets the demands of the job with a positive attitude and endless determination. Ms. Brennan assists visitors and school groups with the hands-on building activities in the workshop and art studio. She provides information and problem solving skills in the two main exhibitions, and meets the safety and comfort needs of the visitors. Ms. Brennan participated in the Children's Museum's first overnight program, touring 25 energetic girl scouts around the building for several hours. Her passion and desire to help the visitors are apparent. Ms. Brennan does not let her physical challenge inhibit her ability to think of new ways to adapt to new situations. She is always offering her help in whatever ways possible.

Mayor's Commission On Disabilities
Distinguished Service Award

The Mayor's Commission on Disabilities is pleased to award Frederick Douglass High School for distinguished service to students with disabilities. Frederick Douglass High School, under the leadership of Dr. Rose Bacus-Davis, partners with the National Organization On Disability to provide an internship program that involves paid employment and training for high school seniors who are disabled. The Start on Success Program involves a combination of resources including The State of Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services who provides instruction in employability skills; East Baltimore Resources, Incorporated, providing vocational supports and linkages; and the University of Maryland Medical System, providing work sites for students. University of Maryland Baltimore County undergraduate and graduate Social Work students provide job coaching and onsite supports

A Jewel Of A Teacher

Mrs. Jewel Churn, music teacher, is an outstanding example of The Douglass Cultural environment. She has worked as Music Academy leader, providing program leadership and program development for more than thirty years. She recently came to the attention of The City's Disability Management program, when it became known that she required a reasonable accommodation in order to perform the teaching tasks required of her assignment. The school faculty, staff and a full-time aide has been available for such tasks as, writing assignments on the board, getting students organized, duplication of class assignments, and follow-up with students where necessary.

Orchids!! to Baltimore City Schools Systems. Frederick Douglass High School and Mrs. Jewel Churn.

D.
Caroline Koger, a part time MD TAP volunteer (r-standing), shares smiles with Mayor Schmoke (c), Erma Perry (l-standing), Rebecca "Becky" Ogle (l-front row, seated) and, Gaynell Colburn (r-front row, seated).

D.
Linda Harris (l), Gaynell Colburn (c), Mayor Kurt Schmoke (l).

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Mayor Schmoke shows Gaynell Colburn that chivalry is, indeed, not dead.

D.
Carroll R. Armstrong, President and CEO Area Convention & Visitors Association, Gaynell Colburn and Mayor Kurt Schmoke.

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Mayor Schmoke presenting award to Public Employee of the Year, Edwin Donald Wayson, Jr. Erma Perry (l) and Dr. Nollie P. Wood, Jr. (r) look on.

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Mayor Schmoke presents award to Private Employee of the Year, Katie Brennan. Gaynell Colburn looks on.

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Mayor Schmoke presents award to Frederick Douglass High School, Dr. Rose Bacus-Davis, Principal receives the award.

D.
Pecolia Blackwell, Commissioner member (l) enjoys lunch with Bobette Watts (c), Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities.