Nominees Sought For Those Who Champion Disability Rights In Howard Co.

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The Howard County Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for its 2023 annual awards program. These awards recognize individual achievement and outstanding efforts of those who 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.

Nominations must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 21.

“We strive to make Howard County a place that provides the highest quality of life for all,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a news release. “These awards provide an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities and acknowledge employers and other community members who are committed to providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities.”

To be eligible for these awards, nominees must live, work or conduct business in Howard County. The award categories 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: An individual 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.
• Accessibility Award: An individual or organization that advances universal design through barrier-free and assistive solutions to improve access for people with disabilities and benefit the general population; or an individual or organization that demonstrates a commitment to the spirit of the ADA and other disability rights laws through welcoming environments and accommodations.
• 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.
• 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.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy or copy in an alternate format can be requested by contacting Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or emailing cod@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted.

Completed nominations may be submitted by email to cod@howardcountymd.gov or mailed to: Howard County Commission on Disabilities, Attention: Erica Lewis, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046.

Award winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by County Executive Ball and members of the Commission on Disabilities on Thursday, Oct. 5, at noon at the County’s Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia. The celebration will feature a panel presentation by individuals sharing their life experiences of living life to the fullest with a disability.

The Commission on Disabilities increases public awareness of disability-related issues, serves in an advisory capacity on County ADA programs and policies, and works with County Government to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA.

For questions and/or more information about these awards, contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or emailing cod@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Commission on Disabilities, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/cod.