7/20/2005
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Monica Whitfield Brase, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor presents access and inclusion awards
INDIANAPOLIS - In conjunction with the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mayor Bart Peterson presented 2005 Access and Inclusion Awards. The awards are given annually to businesses, organizations and individuals making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities through a commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
"This past fall, Indianapolis was recognized as one of America's most disability-friendly communities," Mayor Peterson said. "Today we celebrate the contributions of these award recipients and thank them for all they have accomplished to create opportunities for persons with disabilities in Indianapolis. They are the reason we are a disability-friendly community."
The following received awards:
Sharon Byrkett, James Pauley Lifetime Service Award
Sharon has devoted a large part of her life advocating for and serving the interests of persons with disabilities in Indianapolis. Sharon is a licensed social worker who currently works as a Disability Resource Specialist for the WorkOne center at Goodwill Industries. Sharon has been an active member of the IndyGo Mobility Advisory Committee since 1992, where she serves as chairperson and assists IndyGo in an advisory capacity to facilitate transportation service delivery to individuals with disabilities. Sharon's involvement in the community is substantial and includes participation on the Governor's Planning Council for Persons with Disabilities, the National Association of Developmental Disabilities Council; the Indiana Association for Persons in Supported Employment; the Central Indiana Muscular Dystrophy Association, Easter Seals of Indiana, National Council on Independent Living, Indiana Institute for Disability and Community, Riley Hospital for Children, and the Oversight Committee of Community Residential Services, Division of Aging and Rehabilitative Services.
The James Pauley Lifetime Service Award was established in memory of James K. Pauley, who was one of the founders of the Indianapolis Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability and its chairperson from 1978 to 1980.
Wishard Health Services, Health Information Management, Employer Award
Wishard Health Services operates Wishard Memorial Hospital, Lockefield Village and Midtown Community Mental Health Center and serves all of Marion County with a commitment to the needs of the underserved. Wishard works hand-in-hand with community advocacy groups to enhance volunteer and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities at its facilities and goes above the call of duty to make employees and job seekers with disabilities feel welcome.
The Employer Award was designed to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing training and career opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Theater of Inclusion, Accessibility Award
The Theater of Inclusion was established in 2000 by Dante Ventresca to ensure persons with disabilities could participate, on a level playing field, in the performing and visual arts. The Theater of Inclusion's innovative programs in Indianapolis provide multiple and on-going opportunities for persons with disabilities to be inspired as well as offering others inspiration through their creative expression. Since its creation, the Theater of Inclusion has reached communities throughout the Midwest and as far away as Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The Accessibility Award is designed to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to ensure persons with disabilities can participate in events, programs and activities offered in Indianapolis. Contributions to any and all aspects of community life such as art, culture, recreation, leisure, commerce, travel, and worship are considered.
In addition to the awards presentation, twenty exhibitors provided information and resources relating to disabilities. Exhibit participants included: Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Noble of Indiana, Deaf Community Services, Goodwill, and Bosma Industries.
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