7/16/2007
Media Contact:
Angie Nussmeyer, 317/ 327-5235 |
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Mayor Peterson presents Access and Inclusion Awards
Ceremony recognizes those that are making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities
INDIANAPOLIS – To celebrate the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mayor Peterson and the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) recognized members of our community that are making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities at the annual Access and Inclusion Awards ceremony.
The 2007 award recipients are:
• Karen Pedevilla, the James Pauley Lifetime Service Award
• Jane Fortune, Accessibility Award
• Conrad Hotel, Employer Award
“Over the last three years, Indianapolis has been recognized for being one of the top ten disability friendly cities, “said Mayor Peterson. “Our annual Access and Inclusion awards give
us an opportunity to honor those people who help the city demonstrate to employers, residents and visitors that Indianapolis is a great place to live, work and play.”
The James Pauley Lifetime Service Award is given to an individual who demonstrates outstanding contributions promoting the inclusion and independence of persons with disabilities. Past winners include the late David Scott, Sharon Byrkett and Ron Brown.
The Accessibility Award recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to ensure persons with disabilities can participate in events, programs and activities offered in Indianapolis. Past winners include Karen Russo with Power Soccer of Indy, Indianapolis Art Center and the Conseco Fieldhouse Design Team.
The Employer Award is designed to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to providing training and career opportunities to persons with disabilities that promote inclusion. Past winners include Dr. Michael A. Evans and AIT Laboratories, the Atlanta Bread Company, Wishard Health Services: Health Information Management and WTHR-TV, Channel 13.
About the Award Winners
James Pauley Lifetime Service Award
As the mother of a son with cerebral palsy, Karen Pedevilla is dedicated in both her personal and professional endeavors to aid adults and children with disabilities in leading independent and fulfilling lives. She works with the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) to carry out this mission today and in the past with Technology Through Action in Indiana (ATTAIN, Inc.) and First Steps. After receiving a degree from Partners in Policy Making with a focus in Disability Advocacy Training, Pedevilla has served over a decade on the Council of Volunteers and Organizations for Hoosiers with Disabilities, Inc. (COVOH) and has committed herself in several other organizations to benefit the lives of people with disabilities. She has also served as an advocate in many seminars and before the Indiana Legislatures.
Accessibility Award
In early 2006, Jane Fortune approached the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) to make the arts accessible to all, regardless of ability. As the recent improvements were being made to the museum, Fortune saw her opportunity to make not only the building more accessible, but the programming events and classes held there as well. Her generosity has allowed the IMA to further include visitors with vision and hearing disabilities and allows the IMA education program in collaboration with Very Special Arts (VSA) of Indiana to provide more resources and experiences for adults and children with disabilities in Indianapolis.
Employer Award
The Conrad Hotel provides a supportive and appreciative environment of employees and job seekers with disabilities. The company cooperates patiently with their employees with disabilities and assists agencies to ensure they have the tools they need and a comfortable atmosphere.
About the Access and Inclusion Awards Ceremony
The 2007 Access and Inclusion Awards celebrate the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a historic piece of civil rights legislation that mandates equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities. In enacting the ADA, Congress declared that the United States’ proper goals are to assure that persons with disabilities have equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
The Awards ceremony also recognizes those businesses, organizations and individuals who made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities through a commitment to inclusion and accessibility. In addition, the Access and Inclusion Awards raise awareness about the needs and abilities of citizens with disabilities.
About the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability
The Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability was created to promote the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities within the Indianapolis community and to advise the mayor and the city administration on issues that impact people with disabilities. The 2007 vision statement for the MACD is “Opening doors to persons with disabilities through education.” For more information on the MACD, the Access and Inclusion Awards or disability etiquette visit www.indygov.org/macd.
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