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2019 Disability Awareness Awards Call Out Heroes

Susan Collins, City Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Katy Neas, Ja’Nae Corbin, Mayor Justin Wilson, Shannon Tud Steene, City Councilwoman Del Pepper, Colin Campbell, Lucy Beadnell, and Charlotte Hall.

By Mary Wadland

ALEXANDRIA,VA- Presented by the American Physical Therapy Association and sponsored by Alexandria’s Chamber of Commerce and the City’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities, the 2019 Disability Awareness recipients were honored at City Hall in a moving ceremony on June 27, 2019.

The Carpenter’s Shelter received the Awareness Award, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore was recognized with the Hiring Award. The Carpenter’s Shelter has served the homeless in Alexandria for 30 years. The population includes people with a variety of physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities. They have been working to ensure that their facilities will effectively serve those who need housing. The Professional Development Program for employees is designed to help grow the skills needed to serve those with disabilities.

Mayor Justin Wilson and Ja’Nae Corbin with the Gerry Bertier Scholarship Award.

The Hiring Award is given to businesses committed to hiring persons with disabilities or aiding in their career advancement. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a group of non-profit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new or gently used furniture, appliances, and accessories. ReStore assists volunteers with disabilities by teaching the skills necessary in retail sales that can be used in mainstream establishments. Mentors are made available in this safe and supportive environment.

Susan Collins, Lucy Beadnell, recipient of the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, with husband Ray and children, Levon, Ophelia and Arcus, and Mayor Justin Wilson.

In addition, Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy at the Arc of Northern Virginia was awarded the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award (which is endowed by John’s sister, Susan Collins), and Ja’Nae Corbin picked up the Gerry Bertier Scholarship Award.

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987.

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