Disability Potpourri is a listing of: interesting articles, upcoming events, and any other item of interest that pertains to "Disability Issues". If you have an item of interest that you would like to see posted on this page, e-mail us with your request. Thank you, for visiting our website.
The Frederick County Commission on Disabilities (FCCOD) held their fourth Annual Disability Awareness Awards Banquet October 16 at the Cozy Restaurant in Thurmont. Joanna L Pierson, PhD, Director of the Arc of Frederick County was this year's recipient of the award.
Dr Joanna L. Pierson, center, was awarded the fourth Annual Disability Awareness Award by Karlene Kaufmann, right, Chairman of the Frederick County Commission on Disabilities, at the awards banquet held at the Cozy Restaurant on October 16. Commissioner Bruce Reeder, left, presented Dr Pierson with a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners.
Dr Pierson has held this position for the past 27 years. In her acceptance speech she stated that her parents had taught her three things: to listen to people, don’t think you know everything, and help people get what they want. She went on to say that these three principles had helped her in her career at the Arc. In 1958 a group of Frederick County parents started services for children with mental retardation. This volunteer effort started as Harmony Grove Day Care which evolved into Rock Creek School.
As the children grew, their needs created Jeanne Bussard Workshop in 1965, and then the Scott Key Center was opened, as part of the County Government. Residential services for people with mental retardation were developed, not as State Institutions as proposed, but as group residential homes on Market Street and E. Patrick Street.
In 1979 the program became too large for the volunteers to continue to run and Dr Pierson was hired as Director. This program now serves 10, 541 people with developmental needs in the state of Maryland each year. The Arc continues to operate on the principles of listening to the people and helping them get what they want to live the lives they want.
Commissioner Bruce Reeder presented Dr. Pierson with a Proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County for promoting awareness of disabilities in Frederick County. Karlene Kaufmann, Chairman of the Commission on Disabilities, also presented Dr. Pierson with a plaque commending her for her service to our community.
The FCCOD has completed the Needs Accessibility Survey identifying the needs for services in Frederick County. These results can be seen here or by contacting Mary Lee Schumeyer, Liaison to the FCCOD, at 301-694-1663.
The Frederick County Commission On Disabilities are pictured above. They are: 1st row; (left to right) Donna Haught, Recording Sec, Karlene Kaufmann, Chairman, David Stephenson. 2nd row: Pati Redmond, Linda Howard, Jamey George, Gil House, Mary Lee Schumeyer, Frederick County Liaison to the Commission. Members absent from photo: DeWayne Phillips and Richard Lind.
Emergency Preparedness Seminars
Help Maryland lead the way in emergency preparedness and response for individuals with disabilities.
The seminars will be held on November 28, 2006. Click on the above link for registration and seminar information.
Travel, Business or Pleasure
Travel and Recreation Information for People with Disabilities from the "ADA in Focus" publication, Summer 2002 edition.
The Road To Travel Independence
Public transportation offers individuals with disabilities greater independence and access to employment, recreational and cultural opportunities. This video was developed through a partnership between Way Station, Inc., Frederick Community College/Job Training Agency Customized Training, and TransIT to assist organizations such as Abilities Network, Way Station, and the ARC to train their clients in how to use transit services.
Here are some additional resources to assist people with disabilities in planning travel and
recreational activities:
Deaf Mall Travel Services
Travel Services by and for the Deaf.
ABLEDATA
1. On the website, choose the high or low graphic site
2. Go to "Resource Centers", then "Travel"
Institute on Independent Living
(A site rich with international and US resources)
12 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-694-1663
Fax: 301-631-2314, MD Relay: 711
E-mail: info@fccod.org