Washington, DC - The Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) of Washington, DC, will host its 25th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 27, 2005, from 10 am-2 pm. The event, held in the Mayor’s press briefing room at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, on the ground floor, will pay tribute to individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions in areas of employment, advocacy, and community service.
Awards will be presented in the following areas:
· MCPD Chair’s Humanitarian Award - Colbert King, Deputy Editorial Director of The Washington Post. Mr. King was selected for his series of editorials on the incarceration of
quadriplegic Jonathan Magbie, who died in custody of DC Department of Corrections. Mr. King's articles highlighted the treatment of the disabled within the entire Justice System.
· Joy Evans Outstanding Achievement Award - Brian Forsyth, Jr., a consumer and an advocate selected for his demonstrated courage in overcoming a disabling condition and whose
life provides motivation, determination and positive change in the lives of persons with disabilities.
· Andrew Wood Advocacy Award - Robert “Bobby” Coward, Director of “DIRECT Action.” Mr. Coward is an individual with mobility challenges, who has made significant contributions
to serving persons with disabilities through advocacy. In addition, Bobby upholds the legislative process through effective testimony before the DC City Council and other legislative
organization.
· Beatrice Campbell Community Service Award - The National Children’s Center, Inc. (NCC). NCC is an organization in the District of Columbia that demonstrates outstanding
community and volunteer service and whose practices have facilitated technological advancements for persons with disabilities.
· Employer of the Year Award- Art Enables, an organization in the Metropolitan area which employs local artists, with various disabilities, and provides them with guidance from
professional artists who help them to exhibit and sell their artwork.
MCPD is a division of the Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services Administration and its events are open and accessible to all. For more information, contact Rhonda Stewart at (202) 442-8464.