Contact: Betsy Tolbert Luecking, 240-777-1256 (V/TTY)
For Immediate Release: August 7, 2001

County Seeks Nominations For 2001
Pyramid Awards; August 15th Is Deadline

Montgomery County is seeking nominations for its 15thh Annual Pyramid Awards, which recognize individuals and employers committed to full inclusion of people with disabilities in our community. The deadline for nominations is August 15.

Nominations are being sought for the following categories: Customer Service Award, Best Practices in Employment Award, and Outstanding Professional Serving the Disability Community Award. The Customer Service Award is presented to an individual, organization or business that has demonstrated an outstanding record of providing customer service to people with disabilities. The Best Practices in Employment Award is presented to a nominee that is an employer from the federal, local government or private sector in the Washington Metropolitan area that has demonstrated an outstanding record in employing and/or training individuals with disabilities who work or reside in Montgomery County. The Outstanding Professional Serving the Disability Community Award is presented to an outstanding professional who has consistently, creatively and effectively contributed toward creating opportunities in our community for people with disabilities.

In addition, five special awards established in honor of local disability advocates-- The Virginia C. Andary Award, the Margit Meissner Excellence in Transition Award, the Betty Ann Krahnke Assistive Technology Award, the Cory Moore Advocacy Award, and the Kermit Mohn Barrier-Free Design Award -- will also be presented at the October 30 ceremony hosted by County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. The Virginia C. Andary Award provides financial assistance for persons with disabilities to join or continue employment. The Margit Meissner Excellence in Transition Award recognizes a professional or volunteer who contributes to the successful transition of Montgomery County Public School students with disabilities. The Betty Ann Krahnke Assistive Technology Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary use of assistive technology to access communication and curriculum and/or employment in the categories of public school student, college student and employee. The Cory Moore Advocacy Award will be given to a parent or other family member who has displayed extraordinary commitment to the preparation and employment of people with disabilities. The Kermit Mohn Barrier-Free Design Award will be given to a public or private facility located in Montgomery County which has adapted its facility to meet the access needs of people with disabilities.

The Pyramid Awards are sponsored by the Montgomery County Executive, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Human Resources and the Commission on People with Disabilities. To receive a nomination packet or for more information, call Gloria Huggins or Betsy Luecking, Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services, Commission on People with Disabilities at 240-777-1246 Voice or 240-777-1236 TTY.