Advisory Commission on Disabilities Presents 2011 Recognition Awards
Awards Ceremony Will Take Place at Technology Resource Fair on Saturday, October 8
Naperville's Advisory Commission on Disabilities will honor two individuals and a local business that has made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Naperville at its Assistive Technology Resource Fair taking place on Saturday, October 8.
The recognition award winners were selected based upon a number of criteria, including an individual or business that supports full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life; removes barriers in the workplace; and provides exemplary service in furthering the rights, dignity and access for people with disabilities.
The 2011 Recognition Award recipients in the individual category are Patrick Berthold and Steve Ciambrone. Berthold and Ciambrone were selected based on their diligent efforts in making the Naperville Exchange Club's annual Ribfest event accessible for people with disabilities. Due to their hard work and commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Ribfest now provides accessible entrances, accessible viewing areas, accessible parking and shuttle service and many other accommodations.
The dental practice of Dr. David R. Newkirk, D.D.S., is the 2011 Business Recognition Award recipient. Dr. Newkirk and his staff have volunteered hundreds of hours offering free dental work for people with disabilities. Individuals who have received these free services not only report improved oral health but improved health overall. Dr. Newkirk and his staff often volunteer at local free clinics. Dr. Newkirk is not only an activist for people with disabilities locally, he is also an international lecturer and educator.
Other individuals and businesses nominated for these awards include:
• Pat Adamatis for her work as an adaptive physical education teacher in Naperville Community School District 203;
• Chris Murphy for his outstanding work as a student commissioner on the Advisory Commission with Disabilities;
• Barb Brown for her efforts in helping a student with disabilities who is employed by Sodexo and works in the Naperville Central High School kitchen;
• Metro Door Service for providing adaptive home equipment and installation; and
• Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 for creating more than two dozen full and part-time employment positions for students with disabilities.
The 2011 Recognition Awards ceremony will kick-off the Advisory Commission on Disabilities Assistive Technology Resource Fair taking place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. The fair is free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend; the award ceremony will take place in Council Chambers.
For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/resourcefair.aspx or contact Accessibility Coordinator Marita Manning at (630) 420-6725 or manningm@naperville.il.us. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.