City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

City of Alexandria, Virginia

Office of the City Manager
Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street, Suite 3500
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2001
CONTACT: PENNY CRAWLEY (703)838-0928

ALEXANDRIA COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AWARDS

Barbara Gilley, Chair of the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities, announces the
availability of the following awards:

The Community Organization Grants Program is designed to assist non-profit agencies in Alexandria in removing barriers and extending services to Alexandria citizens with disabilities. The $500 award, which must be matched by resources from the applicant organization, can be used for a range of services and programs aimed at better meeting the needs of Alexandria’s citizens with disabilities.

The John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate Award recognizes those individuals or groups who have been instrumental in assuring that Alexandria is a good place for people with disabilities, and their families, to live. The award consists of a plaque and a $500 donation in the recipient’s name to an entity that contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in Alexandria.

The Gerry Bertier Scholarships are awarded to Alexandria’s graduating high school students with physical or learning disabilities, who are preparing to attend college or a vocational school. Applications for these $1000 scholarships must be accompanied by a copy of the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Form (FAF) or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Nomination forms for all three awards are available from the Commission, c/o Penny Crawley, Alexandria Office of Aging and Adult Services, 2525 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301-1159. For more information and nomination forms, call Penny Crawley at (703) 838-0928. In order to be considered, forms must be postmarked by May 11, 2001. Applications for the Bertier Scholarship are also available at the T.C. Williams High School Financial Aid Office.

John Duty Collins III was a former Vice Chair and member of the Commission, who made significant contributions to enhance opportunities for persons with disabilities in Alexandria. The Collins Award was made possible by a trust fund established by Mr. Collins’ family after his death.

Gerry Bertier, star athlete for T.C. Williams High School, upheld his star athlete status as a member of the U.S. Wheelchair Olympic basketball team and the National Wheelchair Games competition after an automobile accident left him with a mobility impairment. Prior to his death, Mr. Bertier became a strong advocate for disability rights, promoting the installation of wheelchair ramps throughout the City.

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities is a 17-member citizen advisory board appointed by the Alexandria City Council. The Commission is charged with assuring that each citizen with a disability in the City of Alexandria is treated fairly, provided equal protection under the law and afforded full and equal opportunity in society. Funds for the Bertier Scholarships and Community Organization Grants Program are raised annually by special Commission activities. The Commission also serves as the City’s Disability Services Board providing service for people with physical and sensory disabilities.