Politics & Government

Baltimore County Honors Disabled Residents and Supporters

The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities presented executive citations at a luncheon held in the Hunt Valley Marriott.

The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities recognized disabled residents, their families, employers, organizations and other supporters at a lunch on Wednesday in the .

Santa Wallace, a recent graduate of Goucher College, was honored with the education advocate award. Wallace was left a quadriplegic after she was hit by a drunk driver more than 20 years ago while walking down the street.

"In spite of its limits and challeges, my disabilities have given me life," Wallace said. "Just because someone is able-bodied doesn't mean they're able."

Find out what's happening in Hunt Valley-Cockeysvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Janice Jackson, executive director of Women Embracing Abilities Now (WEAN), was also left disabled as a result of a car accident. She was given the disability support award for the work she has done with her organization, which services disabled women. During her acceptance speech, Jackson acknowledged other members of WEAN who were in attendance.

"These are the women who put the 'we' in Wean," she said. "These are the women that unselfishly give to the community."

Find out what's happening in Hunt Valley-Cockeysvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Robin and Kim Willard, who received the family support award, have two sons with special needs.

"We would like to accept this award on behalf of the many families who are doing what we're doing," Robin Willard said.

student Amber Joy Miller was honored for receiving straight A's in her general and special education classes, cheerleading, swimming and her work in the student government association.

"Thank you all for nominating me," she said.

Here's a full list of honorees.

EMPLOYER AWARD: Shane Imschweiler; Catonsville Home Depot

PUBLIC AWARENESS AWARD: Mary Anne Kane Breschi; Maggie's Light Foundation

EDUCATION ADVOCATE AWARD: Santa Wallace; Goucher College

DISABILITY EDUCATORS AWARD: Kirsten Merashoff; Perry Hall Middle School

VOLUNTEER AWARD: John and Terry Fram; Maryland Council for Special Equestrians

DISABILITY SUPPORT AWARD: Janice Jackson; Women Encouraging Abilities Now

STUDENT AWARD: Amber Joy Miller; Middle River Middle School

TEACHER AWARD: Suzanne Beer; Ridge Ruxton School

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROGRAM AWARD: Zoey Robinson; B'More Abilities Special Arts Center

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AWARD: David Lesane; Baltimore County CountyRide

DISABILITY ADVOCATE AWARD: Kelby Brick

EMPLOYEE AWARD: Ruth Tayman; Catonsville Applebee's

FAMILY SUPPORT AWARD: Robin and Kim Willard

SPECIAL CHAIRPERSON'S AWARD: Dr. Nancy Grasmick


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Hunt Valley-Cockeysville