[StBernard] 2007 Governor's Disability Community Action and Leadership Award Ceremony

[Westley Annis]

2007 Governor's Disability Community Action and Leadership Award Ceremony

BATON ROUGE - The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs is hosting the 2007 Governor's Disability Community Action and Leadership Award Ceremony at the Governor's Mansion Friday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. The "Sign Song Singers" from the Louisiana School for the Deaf will perform prior to the ceremony. Awards will be presented to the following recipients on behalf of their commitment and service to persons with disabilities in Louisiana:

*	The Patsy Barrett Memorial - honoring a woman with disabilities who was a human rights activist will be awarded to Mattie Wilson from Shreveport
*	The Ken Vince Memorial - honors a man with disabilities who was a rehabilitation counselor and advocated for persons with disabilities. Allan Walker Estes will be presented this award.
*	The Youth of the Year - in recognition of a teen ages 13-19 who is a model of achievement and inspiration to other youth with disabilities will be given to Robert Landry of Thibodeaux.
*	The Distinguished Merit - is bestowed upon an agency or individual for their extra-ordinary service in the disability field. James Wallace, the former Director of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services of Baton Rouge is the recipient of this award. 
*	The Volunteer of the Year - recognizes extraordinary service by an individual who has enhanced opportunities for persons with disabilities. Wardette "Dee" Ducote will be awarded this trophy.
*	The Outstanding Direct Support Professional - Mabel Jenkins Dorsey will be awarded for her dedication, commitment and care beyond the call of duty.
*	The Family of the Year - Donna and Gregory, Kayla and Casey Breaux from Kenner will be given this honor for their example of family life and commitment as well as their service to the disability community.
*	The Employer of the Year - recognizes a company that actively recruits, hires and accommodates employees with disabilities. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana from Baton Rouge will be the recipient of this award. 
*	The Media of the Year - honors a radio, television or publisher for outstanding coverage and concern for persons with disabilities. KTIB AM Radio the Al Carter Show of Thibodaux is this year's recipient.

For more information about the 2007 Governor's Disability Community Action and Leadership Award Ceremony please contact the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs at 225-219-7500 Toll Free at 877-668-2722 or visit the website at www.goda.la.gov <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=4783&ID=dpiLehiJnOnq&redirect=http://www.goda.la.gov> . 


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