The Connection

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities met with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce at City Hall to recognize two local companies who have worked to improve the lives of those with disabilities, and two Alexandria residents for their experiences with disabilities and disabled students. Members of the City Council were in attendance as Mayor Allison Silberberg spoke to honor the recipients.

Great Harvest Bread Company was honored for its commitment to hiring students with disabilities from T.C. Williams High School. Silberberg recognized Great Harvest for providing “tangible and transferable skills” to persons with disabilities through their internship programs.

Rebuilding Together Alexandria was recognized for providing free home modifications and repairs to Alexandria residents. The organization installs upgrades such as wheelchair ramps, chair lifts, hand rails, grab bars and safe flooring for low-income residents. Last year they served more than 100 clients with almost 60 percent of those clients having a self-diagnosed disability. CEO Katherine Dixon received the award: “We didn’t do it for the awards, but it's swell to be recognized.”

Silberberg then awarded the Gerry Bertier Scholarship to Ariel Marie Coburn, a recent graduate of T.C. Williams High School. The Bertier Scholarship is awarded based on merit to a city resident with a disability who is seeking a post-secondary education. The award is given in memory of Gerry Bertier, the co-captain of the Titans 1971 football team who became disabled and was a strong advocate for disability rights. Coburn stood out from other applicants as being a “self-reliant and responsible” student. She will continue her education at Northern Virginia Community College in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in art therapy.

The John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate Award was given to Sister Anne Tardiff, who is one of the founders of the Academic Enrichment Program at Bishop Ireton High School. She has worked for 20 years with “passion and dedication” to improving the lives of students with ADD, ADHD and learning disabilities. The award includes a $500 donation in the recipient’s name to an organization of their choice that contributes to promotion of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities within Alexandria. It is provided by the Collins family in memory of John Duty Collins who was founder and vice chair of the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. He worked to improve the accessibility in facilities throughout Alexandria.

“It’s great to recognize companies and people who are quietly working to better the lives of other people,” said Jonathan Mook, chair of the awards committee for the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. “They deserve some credit for the hours they put in.”