NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñ Several Vanderbilt employees were recognized by the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities at the committee’s 23rd Annual Recognition Reception held at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development Nov. 15. The committee presented its annual awards in 12 categories to people, organizations or businesses that have enhanced the lives of those in the disability community.
Vanderbilt award recipients included Caresa Young, coordinator of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic, who received the Educator Award, and Mary Murray, social worker in Social Services at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, who received the Health Care Provider Award.
The Professional Award recognized Access Nashville, a group of volunteers from the disability and business community who worked together to identify "accessibility friendly" places for out-of-town visitors who have disabilities such as mobility, vision or hearing impairments. Vanderbilt staff recognized for their contributions to Access Nashville were Carole Moore-Slater and Meredith Lorber of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, Sara Ezell of the Opportunity Development Center, Emmy Hubbard of the Office of Intercultural Affairs and Diversity Education, Carol Kirshner of the Junior League Family Resource Center, and Laurie Sisk of Waddell and Reed Financial Services, who is a member of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Leadership Council.
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper received the Legislator Award for his legislative initiatives on behalf of persons with disabilities.
Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell gave special recognition to Jackie Page and Fran Binkley for their long-time dedicated service to the Metro Disability Services Office and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Director Pat Levitt recognized artists with disabilities who took part in "Creative Expressions X," an annual art exhibit at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center co-sponsored by the Mayor’s Advisory Committee. Artists with work currently on display are Anne Ambrose, Wendy Brooks, Debbie Elaine Brown, Cheri England, Jesse Fortner, Grace Walker Goad, Paula Haney, Ricky Henry, Daniel Hepburn, Laura Hudson, Geraldine Kuttab, Shirley Ledford, Sarah Ross, Darryl Sadler, Delsenia Sales, Robert Guy White, Sandra Williamson and Crystal Woods. The exhibit is on display in the lobby of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center during business hours through the end of December.
Media contact: Melanie Catania, (615) 322-NEWS
Melania.catania@vanderbilt.edu
Stephanie Comer, (615) 322-8240
Stephanie.comer@vanderbilt.edu