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 State
of Alaska > DOLWD > Vocational
Rehabilitation > State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee
COMMITTEE HONORS ALASKANS WITH DISABILITIES
Employers, Organizations and Individuals Recognized
On Thursday, October 7, 2004, the Governor’s Committee on Employment
& Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities will hold its Annual
Awards Ceremony honoring individual Alaskan’s, employers and organizations
that have helped advance the employment of people with disabilities. This
year’s awards ceremony coincides with activities across the nation
that recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Ceremony
will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge
in the Edgewater Ballroom. There is no charge for this event.
The Governor’s Committee on Employment & Rehabilitation of
People with Disabilities will honor the following individuals, employers
and organizations at this year’s awards ceremony:
The GOVERNOR’S AWARD is awarded to
Kathy Privratsky. This past year Kathy went above and beyond the call
of duty to save a non-profit agency in distress. When the small agency’s
executive director and assistant both announced their resignations, Kathy,
on a volunteer basis, pulled the agency up by their bootstraps writing
grant reports and proposals. Thanks to her the agency secured funding
for an additional year and people with disabilities will continue to receive
the technology they need!
The SMALL EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD is
awarded to Safeway Eagle Foods in Seward. They are recognized for their
exceptional effort to employ people with disabilities and comply with
the Americans with Disabilities Act. Safeway Eagle Foods has made it possible
for people to become self-sufficient and has been an exemplary example
to other businesses in Seward which have in-turned followed suit and hired
people with disabilities.
The LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD recognizes
a business with more than 200 employees and this year it’s awarded
to Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines has employed people with disabilities
for several years and has taken major steps to educate its employees about
the value of hiring people with disabilities. Throughout the nation they
have sponsored and conducted training on disability issues. This has resulted
in a higher level of awareness and better services for everyone who flies
on Alaska Airlines.
The REMOVAL OF ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS AWARD
recognizes an agency or individual that has made a significant contribution
to the reduction or elimination of attitudinal barriers for people with
disabilities. This year Selina Moose of Anchorage was selected as the
award recipient. She was nominated for her courage to speak out and start
community discussions about AIDS in remote villages in Alaska. This was
a topic that was never previously discussed in public. She is quoted as
saying “HIV can wipe out a village – we had to tell our people
because not telling them may mean extinction. We honored our parents by
thinking of our children and the future generations to come.” The
award is given in honor of her brother Frank who died of AIDS and for
her supportive family members.
The CAROLYN PETER VOLUNTEERISM AWARD honors
a person who devotes a considerable amount of time to volunteer activities
that affect people with disabilities at a local, state or national levels.
Marci Clifton is the selected recipient of this award. She is described
as being an inspiration to others and has volunteered at numerous agencies
throughout Anchorage. “She is a relentless voice for those who cannot
always speak for themselves.” Marci, who also has a disability,
spends a substantial amount of time advocating for the poor and people
with disabilities. She strives to empower and educate people so they may
help themselves.
The BARRIER FREE DESIGN AWARD recognizes
the architect or owner whose facility design and construction demonstrates
exceptional access for use by people with disabilities. Anchorage RV Park
which is owned by the Native Corporation, Cook Inlet was selected for
this award. The Park has numerous accessible features including paved
paths, campsites, and fully accessible showers and toilet facilities.
The CHAIRPERSON AWARD. This award recognizes
an individual who is an inspiration and a role model to others who has
increased the awareness of employing people with disabilities. Mr. Casey
Rasley who resides in Fairbanks is the recipient of this award. Mr. Rasley,
who has a disability, has been an employee of the University of Alaska
Fairbanks Rasmuson Library for the past twenty-five years. He is described
as being pleasant, outgoing and a person who has a willingness to get
to know and greet everyone in the Library. Casey Rasley is commended for
his dedication and long-term employment with the University of Alaska
Fairbanks!
The HEWITT MEMORIAL AWARD recognizes an
individual who is an outstanding rehabilitation professional who has been
of extraordinary benefit to individuals with disabilities. John Osborne
is this year’s recipient of the Hewitt Memorial Award. John has
spent over 25 years working in the vocational rehabilitation field. He
started working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 1975 in Tennessee
and moved to Alaska in 1981.John recently retired from the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation as the Regional Manager for Southeast Alaska.
During his career John exemplified the meaning of “collaboration”;
he co-authored a grant that provided funding for the Tlingit and Haida
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Today because of John’s
collaborative efforts, that program is a national model for other Tribal
programs. More than just a teacher to VR staff, John proved to be a true
mentor and leader.
The ALASKAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded
to Mr. Kevin Lankford of Fairbanks. This award honors an individual with
a disability whose achievements are an inspiration to all people. Mr.
Lankford is employed as a Licensed Psychological Associate and provides
direct services to individuals with disabilities. He has done an outstanding
job in promoting the public awareness of how to assist those with disabilities
in practical and feasible ways. Mr. Lankford knows first hand about he
issues affecting people with disabilities as he has Cerebral Palsy. His
psychological assessments have been described as being factual, honest
and well received by his clients. He empowers those he serves by giving
them constructive information about themselves that leads them to making
realistic vocational choices.
Front row: Marci Clifton - Carolyn Peter
Volunteerism Award, Amy Taute & Mary Wallace representing Alaska Airlines
- Large Employer of the Year -, & Casey Rasley - Chairperson’s
Award
Back row: Chip Drawdy (Safeway Foods) - Small Employer
of the Year, John Osborne - Hewitt Memorial, Selina Moose - Removal of
Attitudinal Barriers, & Kevin Lankford - Alaskan of the Year, &
Kathy Privratsky – Governor’s Award, Cook Inlet Native Corporation
– Barrier Free Design (not pictured)
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