The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD), in conjunction with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, has announced the winners of their annual awards, which will be presented at an upcoming reception on Thursday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m., at the American Physical Therapy Association (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100). The event will also feature a panel discussion on creating equitable and inclusive communities.  The event is free and open to the public.  Registration is encouraged, but not required.  Visit the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce event registration page to register. 

The following individuals will be recognized by the ACPD:

• Katherine Kelly Waters, a student at Alexandria City High School, will receive the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, which is awarded to an Alexandria resident or student with a disability who is seeking post-secondary education.
• Steven Gordon, Assistant United States Attorney and Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the Eastern District of Virginia, will receive the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, which recognizes an individual who advocates for and contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for people with disabilities in Alexandria.

The following organization will be recognized with a Commitment to Disability Award by the ACPD and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce:

• Brain Injury Services will be recognized for its commitment to providing services and support for persons with disabilities, and for making special efforts to raise positive awareness of and advocate for the needs of persons with disabilities.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact acpd@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3140, Virginia Relay 711.

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD), in conjunction with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, have announced the winners of their annual awards.

The following individuals will be recognized by the ACPD:

• Hiba Masood, a student at George Mason University, is the recipient of the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, which is awarded to an Alexandria resident or student with a disability who is seeking postsecondary education.
• Lieutenant Jason North, with the Alexandria Police Department, is the recipient of the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award. The award recognizes an individual who advocates for and contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for people with disabilities in Alexandria.

The ACPD and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will recognize Greenstreet Gardens and Scramble Indoor Play with Disability Awareness Awards for each organization’s commitment to hiring persons with disabilities and aiding employees with disabilities in furthering their careers.

The awardees were honored in a prerecorded video with closed captions.

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) is a  17 member volunteer resident at large body appointed by the Mayor and City Council to provide advice to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager on policies, programs, and legislation affecting Alexandria's residents with physical and sensory disabilities.

Its mission is "to promote the rights of persons with disabilities by advocating for equality, dignity and independence through advising the community and advancing public awareness."

Through its Executive, standing, and ad hoc committees, the ACPD focuses its work on issues related to transportation, accessibility, housing, employment, and public awareness.  The ACPD presents awards including the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, two Disability Awareness Awards presented in conjunction with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

The ACPD meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month in the Chet and Sabra Avery Room 2000 at City Hall, or virtually.  The public is encouraged to attend.  For more information or reasonable disability accommodations, contact Miladis Martinez Gutierrez  at 703.746.3140, Virginia Relay 711 or acpd@alexandriava.gov.

For further information about the responsibilities of this commission, or to apply to serve on a board or commission, contact the City Clerk's Office at 703.746.4550.

Board and commission vacancies

• Virginia Poverty Law Center Senior Legal Helpline
• Tax Relief and Assistance Program for Elderly and Disabled Person 
• Recently passed law for Alexandria residents provides tax advantaged saving opportunities for persons with disabilities and their families. 
• National Disability Institute's Presentation on ABLE

We welcome donations to support our scholarships and other programs.