Disability Award Winners

LAS VEGAS

AFSCME Local 101 (Council 57) at the Santa Clara Valley Water District saw a problem and found a solution. That involvement made the local a winner in AFSCME’s 1999 Disability Awards competition — with a $500 prize.

Each year, in partnership with the National Organization on Disability, AFSCME makes two such awards to affiliates that have been involved in efforts to support or assist those with disabilities. This year’s awards were presented at AFSCME’s Women’s Conference in Las Vegas.

When Local 101 joined the area’s “Adopt a Creek” program, members and their families focused on maintaining a specific area as wheelchair accessible. This helps make the natural beauty of this part of the county available year round to all members of the community.

The other winner has a more personal story.

Members of Williamsport, Ind., Local 2601 (Council 62) responded to the needs of a young pregnant woman paralyzed in a vehicle accident. The local mobilized other unions and the community at large and organized a raffle and donation drive to purchase a special van for her.

Not only did they raise enough money for the van, they were also able to buy a three-year warranty on it and a year’s worth of insurance — with $1,200 left over for gas.

Next year’s awards will be presented at AFSCME’s International Convention in Philadelphia. To apply, affiliates should send a detailed statement explaining their efforts to help individuals with disabilities. Send it to: Kerry Korpi, Director of AFSCME’s Department of Research and Collective Bargaining Services, 1625 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2000. For more information, call (202) 429-1215.