The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) is seeking applications and nominations for the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, and two Disability Awareness Awards in conjunction with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Gerry Bertier Scholarship

The Gerry Bertier Scholarship is awarded based on merit to a City of Alexandria resident with a disability or to a student with a disability attending a school located in the City of Alexandria who is seeking post-secondary education.

John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award

The Collins Award recognizes an individual who advocates for and contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities within the City of Alexandria.

Disability Awareness Awards in conjunction with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

1. An Alexandria business that commits to promoting positive awareness among its employees of the needs of customers with disabilities or otherwise makes special efforts to render its goods or services accessible to persons with disabilities.
2. An Alexandria business that makes a commitment to hire persons with disabilities or aid employees with disabilities to further their careers.       

The deadline is April 30, and the awards will be presented at a reception at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday,  June 30, 2026.

Online submittable application/nomination forms:

Bertier Scholarship

Collins Award

Fillable PDF application/nomination forms:

Bertier Scholarship

Collins Award

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 Delante Wade  at 703.746.3140, Virginia Relay 711 or delante.wade@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.