The City of Alexandria is pleased to announce the winners of the annual recognition awards presented by the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) in collaboration with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. These awards were presented at a reception, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

The following individuals were recognized by the ACPD: 

• Heather Schofield, a student at Alexandria City High School, received the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, which is awarded to an Alexandria resident or student with a disability who is seeking post-secondary education. 
• Dena Penner, Chair of the Alexandria PTA Council Special Education Committee, received 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 ACPD had learned that, since receiving her award, Ms. Penner sadly passed away, on August 7, 2024. Ms. Penner was a distinguished advocate for maternal and child health, childhood vaccinations, special education, and children with disabilities, and her loss is felt by the entire Alexandria community. Prior to her passing, Ms. Penner selected Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats to receive the $500 charitable donation that accompanies the Collins Award. Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats has a mission to provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to engage in meaningful work and job training in an inclusive environment that celebrates their varying talents and connects them with the community.

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

• Our Stomping Ground was recognized for its commitment to building inclusive communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by securing affordable housing, providing monthly public programming, and advocating for a more equitable and just society. 

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.