 Employers, Organizations, Individuals Recognized by Governor's Committee October 16, 2002
"Alaskans with disabilities are part of our state's vibrant and productive workforce, helping move Alaska forward into the 21st Century," Knowles wrote. "Across the nation, people with disabilities are becoming ever more integral to our economy." The recipients of this year's awards include: Alaska's LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR is Larry Baker of Restaurants Northwest in Anchorage, which operates 22 Burger King restaurants in Alaska. Baker says that his greatest accomplishment has been hiring people with disabilities, something in which he takes great pride. The SMALL EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR is Northland Wood of Fairbanks. The company, which has been in business for decades, produces milled lumber for local needs. Without fanfare, Northland Woods has quietly hired people with disabilities throughout the years. This year's GOVERNOR'S AWARD is given to the Civilian Personnel Advisory Office at Ft. Richardson, headed by Bobby Cayabyab. This award recognizes the public, private or civic organization that has done the most to promote awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities. The Advisory Office has assisted dozens of individuals with disabilities to gain employment by advocating for them with hiring authorities on post. The REMOVAL OF ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS award, which goes to an agency, company or individual that has made a significant contribution to reducing or eliminating attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities, is awarded to Jennifer Jones of Anchorage. Jones, who works with the Governor's Council on Disabilities, leads the Alaska Works Project to help change organizational systems. The BARRIER FREE DESIGN award recognizes the architect or owner whose facility design and construction demonstrates exceptional access for use by people with disabilities. Goldbelt, Inc. of Juneau, owner and operator of the Mt. Robert's Tram and facilities, receives this year's award. Their tramway facilities were designed so that people with various disabilities might experience riding the tram, enjoying the facilities and programs at the top of the mountain, and using some of the nearby trails. The JOHN HEWITT award goes to an outstanding rehabilitation professional whose work has been of extraordinary benefit to people with disabilities. Richard Siegrist of Palmer began the Elks Help lending library of assistive technology devices 15 years ago in Fairbanks. This free, statewide lending service allows people to borrow devices or equipment before they buy, to make sure the item serves their needs. Siegrist has been a traveling rehabilitation engineer and consultant for decades. He publishes a free catalog of equipment available to try out. The CAROLYN PETER award honors a person who devotes a considerable amount of personal time to volunteer activities that affect people with disabilities at a local, state or national level. Ruth L'Hommedieu of Fairbanks was selected for the 2002 award because of her extensive involvement in numerous boards, committees, commissions and other activities that affect many people within the disabled community. Two outstanding individuals received the CHAIRMAN'S AWARD. Matt Lee of the Tlingit - Haida Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and Phillip Albert, Jr. of Tanana Chiefs Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program, were honored for their exceptional efforts to increase the employment of Native people with disabilities in the communities they serve. The ALASKAN OF THE YEAR award goes to Teisha Simmons of Fairbanks. Simmons directs the Che'ghutsen program (an Athabaskan term for "Children are Precious"), which offers culturally appropriate mental health services to Alaska Native children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances, and to their families. She was seriously injured in a car accident while in high school, but has now completed a Bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is completing her Master's degree while working full time.
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