Anne Arundel County Announces DisAbility Awareness Day Honoree 2016

From Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities:

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues has chosen James Dunne as the 2016 DisAbility Awareness Day Honoree. Mr. Dunne will be recognized during the 2016 DisAbility Awareness Day activities which begin at 11 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15th, at Westfield Annapolis Mall. County Executive Steve Schuh will present this award and other recognition awards at 11 a.m.

"We are honored to recognize Mr. Dunne who has dedicated himself to the development and empowerment of Boy Scouts with special needs," says Joelle Ridgeway, Commission chairman. "Mr. Dunne has contributed so much to the disability community and we thank him for his dedication."

Mr. Dunne has been the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 216, a special needs troop, since 1995, which was originally formed in 1978. Throughout the last twenty years, Mr. Dunne has encouraged the boys to build self-confidence and gain the willingness to try things they have never done before. "We have tried to provide a Boy Scout program within the capabilities of our Scouts," stated Mr. Dunne. "Each year we teach personal safety, especially in buildings, first aid, knots and other scout items hoping that our Scouts will retain information that will assist them in making decisions." Scouts participate in leather craft and work towards various Merit Badges such as woodworking, painting, plumbing and electricity. Scouts also attend summer camps where they can hike, shoot, camp, swim and earn badges.

Boy Scout Troop 216 allows boys with special needs of any age to remain Scouts for as long as they are interested in participating. The Scouts like to participate in the activities, are proud to wear their uniform, and enjoy spending time with their peers. Mr. Dunne has learned from his scouts, "Patience and willingness. Enthusiasm of the boys is infectious. Making each activity a positive experience is challenging and gratifying."

The public is invited to attend the free 2016 DisAbility Awareness Day events. Exhibitors who provide services to individuals with disabilities will have free information. Additional awards will be given to employers of people with disabilities as well as to churches and other groups that have made contributions to the disability community.

For more information about the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, or for anyone needing special accommodations to DisAbility Awareness Day may contact the ADA Coordinator/Community Services Supervisor 410-222-4383. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

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