Disabilities luncheon honors individuals and businesses
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 20, 2017 5:50 AM
Full Size
News-Argus/PHYLLIS MOORE
The Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Goldsboro community relations department, handed out five awards during the annual Mayor's Disabilities Award luncheon, held Thursday at Goldsboro Event Center. From left, Goldsboro Mayor Chuck Allen, Jeff Brogden of University of Mount Olive, employer of the year; Willie Kornegay, employee of the year; Jay Webber of Longhorn Steakhouse, voted most accessible business; Susie Howell, committee member of the year; and Dr. Michael Bunch of O'Berry Center, Mayor's Trophy
Five awards were handed out during the annual Mayor's Disabilities Award Luncheon on Thursday, recognizing individuals and businesses that make life better for those with unique challenges.
The City of Goldsboro community relations department along with the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities hosted the celebration, held at the Goldsboro Event Center.
Guest speaker was Stephanie Scott, a deaf services specialist with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, who is deaf-blind herself.
Accompanied to the podium, she acknowledged the woman who stood behind her, appearing to rub Scott's back.
No, she was not a masseuse, Scott said, smiling broadly before explaining that she was getting "information on my back."
Scott was actually receiving signals, she said, of things to be aware of in the audience.
She said she preferred to take the "dis" off the word disabilities.
"Yes, we're called disabled but I'm open to finding ways to be able," she said. "We have to adapt to the world around us but with support we can do it.
"This world is a big place and you can be a great influence. When you're faced with barriers, be an inspiration."
Scott shared some of her own obstacles early on, like when she was preparing to graduate from high school and contemplating going to college.
"I was told, 'No, you're deaf-blind, you can't go to college,'" she said.
Fortunately, she had supportive family and teachers encouraging her.
"I was very motivated to show that I could do it," she said.
She earned a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree, both from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She went on to teach before getting her current job 14 years ago. She has dedicated her career to helping other deaf-blind individuals have careers and fulfilling lives.
"I just had to persevere," she said. "People influenced my life. Now I can influence other people's lives."
Susie Howell announced the award recipients, with the exception of one presented to her, for being committee member of the year.
Employer of the year, for demonstrating outstanding achievement providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, went to the University of Mount Olive. UMO has participated through such efforts as internship programs, particularly in the grounds and maintenance area.
The employee of the year award, given to someone who has overcome challenges to find success in the workplace,, went to Willie Kornegay, who has worked at Wayne Opportunity Center since 1999.
"He has had erratic housing, limited support and physical and other challenges," Howell said, adding this he has worked in many areas and been praised for his teamwork and approach to jobs. "He cares about others and seeks opportunities to help them."
The most accessible business award, presented for making significant contributions to ensure that people with disabilities have full access, was presented to Longhorn Steakhouse.
The Mayor's Trophy award goes to the individual or organization who has made contributions in support of persons with disabilities.
This year's recipient was Dr. Michael Bunch of O'Berry Center -- hired as staff physician in 1998, becoming chief of staff in 2003 and then in 2011 appointed medical director.
"He's a vital part of O'Berry Center with a passion for providing compassionate medical services," Howell said.
Another recognition was also made, in the form of an inaugural scholarship named for LaTerrie Ward, former community affairs director who headed up the Mayor's Council for her entire 30-plus-year career. The $250 scholarship in her name, for a young person going to college, had been announced in 2016 when LaTerrie retired.
Ward, who has since married and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, attended the luncheon, saying it was one of the special committees she enjoyed working with in Goldsboro.
She used the opportunity to make an announcement of her own, donating an additional $300 to the scholarship amount.
"I hope next year we can be able to present a $1,000 scholarship," she said, making a challenge to the committee. "Whatever you donate, I will match it."