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| St. Coletta of Greater Washington Chief Executive Officer Sharon Raimo (center) received a lifetime achievement award for her work benefitting Arlington residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman and Marjorie Nolan presented the award. |
ARLINGTON, VA | 3-6-2012-- Arlington County today honored two individuals and three local employers for making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:
- Julia DeLeon, an instructional assistant with the Stratford Program, a secondary school for Arlington Public School students who have special needs.
- Sharon Raimo, chief executive officer of St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a non-profit agency whose mission is to serve children and adults with intellectual disabilities and to support their families.
“Julia DeLeon and Sharon Raimo have dedicated their careers to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes. “They embody the Arlington vision of inclusiveness, wherein ‘each person is important.’”
Three local employers were also honored for their long-term commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities.
- Revolution Cycles
- Joint Base Myer/Henderson Hall and Commissary
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
“Employment often facilitates meaningful and wider community integration,” said Hynes. “It can lead to increased self-esteem and a higher status in one’s own family and social group. Higher income can lead to increased independence and participation in the community. This is as true for employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities as it is for all of us. The employers we are honoring today are making a difference by improving the quality of the lives of Arlington residents who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. I hope this morning’s ceremony will serve as a reminder to us all that there are benefits to hiring individuals with disabilities, and that these persons can be and are a valuable part of our workforce.”
