Andrews to be Recognized as Advocate of the Year

Montgomery County Councilmember Phil Andrews was recognized for his efforts to help the developmentally disabled on Oct. 18, as the Maryland Chapters of The Arc present him with the Maryland State Advocate of the Year Award.

The award was presented during the organization’s 2013 convention at the BWI Airport Marriott Hotel in Linthicum.

Councilmember Andrews was nominated for the award by the Arc Montgomery County. In a letter notifying the Councilmember that he has been selected, Carol Fried, president of The Arc Maryland, said the award “is presented to an individual who has contributed to the dignity of persons with developmental disabilities and whose actions have significantly improved the quality of life of an individual or individuals, led to positive systematic change or protected basic human, civil or legal rights.”

In 2012, Councilmember Andrews proposed a Montgomery County Charter Amendment to establish “a special hiring authority within the County merit system to recruit, select and hire persons with significant physical or cognitive disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities.” The charter amendment was approved overwhelmingly by voters in November 2012. Councilmember Andrews then sponsored the legislation that implemented the Charter amendment.

“I am honored that The Arc Maryland has selected me for this award,” said Councilmember Andrews. “Often, people with developmental disabilities are not in a position to fully advocate for themselves. I have been proud over the years to join with other advocates for these special people to make sure their voices are heard and that they are recognized to have the same rights as all other people in our society.”