Northwest Florida Celebrates!
By Annette ZeebNorthwest Florida celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a 2015 Awards and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on July 29 at the Escambia Westgate School in Pensacola. The master of ceremonies was Representative Clay Ingram. The keynote speaker was the United States District Judge Lacey Collier. He shared how he went from finding the funds for a van to building a foundation to fulfill the vision of Susan Barry, the principal at the Westgate School, that students with disabilities would have a sensory environment to enhance their lives. The Lacey A. Collier Sensory Complex was completed in 2005. The multi-sensory environment uses colors, lights, textures, and music to illicit a variety of responses from individuals with disabilities. There is a jungle room, space room, magic room, and polar room. The complex has provided Escambia Westgate students the power to make choices, explore, and communicate. Learn more about the complex at http://ews-ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/sensory. The special recognition award was given to Susan Barry, the former principal of the Westgate School for having the vision. She stated her inspiration has always been the children, and the difference that the sensory environment makes in their lives.
Dr. Sherry White, President of Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers, Inc., presented the “Spirit of CIL Award” to Stacey Davis, Vice President of Adult Programs at Capstone. Davis takes a personal interest in each individual whether it is at home, work, or play. She promotes positive change, personal empowerment, self-advocacy, gaining independence, and providing moral support. She continues to make a difference in the lives of the individuals she serves.
Stacey Davis, Vice President of Adult Programs at Capstone, and Dr. Sherry White, President of Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers, Inc.
Susan Barry, principal at Westgate School, and United States District Judge Lacey Collier.
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