IRVINE : City Wins Prize for Disabled Programs

The National Organization on Disability has named Irvine its nationwide grand prize winner in a competition judging programs that help disabled residents become an active part of the community.

Of about 100 cities to enter the “Calling on America” community leadership competition for 1990, Irvine was judged to have “the most creative, effective programs,” said Shirley Sandage, director of the community partnership program for the National Organization for the Disabled.

“Their goals were very comprehensive,” Sandage said. “They addressed attitudinal and physical barriers, job opportunities, education and training, civic life, transportation, affordable and accessible housing, independent living and respite care.”

The organization, a nonprofit, will present the award during a ceremony July 25 in Washington. The award includes a $10,000 grant.

James Brady, the former press secretary to President Ronald Reagan, is the vice chairman of the organization. Brady will present the check to Marsha Burgess, Irvine’s family services superintendent. Brady was shot in 1981 during the assassination attempt on Reagan and is permanently disabled.

Sandage said the judges were particularly impressed with the city’s low-cost van transportation service for physically disabled. “If you can’t get to work, you can’t hold a job,” she said.

The judges also had favorable remarks for the city’s joint program with the Irvine Unified School District that offers job training to physically and mentally disabled students and adults and for its work with the Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled in building a 40-unit apartment complex for disabled residents, she said.

Getting a job and learning to live independently are the keys to helping disabled people start careers and become free of dependence on government pensions, Sandage said.

Some of the programs stem from recommendations of the Irvine Residents With Disabilities Advisory Board. The 13-member board, which advises the City Council, has nine members who are disabled or who work closely with the disabled, said Michele Lovenduski, Irvine family services coordinator.

The board surveyed disabled residents asking what kinds of services were needed. It made recommendations to the City Council in early 1990.