Florida Department of Education Recognizes Six Tampa Bay 'Successful 75' Award Winners
May 30, 2017
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Florida Department of Education Recognizes Six Tampa Bay 'Successful 75' Award Winners
Tallahassee, Fla., May 30, 2017 – Today, the Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services (DBS) announced six Tampa Bay recipients of the “Successful 75” Awards. Over the last year, DBS celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a series of informative, family-friendly events throughout Florida. At each event, local individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the blind and visually impaired community.
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate and thank these individuals for the difference they are making in our blind and visually impaired communities,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “We have come a long way in just 75 years, thanks in large part to the individuals, organizations and businesses who have supported our efforts to continue opening doors for blind and visually impaired Floridians. We remain committed to increasing accessibility, and I hope that these recipients will serve as an inspiration for more Floridians to get involved.”
"We are pleased to recognize these dedicated individuals as members of the Division of Blind Services' Successful 75," said DBS Director Robert L. Doyle. "The recipients have worked tirelessly to make a difference in their communities through outreach, advocacy, hiring practices and via their individual commitments to achieve self-sufficiency. Through these efforts, Florida continues to strive to become a barrier-free environment for residents with visual disabilities."
The following Tampa Bay individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized with the Successful 75 award.
Client Award: Tom Spiliotis (Posthumous)
Bureau of Business Enterprise vendor Tom Spiliotis was completely blind by the age of 5 and served as the chairman of the Committee of Vendors prior to his passing in 2016. For 22 of the last 24 years, he served on the State Committee, first for two years as vice chair and then as chairman for 20 years. As vendor and chairman, Spiliotis encouraged and assisted hundreds of blind and visually impaired individuals in the Randolph-Sheppard food and vending program. He was completely blind by the age of 5. Spiliotis made a lasting impression on many of the people currently in the program, as well as many who have moved on from it.
Community Advocate Award: Paul Martinez
Paul Martinez, is passionate about learning policies and procedures that help the blind and visually impaired community. A resident of Tampa, Martinez is currently majoring in social work. He has proudly held several positions within the National Federation of the Blind of Florida since 2011. He currently serves as first vice president of the state board of directors, president of the Florida Association of Blind Students, and president of the Florida State Wide Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida.
Community Partner Award: Hands on Educational Services, Inc.
Hands on Educational Services, a training and employment provider, has partnered with DBS and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation since 1998. This organization has provided training to 60 clients with visual impairments. Affectionately referred to as “Hands On @ Hyatt,” the training program started as a culinary training program at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The “Hands On” program expanded quickly, and is currently operating at 35 Hyatt Hotels across the country, and persons with disabilities are now training in all hotel departments.
Community Partner Award: Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind has provided services in the Tampa Bay area for more than 60 years. Tampa Lighthouse provides on-site comprehensive rehabilitation programs for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Its training programs are designed to help individuals who have recently lost part or all of their vision to gain the skills needed to perform daily living tasks independently and maintain their employment through the use of assistive technology and devices.
Employee Award: Mireya Hernandez
Mireya Hernandez has worked with DBS for more than 10 years. Hernandez came to DBS with experience in early childhood education and a background in health care and management services. She has served in the capacity of children’s counselor, VR supervisor and currently as district administrator for the Tampa/Lakeland area. Hernandez has served on local transportation boards, is a current member of the Quality Assurance and Policy team and has coordinated numerous children’s program activities.
Employee Award: Louise Peyton
Louise Peyton worked tirelessly for DBS for 36 years before retiring in December 2015. The agency was her first employment opportunity, and she was extremely proud of serving in her capacity for as long as she did. As a senior rehabilitation specialist, she was a role model, demonstrating a high degree of integrity and drive while working in the Tampa office. Peyton touched many lives during her service with DBS, often serving with the medical students at University of South Florida and sharing her extensive knowledge with them on topics related to vision.
Throughout the year-long anniversary celebration, 75 honorees were bestowed with this honor. For a full list of the DBS Successful 75 Award recipients, click here.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and its programs, visit dbs.fldoe.org
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