On March 7th 2006, the East Coast board members of the World Institute on Disability (WID) held a briefing and reception for 50 Washington D.C. based colleagues on the organization's projects and leadership. Board members Sam Simon of Issue Dynamics, Inc., Patrick Gaston of the Verizon Foundation, and Susan Mazrui of Cingular Wireless, all leaders in information technology initiatives for Americans with disabilities, hosted the event.

Held on the eve of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Leadership Gala, the event also provided an opportunity for the capital's disability leaders to dialogue with Kathy Martinez, the new executive director of WID, and Megan O'Neil of WID's Access to Assets project, one of two recipients of AAPD's Paul Hearne emerging leader awards for 2006.

Sam Simon, WID board vice-chair, welcomed guests, Patrick Gaston thanked sponsors, and Susan Mazrui introduced Martinez to the group of disability dignitaries, foundation and corporate representatives, and various supporters of the organization. Martinez provided an overview of the numerous projects at WID and congratulated O'Neil on receiving the prestigious Hearne Award.

The Paul G. Hearne/ AAPD Leadership award program was established by The Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation in 1999, to recognize and carry on the work of Paul G. Hearne, one of AAPD's founders and a renowned leader in the national disability community, and to realize Paul's goal of cultivating emerging leaders to continue the momentum of on the disability movement. O'Neil received the award in recognition for her leadership in breaking down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from building financial assets and escaping poverty.

The WID briefing was generously sponsored by Issue Dynamics, Inc., Verizon, and Cingular Wireless.