Personal Achievement Award | MDA Community Programs

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MARYBETH WALTMAN

MDA 1999-2000 National Personal Achievement Award Recipient

ACHIEVEMENTS

Waltman, 40, of Rocky Hill, Conn., has dedicated her life to helping others. As a claims representative with the Social Security Administration in Hartford, Waltman has the opportunity to guide people with disabilities in obtaining benefits from the agency. In her role as a federal government public servant, she provides clients with education, direction and empathy.

Waltman is also a community volunteer with an interest in programs that assist people with disabilities. She serves on the board of directors of East Coast Assistance Dogs and is a member of the State Rehabilitation Council. She's a spokeswoman for the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain and for the University of Connecticut Medical Center in Farmington. She also serves on MDA's Northern Connecticut Task Force on Public Awareness and was an MDA State Goodwill Ambassador as a child.

PERSONAL HISTORY

Waltman has spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that causes weakness in the arms, legs and torso. She credits her parents, Amy and Vincent Uricchio of Rocky Hill, with instilling in her a positive attitude and considers them a key component of her support system along with her husband, Jim. She also lives with her service dog, Sable. Waltman enjoys caring for her many animals, music, travel, good conversation, interior decorating, and card and board games.

EDUCATION

Waltman has a bachelor's degree from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford in political science with a concentration in public administration and a minor in French.

ROLE

Waltman's award was announced on the 1999 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend. She continues to work with MDA and to serve as a role model of independence and accomplishment for people with disabilities.

Read the press release announcing Waltman's appointment, and more about her in Quest Magazine.