2015 Hansler Award Recipient: Mary Ann Gehringer!
We are delighted to announce that Mary Ann Gehringer has received the 2015 Stephen P. Hansler Award. Since meeting Steve 31 years ago, Mary Ann has supported Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) as our auditor and friend. As our auditor, Mary Ann helped create accounting systems that worked as MAHO grew into the organization it is today. Mary Ann consistently went above and beyond her role, informing others of MAHO’s accessibility experience and taking part in MAHO events.
When Mary Ann’s husband, Mike, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that caused limited eyesight, speech difficulties, and mobility issues, Mary Ann knew that Mike was going to need accessible housing. She sought all the information she could to make her home accessible including, of course, consulting with Steve to utilize his expertise. Mary Ann renovated all living areas that Mike would be using and even bought a completely accessible motor home, complete with a chairlift.
With her expanded accessibility knowledge, Mary Ann has become a resource for numerous others dealing with new disabilities and became a fierce advocate for accessibility. Now, despite battling her own personal health issues, Mary Ann has never stopped being a source of positive council and has been a blessing to everyone that she has touched.
We are appreciative of Mary Ann’s support for many years and her continued advocacy for accessibility and are proud to honor her with the Hansler Award.
Click here to read about MaryLou Lamb, the 2014 award recipient.
Stephen P. Hansler has served as the Executive Director of Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) since its inception. Under his leadership, we have provided fully accessible housing to hundreds of people with mobility disabilities. We have also taught the necessity for and principles of accessible housing to government officials, housing professionals, consumers, and case workers. This award, established in 2014 to commemorate his 30th anniversary, honors Steve’s commitment to attaining independent living through accessible housing.
