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The group will celebrate the law signed by President George H. W. Bush with a breakfast honoring several Rockland County residents. The breakfast runs from 9-11 a.m. at the Casa Mia Manor House in Blauvelt.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law enacted to prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities by places of public accommodation, state and local government entities, telecommunications providers and employers.
The celebration breakfast has been held every year since 2011 to recognize organizations and individuals in the community for their contributions in advancing autonomy for people with disabilities.
This year’s honorees are:
- Senator Eugene Levy Memorial Independent Living Award: Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, Inc. Presented to an organization or individual whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the lives of people with disabilities.
- William H. Mullin Memorial Systems Change Advocate Award: Michele Cayo, Assistant Parole Services Program Specialist, Hudson Valley Region, DOCCS. Presented to a person who has worked towards making significant changes in the lives of people with disabilities.
- Keith B. Hayes Memorial Spirit of Mentoring Award: Michele P. Green, District Coordinator for Workforce Development & Business Relations, ACCES-VR. Presented to a person who exemplifies outstanding achievement through the mentoring of people with disabilities on their path to employment and independence.
- Will A. Morales Memorial Award: Scott Smith. Presented to a person who is a role model in taking charge of their own services.
- The Spirit of Recovery Award: Edwin Shockley. Presented to a person who exemplifies the success of people facing the challenges of recovery in life and work.
- BRiDGES Award: Announced at Event The BRiDGES Award is presented to an RILC employee who exemplifies the culture of Advocacy and Leadership in advancing autonomy for people with disabilities.
The mission of the Rockland Independent Living Center is to provide advocacy and leadership in the creation and development of an accessible and integrated community for people with disabilities, so that they may pursue lifestyles of their choice.
Founded in 1987, RILC is a community-based peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and providing services on behalf of people with disabilities.
RILC is one of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILC) operating in New York State under the auspices of New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health. Each ILC adheres to a national philosophy of Independent Living that seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to make autonomous decision regarding all aspects of Living.
For more information about the services provided by RILC visit www.rilc.org or call 845-624-1366. RILC is located at 873 Route 45, Suite 108, New City, New York.
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