LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Terry upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Self-Advocacy Award by Orange AHRC on
April 9, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert Terry upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Self-Advocacy Award by Orange AHRC to be celebrated on Thursday, April
9, 2015, at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1954, Orange AHRC provides services and housing to
children and adults with developmental disabilities including those with
autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectu-
al and learning disorders; its mission is to assist people with disabil-
ities in becoming respected and valued members of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Orange AHRC is focused on promoting community membership for
adults with disabilities in three major areas: employment, volunteerism,
and group affiliation; through active engagement in public life, the men
and women supported by the agency gain both respect and visibility; and
WHEREAS, A self-advocate for the past four years, Robert Terry's
personal mission is to lead self-advocates to a place where they can
have equal citizenship in all aspects of society; and
WHEREAS, Robert Terry strives in his daily life to change the world
through educating, empowering and advocating for others; he has a gift
of knowing how to inspire people and lead them toward change; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Robert Terry holds the position of Personal Secre-
tary to the President of the Self-Advocates Group, and has an unofficial
role as Press Secretary to the entire administration of self-advocates;
an enthusiastic supporter of Orange AHRC, his captivating energy and his
leadership is helping guide the organization toward the future; and
WHEREAS, Robert Terry continues to promote self-advocacy by attending
management meetings, trainings and workshops, strategic planning
sessions, and other brainstorming events at Orange AHRC; he also volun-
teers on several committees, and has encouraged the creation of a second
self-advocacy group at Orange AHRC's MAC Day Hab Program in Middletown;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Terry upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Self-Advocacy Award by the Orange AHRC; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Terry.