LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Cerebral
Palsy Associations of New York State

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst which
have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to recognize for
their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and
publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic
humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 70th
Anniversary of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State is a broad-
based, multi-service organization with 24 Affiliates and 18,000 employ-
ees providing support, services and programs for nearly 100,000 individ-
uals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities and their
families; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, through its Metro Services, Cerebral Palsy Asso-
ciations of New York State also offers support and services for people
with an array of physical and/or developmental disabilities in all five
Boroughs of New York City; and
WHEREAS, Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State was founded in
1946, by parents of children with cerebral palsy seeking services who
envisioned the organization to be their advocate; it became a statewide,
grassroots movement of families who started local organizations and
enlisted volunteers; and
WHEREAS, The families who founded Cerebral Palsy Associations of New
York State and its Affiliates rallied the support of doctors, educators,
therapists and other specialists as well as government officials, each
of whom played a key role in the development and growth of this vital
organization; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1970s, with the closing of developmental centers
such as Willowbrook, and the deinstitutionalization of individuals with
developmental disabilities, voluntary organizations such as Cerebral
Palsy Associations of New York State began providing direct services to
these individuals, with a strong belief that these services should be
community based; and
WHEREAS, Today, thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities and their
families are part of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, and
despite its growth the organization has not abandoned its original
commitment to advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State continue to
work with people with disabilities, their families, employees and others
in communities across the state to advocate for the rights of people
with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 70 year history, Cerebral Palsy Asso-
ciations of New York State has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and
WHEREAS, The success of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State
is in direct correlation to the efforts of its employees, whose involve-
ment is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New
York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.