Senate Resolution No. 4413

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

COMMEMORATING the 20th Anniversary of the Museum
of disABILITY History of Buffalo, New York, on May
19, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is greatly enriched by
the faithful and diligent work of those organizations which serve to
meet the special needs 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
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Museum of disABILITY History of
Buffalo, New York, to be celebrated at a Reception on Saturday, May 19,
2018; and

WHEREAS, A project of People Inc. and chartered by the New York
State Department of Education Board of Regents, the Museum of disABILITY
History is the only "brick-and-mortar" museum in the United States
dedicated exclusively to preserving the history of people with
disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The Museum of disABILITY History has diligently worked to
promote a higher level of society awareness and understanding, and a
change in attitudes, perceptions and actions which will result in people
with disabilities having the greatest possible participation in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, The Museum was established in 1998, by Dr. James M. Boles,
Ed. D., President and CEO of People Inc., Western New York's leading
non-profit human services agency, after he discovered there was no
museum or single education resource to send students to learn about the
history of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Museum of disABILITY History has
steadily expanded, and, in late 2010, moved to a brand new location; in
January of 2011, it received its Permanent Charter from the New York
State Board of Regents; and

WHEREAS, For 20 years, the Museum of disABILITY History has strived
to advance the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with
disabilities; the Museum's exhibits, collections, archives and
educational programs create awareness and a platform for both dialogue
and discovery; and

WHEREAS, A recent addition to the Museum is the temporary exhibit
"In Celebration of Down Syndrome," which recognizes individuals who have
the disorder by exploring medical history, myths and facts, as well as
success stories and popular culture; and

WHEREAS, Some of the Museum's permanent exhibits include: Throughout
History - An Introduction to Disability History, Almshouses and Schools,
Path to the Institution, Eugenics in America, Pop Culture, Sports and

Disability, The Evolution of Adaptive Equipment, and the Invacar
Exhibit; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Museum of disABILITY History is in
direct correlation to the efforts of Curator Doug Platt and his staff,
whose involvement 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 institution and
the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 20th Anniversary of the Museum of disABILITY History of
Buffalo, New York, on May 19, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Doug Platt, Curator, the Museum of disABILITY History.