Patch: Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado keynote speaker at ADA Anniversary Event

Delgado was the keynote speaker at the event sponsored by Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc. (WDOMI) at Crawford Park in Rye Brook on July 26.

Delgado said that public service means representing all the people, not only those with special interests. He said the ADA is an example of legislation that ensures equal treatment under the law.

“The ADA has given people with disabilities the opportunity to live more independent and fulfilling lives,’’ said Delgado. “This law has made it possible for people with disabilities to make great strides, and the work continues. I am proud to stand with you today in support of the ADA. I will continue to work along with Gov. (Kathy) Hochul to ensure that all workers regardless of their ability or age have the opportunity to reach their full potential.’’

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins praised the work of Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc. for its advocacy and referred to a video shown during the program of people with disabilities crawling up the steps of the Capitol in March of 1990 to lobby for the ADA. She paid tribute to long-time advocate Judy Heumann, who recently died. Heumann, who had polio as a child, led the historic 26-day sit-in in 1977 that forced the government to pass 504, the first U.S. federal civil rights protection for people with disabilities.

“I am here because what happens to people with disabilities matters and we have come a long, long way,’’ said Stewart-Cousins. “Judy Heumann who was instrumental in leading us to this point just died this March. People fought and many of those fights were based on the civil rights movement which was the playbook for those fights. We as legislators follow your lead so we can enact the laws that can level the playing field for everyone.”

During the program NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto were presented with the Independent Living Champion Award by Lindsay Miller from the New York Association for Independent Living for her work advocating to help people with disabilities live richer, more meaningful lives. They have lobbied for increased funding for the 41 statewide Independent Living Centers whose funding has remained flat for the last 14 years.

“I am pleased to join Westchester Disabled on the Move, the many advocates, and my colleagues in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am also especially honored to be presented with the Independent Living Champion Award by the New York Association of Independent Living Centers. I share this honor with the many outstanding advocates who have worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals with disabilities are given the dignity of full opportunity. We have come a long way to make this a reality, and we are going to continue to keep up the fight, which is far from over,’’ said Mayer.

In addition to Delgado, Stewart-Cousins, Mayer and Benedetto, among those attending the event were NYS Assembly members Chris Burdick, Nader Sayegh and Dana Levenberg, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Legislators Nancy Barr, Ben Boykin James Nolan, Rye Brook Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman and Yonkers Council Majority Leader Tasha Diaz, and Lisa Reyes, representing Mayor Mike Spano, as well as representatives from Westchester Institute for Human Development, New York Association for Independent Living Centers, Westchester Council of the Blind and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson. County Executive George Latimer called in with greetings.

Media Contact: Vicky Hochman 914-393- Vicky@thompson-bender.com

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