Elmira Resident Receives State Senate 'Achievers' Award'

Albany, N.Y.-- Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate today honored Larry L. Rice, a lifelong resident of the city of Elmira, with an Achievers’ Award during a ceremony held in conjunction with the 25th Annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day at the state capital.

Rice was joined at this morning’s ceremony by 26 other Achievers’ Award honorees selected by state senators representing regions throughout New York State. The awards are presented in conjunction with Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, held annually to raise public awareness of the efforts and accomplishments of citizens with physical disabilities. The annual Achievers’ Award recognizes an individual’s ability to overcome personal, physical challenges and honors their contributions to the community.

"The overriding goal of our Disabilities Awareness Day is to recognize the triumph of personal courage and determination over physical challenge and disability. Larry Rice has spent a lifetime in Chemung County and throughout the Southern Tier as an inspiring example of this triumph," said Winner. "I’m glad to have this opportunity to honor Larry’s contributions to our community."

Today’s awards ceremony was held in the Legislative Office Building. Rice, who was accompanied to Albany by his wife Marge and several guests, will also be recognized later today from the floor of the Senate Chamber during the Senate’s daily session.

A biography accompanying Rice’s award, currently on display in the Legislative Office Building, reads:

"A devoted advocate and volunteer, Larry L. Rice has focused his attention on issues central to the quality of life for citizens with disabilities, including access to public transportation and community awareness. Mr. Rice was an early and staunch proponent of the American with Disabilities Act, and has been a leading voice for enriching the lives of the disabled and elderly in Elmira, New York.

"Mr. Rice’s leadership has helped produce many landmark achievements across New York State’s Southern Tier. As chairman of the Southern Tier Association for the Handicapped, Mr. Rice campaigned for the provision of bus transportation and the installation of lifts on every public county bus. As Vice-Chairman of the City-County Council on Persons with Disabilities, he has interacted with school groups, public health professionals and others in a constant effort to raise public awareness of the plight of persons with disabilities.

"In 1979, Mr. Rice, together with his wife Marge, founded the Southern Tier Handicapped Club. Through this organization, they have established recreational and social programs that bring joy and a sense of purpose to many area residents.

"In 1997, the United Cerebral Palsy Association of New York paid tribute to Mr. Rice with the Al Femet Achievement Award, recognizing that Mr. Rice’s achievements are inspirational to the community-at-large. The Association also noted the strength of his convictions, which has helped him overcome the physical challenges of cerebral palsy."