Senate Honors Joshua Stuart With Achievers' Award

Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport) today named Joshua Stuart as a recipient of the New York Senate Achievers’ Award. The prestigious award recognizes an individual’s ability to overcome personal physical challenges and honors his accomplishments on behalf of his community.

"The Achievers’ Award is an honor that recognizes the triumph of individuals over sometimes daunting physical challenges and is bestowed on those whose efforts serve as an example of courage, personal excellence and achievement for our entire community," said Senator Flanagan.

"I’m especially pleased to honor Joshua Stuart whose accomplishments and commitment to others embodies the attributes the have been established with the New York State Senate Achievers’ Award," said Senator Flanagan.

Joshua Stuart was recognized in a special ceremony today at the State Capitol in Albany and presented with an Achievers’ Award and Senate Proclamation.

Josh Stuart was a student at the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) from age fourteen through twenty-three and was viewed as a role model for other students to emulate during his tenure at DDI. His continued involvement as a volunteer encompasses ongoing mentoring, reading to other students, and helping with vocational training activities of other DDI participants.

Mr. Stuart also possesses an entrepreneurial spirit, establishing his own DJ Entertainment Company, a web-based marketing business, and at one time ran a farm stand selling local produce. He has donated his entertainment services at a number of DDI fundraising events, helping to raise awareness of their services and is distinguished as an ambassador of their educational programs.

Mr. Stuart is also a group leader in the New York State Self Advocacy Group. In his voluntary capacity, Mr. Stuart is actively engaged with helping DDI residents and constituents enjoy and achieve their potential for leading full and productive lives. This work involves educational presentations, mentoring, and advocating on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves.

The New York State Senate Achievers’ Awards are presented each year in conjunction with Senate Disability Awareness Day, an annual event sponsored by the Senate to raise public awareness of the efforts and accomplishments of citizens with physical disabilities.