Gallivan Honors New Yorkers WITH Disabilities

Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Amherst and Warsaw

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-Elma), joined with community leaders and advocates for the disabled in Amherst and Warsaw today to celebrate the first annual “International Day of Persons With Disabilities” in New York State and to recognize the achievements that the community have contributed to the diverse fabric of New York State and Western New York.

As Chair of the New York State Senate’s Standing Committee on Social Services, Senator Gallivan authored legislation (S.6068) designating December 3rd of every year as “The International Day of Persons With Disabilities” in New York State. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and the Assembly, where it was sponsored by Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes of Buffalo, and was signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo..

In the morning, Gallivan joined with People Inc., Assemblyman Ray Walter of Amherst, several local advocacy organizations, and community leaders at the Museum of disABILITY History in Amherst, NY to present the museum with a mounted pen certificate complete with one of the pens Governor Cuomo used to sign the bill into law in October.

The Museum of disABILITY, where the mounted certificate will be on permanent display, is the only museum in the nation dedicated to growing awareness and honoring the history of individuals with disabilities.

 “As Chair of the Senate Social Services Committee, it has been a unique privilege to meet and become personally acquainted with so many New Yorkers with disabling conditions and to advocate in the Senate on their behalf. The challenges New Yorkers with disabilities face on a daily basis, and the obstacles they continue to overcome, serve as inspiration to every New Yorker,” said Gallivan. “’The International Day of Persons With Disabilities’ offers us all the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions that disabled New Yorkers have made to our State and further cements New York’s commitment to improving the lives of all of its citizens.”

An estimated one in seven adult Americans and 19.5 percent of all adult New Yorkers have some form of disability.

 “As the largest agency providing services to people with disabilities in Western New York, we are extremely grateful to Senator Gallivan for sponsoring this legislation. When we take the time to recognize important individuals like folks with disabilities are, it’s something exceptional. Senator Gallivan and his colleagues have really made December 3rd something special in New York State,” said James Boles, President and CEO of People Inc.

“People with disabilities throughout New York have contributed greatly to the fabric of our state, and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities provides us with an opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals that have worked to make New York a better place,” said Assemblyman Ray Walter (R-Amherst).  “To the courageous men and women who have overcome adversity and made a difference in our community, we extend our deepest gratitude.”

Later in the afternoon, Senator Gallivan joined Wyoming County Board of Supervisors Chairman, A.D. Berwanger in Warsaw to present specific organizations who are dedicated to the betterment and advancement of disabled New Yorkers with New York State Senate Proclamations recognizing their efforts.

The organizations recognized at the event held in the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors’ chamber included, Livingston/Wyoming ARC, Suburban Adult Services, Inc., the Wyoming County Health System, Hillside Children’s Center, Peers Helping Peers, Allegany Rehabilitation Association, Wyoming County Veterans Services, Wyoming County Youth Bureau, Wyoming County Public Health Commission, Wyoming County Department of Mental Health, Community Action Organization and Spectrum Human Services.