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For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Kristen Barnfield, Easter Seals
P: 312.551.7147
kbarnfield@easterseals.com
Rachel Talen, Easter Seals
P: 312.551.7246
rtalen@easterseals.com
www.easterseals.com/media
Easter Seals Awards State Public Officials with 2012 Outstanding Advocate Awards
Representatives from Colorado and Iowa honored by the Disability Nonprofit
(Chicago, October 29, 2012) -- Easter Seals recently honored a handful of state government members with its 2012 Outstanding Advocate Award during the organization’s annual convention in Chicago. Easter Seals created its Outstanding Advocate Awards to honor public officials -- elected and appointed -- for their work to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, and for all.
The following officials were awarded as Easter Seals 2012 Outstanding Advocates having each had a significant and positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities:
- Colorado State Senator Irene Aguilar for her advocacy at the Capitol as a member of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council and as co-chair of the Colorado House Task Force on health Care for Vulnerable Populations. She has supported Easter Seals Colorado and legislation to better serve people with disabilities, including the development of a Respite Fund.
- Colorado State Representative Mark Barker was also a key sponsor of Colorado’s Respite Fund and supports the well-being of all caregivers. Rep. Barker worked tirelessly with Easter Seals Colorado to inform and educate others about the need for respite.
- Iowa State Representative Jack Drake, for championing Easter Seals Iowa’s Rural Solutions program. Representative Drake advocated on behalf of farmers with disabilities to restore program funding to its highest level in three years.
Easter Seals 2012 Outstanding Advocate Award
In 1991, Easter Seals awarded its first Outstanding Advocate Award to recognize sustained efforts by elected and appointed officials that help forward Easter Seals’ mission to serve people with disabilities. Every honoree has gone the extra mile in making a difference for Americans with disabilities. Each believes that people with disabilities deserve a quality education, opportunities for employment, and access to health care, affordable housing, transportation and polling places.
About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, Easter Seals has been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.
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