WILC Employee Receives
National
Advocacy Award
Michael Hellman, one of Westchester
Independent Living's IL Advocates, received the National Council on Independent
Living's (NCIL's) Region II* Advocacy Award at this year's Annual NCIL
Conference in Washington, D.C. The award, which is presented to advocates who
have made a difference initiating change within their communities for people
with disabilities, was given to Michael at the Annual Award Luncheon on July
28, 2000 by Brad Williams, Executive Director of the New York State Independent
Living Council (NYSILC). The luncheon was attended by over 700 NCIL Conference
registrants.
Michael was being honored for his access
advocacy efforts in the downtown White Plains business district, NYS polling
places, and at Yankee Stadium. The award was also bestowed on him for his
participation at the local level with NYS and nationwide initiatives for the
passage of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 and
the pursuit of a state Medicaid Buy-In Program.
Michael said about receiving this prestigious
award, "I just wanted to acknowledge how much everyone here (at WILC) has done
for me, both those who help me directly, especially the IL team, as well as
those who help me indirectly, by doing what you all do. Being around so many
devoted persons encourages and empowers me. So, carry on! And, thanks for your
support."
*Region II includes the states of New York
and New Jersey, as well as the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands. |
