'Spectrum For Living' recognizes Senate president on behalf of the disabled
WOODBRIDGE -- Senate President Steve Sweeney was honored for his dedication and accomplishments in support of those with disabilities by Spectrum for Living, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the rights and opportunities of those with physical or developmental disabilities. Sweeney was honored by the group at its Saturday night gala, entitled "An Evening of Opportunities."
Senator Stephen M. Sweeney "The disabled should have the opportunity and the right to attain their highest level of skills, purpose and independence," said Sweeney. "They have the same rights as others and they should be given the support and the encouragement they deserve to live with respect and dignity. Spectrum for Living understands that the support services they provide offer those with disabilities the opportunity to live fulfilling lives."
Spectrum for Living provides a wide variety of services for adults with developmental disabilities, including intermediate care, barrier-free housing, adult day programs, case management and respite services. It operates 29 sites in four counties in New Jersey, serving upwards of 800 people with group homes, supervised apartments, and a network of adult training centers that offer educational and recreational opportunities in safe, secure and fully accessible environments.
"There is no better leader and no better friend to the disability community than Steve Sweeney," said Mark T. Michelson, Spectrum for Living's President/CEO. "He has always fought to create opportunities, to remove injustices and to ensure that those with disabilities are treated with respect and dignity. He has been completely selfless in his determination to make real progress and we want to demonstrate our appreciation."
Michelson said that Senator Sweeney worked to establish a registry of offenders of individuals with developmental disabilities to prevent continued abuse, wrote the law that changed references of "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" or "developmental disability," authored legislation that prohibits discrimination against organ transplant recipient on the basis of mental or physical disability, a law requiring that school districts ensure that students with disabilities have opportunities to participate in athletic activities, and a measure requiring that school buses transporting disabled persons use flashing lights. Sweeney has also fought for state funding for programs and housing for those with developmental disabilities.
Senator Sweeney said that his personal experience motivated him to enter public service after his daughter was born with Down syndrome. He was horrified at the manner in which individuals with disabilities were treated and set out to make a difference not just in his daughter's life, but in the lives of those in his community.
This item submitted by Richard McGrath for New Jersey Senate Democrats.