Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2000

Release #360-00

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel / Julie Caudell (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI, MOPD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARADISO HONOR
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Mayor presents "Spirit of the ADA" Awards to four outstanding New Yorkers and
proclaims September 19th, 2000 "Americans with Disabilities Day" in New York City

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities (MOPD) Executive Director Catharine Paradiso today commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at a reception held at Gracie Mansion and presented four outstanding New Yorkers with the "Spirit of the ADA" award.

"In New York City people with disabilities are a vital part of the community and make important contributions to every area of our multi-faceted city," said Mayor Giuliani. "New York City has a long history of protecting the rights of and enhancing the opportunities for our fellow citizens with disabilities. It is with great pride that I present the 'Spirit of the ADA' award to four New Yorkers whose contributions to the disabled community have helped to enrich the lives of thousands both here in New York City and around the world."

MOPD Executive Director Paradiso said, "Tonight we honor the 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We also are here to acknowledge the contributions of four outstanding New Yorkers to the disabled community. These people work everyday to enrich the community. All across the country, all throughout the year, many groups have celebrated this anniversary. Tonight, we have saved the best for last."

Mayor Giuliani presented the "Spirit of the ADA" awards to Anthony Phifer, Director of Services for the Differently-Abled at Medgar Evers College; Charles Allen Riley II, Editor-In-Chief, WE Magazine; Dick Traum, President of the United States Wheelchair Sports Fund and Founder & President of the Achilles Track Club, and Maria I. Velez, an 18-year employee of the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities.

The Mayor also presented a proclamation to Paradiso naming September 19th, 2000, "Americans with Disabilities Day" in New York City.

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