Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2001
Release #307-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Sid Dinsay 212-788-2958
  Catherine Paradiso (MOPD) 212-788-2742


MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS "CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY" RECEPTION
HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted a "Celebration of Community" reception at Gracie Mansion this evening in honor of the contributions made by people with disabilities to New York City, especially their contributions to the arts. Joining the Mayor were Catherine Paradiso, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD); Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin; Michael Jon Spencer, Executive Director, Hospital Audiences; and Sarah Reinertsen, Paralympian and sportscaster. Also present were representatives from organizations including Guiding Eyes, the Lexington School for the Deaf, and the Achilles Track Club.

Mayor Giuliani said, "The unyielding determination and strength of the disability community has allowed it to contribute to the progress of our City and our nation. Through their successes in sports, the arts, entertainment and media, people with disabilities have triumphed over adversity and inspired us all. We honor their achievements tonight."

Catherine Paradiso of the MOPD said, "New York City has led the nation in making everyday life accessible for people with disabilities, from our highly successful Access-a-Ride program to the publication of `Universal Design New York,' a pioneering resource book for architects, builders and developers. But we should not forget the people who have made strides on their own, showing others that a disability is an obstacle that can be overcome."

The Mayor presented honors to three people for their outstanding contributions to the City. They were:

Marlee Matlin. Ms. Matlin won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the motion picture "Children of a Lesser God." In addition to an Oscar for that role, she was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. She has appeared in over two dozen films and TV shows, and is currently starring in NBC's hit drama "The West Wing." She is being honored tonight for her outstanding contributions to stage and screen, and also for her community work. Ms. Matlin is the national spokesperson for VITAC, the largest provider of TV closed-captioning, and serves on the boards of a number of charitable organizations. Her book, "Caution: Deaf Child Crossing," will be published next year by Simon and Schuster.

Michael Jon Spencer. Mr. Spencer is the founder and CEO of Hospital Audiences Inc. (HAI), a not-for-profit group that brings theater to people with disabilities. Over the last 30 years, HAI has opened up the worlds of art, music, dance, theater, and poetry to nine million people with disabilities.

Sarah Reinertsen. Ms. Reinertsen is a world-class Paralympian who has medaled in many sporting events. She represented the United States at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain and holds world records in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter races. Ms. Reinertsen is a correspondent for NBC's coverage of the New York City Marathon, and produces NBC's "Olympic Gold," a nationally syndicated sports show.


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