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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002
PR-268-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG APPOINTS MATTHEW P. SAPOLIN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointment of Matthew P. Sapolin as the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities was established by Executive Order to better recognize the rights and meet the needs of people with disabilities.

"All New Yorkers should have the opportunity to contribute their talents and skills to making this City a great place to live and work," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes and salutes the skills, creativity, and dedication of working people with disabilities. Matthew Sapolin has the skills and experience needed to assure that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are included in the development and delivery of City services and programs."

"It is a tremendous honor to join this administration and to lead the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities," said Director Sapolin. "I know that Mayor Bloomberg shares my commitment to realizing New York's potential as a City that treats all its residents with respect they deserve. My office will serve as a bridge between the City and the disabled community, and as a tireless advocate for a community that contributes so much to our City."

The Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities functions as a liaison between the disability community and City government. MOPD works collaboratively with other agencies to assure that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are included in all City initiatives by fostering greater cooperation, communication and coordination of functions and services in New York City.

Matthew P. Sapolin most recently served as Co-Executive Director for the Queens Independent Living Center, where he oversaw operations. Previously, he was the Coordinator of the Client Assistance Program for the Center for Independence of the Disabled of New York. Sapolin received his BA at New York University as well as a Masters of Public Health Administration from Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón
(212) 788-2958