The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) celebrates Disability Awareness Month during March with an exhibit chronicling the history of disabilities in New York State, and celebrating the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities. Named “Stories of Success: A Celebration of Disabilities Awareness Month,” the exhibit is in the Empire State Plaza’s South Concourse in Albany.
At the exhibit opening, several individuals were honored, including two Special Olympics athletes:
Steve Caruso, from Menands, received an award for his medal-winning, 17-year participation in Special Olympics New York. Steve also serves the organization as a global messenger, giving speeches around the Capital Region.
James Kenneally, from Niskayuna, received his award as an accomplished artist who was named the Governor’s Guest Artist in 2005, presenting the Governor at the ceremony with an original rendition of the mansion.
“While we’re still working to fully integrate people with developmental disabilities into our communities, we have made great strides in terms of treatment, support and acceptance,” said OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter explaining that a key goal of her administration is to “put people first” by providing person-centered, individualized care for people with developmental disabilities. “Our goal is to help the community at-large see the merits and abilities of the whole person – not simply a disability.”
At the exhibit opening, several individuals were honored, including two Special Olympics athletes:
Steve Caruso, from Menands, received an award for his medal-winning, 17-year participation in Special Olympics New York. Steve also serves the organization as a global messenger, giving speeches around the Capital Region.
James Kenneally, from Niskayuna, received his award as an accomplished artist who was named the Governor’s Guest Artist in 2005, presenting the Governor at the ceremony with an original rendition of the mansion.“While we’re still working to fully integrate people with developmental disabilities into our communities, we have made great strides in terms of treatment, support and acceptance,” said OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter explaining that a key goal of her administration is to “put people first” by providing person-centered, individualized care for people with developmental disabilities. “Our goal is to help the community at-large see the merits and abilities of the whole person – not simply a disability.”
