2007 Annual Dinner Meeting
The Resource Center for Independent Living presents the 2007 Annual Dinner Award Recipients
RCIL Amsterdam Office Annual Dinner
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) Amsterdam, hosted their second annual dinner event on Thursday, July 26 and recognized two individuals and one community organization that promote and support the independent living philosophy. Eric Olsen, Dustin Swanger, and Assemblyman Paul Tonko were the 2007 community award recipients.
Eric Olsen received the Self-Advocate award for his work in establishing ABLE, Abilities Beyond Limitation Through Education at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. He has been successful at teaching other students about the Americans with Disabilities Act, and leading discussions among students regarding pending legislation as it relates to disabled individuals.
Dustin Swanger, president of Fulton-Montgomery Community College, accepted the Community Support award on behalf of the college. The college was recognized for the outstanding contributions and increased the availability of support services to persons with disabilities it has made.
Assemblyman Paul Tonko received the agency's Public Policy award for his continuing contributions and support of legislation that furthers the independent living philosophy.
RCIL Utica Office Annual Dinner
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) held its Annual Dinner Meeting on Tuesday, October 16 at the Radisson Hotel. RCIL recognized key individuals who have made important contributions to disability rights and the goals of full accessibility and independent living within our community.
Award recipients were:
Mr. Daniel Rodahan received the 2007 Gene Fiorentino Self-Advocate Award. Mr. Rodahan was one of the founding members of the Amsterdam Independent Living Center. As an employee with the Social Security Administration, he has extensive knowledge on the laws surrounding employment of individuals with disabilities, and he uses this knowledge daily to advocate and promote equal opportunity whenever the chance presents itself.
Mohawk Janitorial Services (MJS) received the 2007 Community Support Award. For more than three years, MJS has supported the efforts of RCIL in placement of our consumers. MJS staff work closely with RCIL employment specialists in finding the perfect match between a job and the right employee.
Dennis Wehrle received the 2007 RCIL Employee of the Year Award.
The Annual Dinner Meeting of the General Membership is an opportunity for the Agency to elect new officers, and recognize the many contributions staff and community members have made to RCIL and its mission.
The Gene Fiorentino Self-Advocate Award was established in memory of one of RCIL's most committed board members. RCIL honors an individual that demonstrates self- and community-advocacy to overcome disability issues and barriers.
The Public Policy Award recognizes an individual or community organization committed to excellence and supports changes in legislation and public policy by promoting full integration of civil rights for people with disabilities.
The Community Support Award seeks an individual(s) or community organization making an outstanding contribution to persons with disabilities through increased support services and/or volunteering to improve quality of life.