Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin (R,C-Melrose) today welcomed Melanie Shaw to the Capitol for the Legislature’s annual Disability Day to honor her for receiving the prestigious Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. Advocacy Award. The Viscardi Award is presented each year to someone who has worked diligently to protect the rights of disabled New Yorkers. It was created in 2005 to honor the late Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., for his lifelong commitment to people with disabilities.
It’s my honor to welcome Melanie Shaw to the New York State Assembly as the 2011 Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. Advocacy Award honoree, said McLaughlin. `As Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living, Melanie directs advocacy and education programs aimed at Independent Living Centers, disability rights advocates, and a wide variety of partners and community stakeholders. I humbly recognize Melanie for her dedication and advocacy on behalf of disabled New Yorkers and thank her for her service to our community, state, and country.`
“