HHS to Celebrate Contributions of People with Disabilities

Business Wire, Oct 21, 2008

HHS will highlight the contributions of those who are advancing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act and President Bush's New Freedom Initiative (NFI). These awardees represent models of what all of us, with and without disabilities, can contribute to this effort.

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Honorees include:

* Dr. Alin-Louis Benabid, world renowned pioneering scientist and mentor in the area of deep brain stimulation that changes the lives of persons with Parkinson's Disease, dystonia and other movement disorders, will receive the International Award.

* Dr. Phyllis Magrab, educator, scholar, skilled clinician and champion for children with disabilities, nationally and internationally, will receive the Pioneer for Person with Disabilities Award. Dr. Magrab is with the Georgetown University Medical Center.

* Dr. Joseph Rosen, researcher, professor and noted plastic surgeon who performs facial and body reconstructions at Walter Reed Medical Center, will receive the Health/Service Provider for Persons with Disabilities Award.

* Mr. Kyle Maynard, born with congenital amputation of all four limbs, a champion wrestler, author, motivational speaker, advocate, and role model, will receive the Persons with Disabilities Across the Lifespan Award.

* Ms. Emily P. Kingsley, Emmy[R] award-winning writer for "Sesame Street" and long-time advocate of kids with special needs, on the popular children's program and beyond, will receive the Entertainment Industry Award.

* Ms. Dora Ricks, HHS employee who instructs mentors and motivates young persons with disabilities within HHS to become employed as productive citizens with disabilities, will receive the 2008 Certificate of Appreciation.