Vol 3. Issue 4
Fall, 2001

Independence Choices
Human Rights

President
Ivan Wyler

1st Vice President
Gail Cartenuto-Cohen

2nd Vice President
Kathy Kellogg

Secretary
Nancy Hansen

Treasurer

William Frumkin

Barbara Layton

Lynn McKenzie

John Moynihan

Mary Neff

Richard Sweeney

Tyrone White

Jeffery Williams

What’s Coming Up?

As Spring 2002 has drifted into Summer 2002, I am sitting here writing my message to you. Okay, what was intended to be our Spring 2002 issue has been magically trans-formed into our Fall 2002 issue of “On the Move.” So much has happened in the last several months that I'm not sure where to begin- new programs, new Omstead a new conference room

Let me begin by recognizing Justin Dart one of our movement’s great leaders who passed away on June 22"'. Others knew J ustin as the father of the Americans With Dis-abilities Aet; however he described himself as a humble “Soldier of Justice.” Justin was the recipient of five presidential appointments and numerous honors, including the Hubert Humphrey Award of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Dart was on the podium on the White House lawn when President George H, Bush signed the ADA into law in July 1990. Dart was also a highly successful businessman, vko used his personal wealth to further a human rights agenda by generously contributing his time and money to organizations, candidates, and individuals leading the struggle for empowerment. Justin’s farewell message is reprinted in this newsletter. The staA'at Westchester Dis-abled On the Move dedicates this newsletter and our continuing work to empower our consumers to his memory and to the memory of Ed Roberts, the founder of Independent Living who died several years ago. Long may their spirit and vision guide us! As long as we continue to struggle for our rights, they are not dead.

This issue of“On the Move*’ will report on a nunker of exciting victories for us, among them, the passage of the Medicaid Buy-In in New York State, the adoption of a Sir Buildings Code in New York State, the restoration of N.Y. State’s Independent Living Budget, and most recently the passage of the Most Integrated Setting Council Bill in NYS 1t amazes me when I think about all we have accomplished. You too can become an e%ctive part of the political process by joining our Systems Advocacy Network. You can imagine what an impact we can have when we coordinate hundreds of people with disabilities around the state to call andlor write their legislators en masse about an issue.

Unfortunately, we have also had some setbacks most notably several decisions by the Supreme Court that whittle away at the ADA. John Strothenke, our Systems Advocate provides commentary on one ofthose decisions.

Learn more about new programs including Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO), Fair Housing, and High School Student Transition in this issue. In addition, learn about how one of our recent ADA settlements can benefit you and offer an oppor-tunity to keep your body strong and active.

BECOME INVOLVED AND HELP BUILD OUR COMMINITY