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WILTON---Teena Willard of Wilton was honored with an "Achievers' Award" at the 26th Annual Disabilities Awareness Day Awards Ceremony this week in Albany. The event recognizes an individual's ability to overcome personal, physical challenges and honors their accomplishments on behalf of themselves and their community.
"I am honored to recognize Teena Willard for the tremendous  example she has set by overcoming physical obstacles to become a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, particularly those who are confined to wheelchairs," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. "Her passion and dedication have been the driving force behind her outstanding achievements, and she is a source of pride and inspiration to us all."
At age 20, Teena Willard was involved in a car accident that left her dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. She was the first student to attend Skidmore College in a wheelchair, which at the time was not handicapped-accessible. She worked with the college to make modifications, including building ramps and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.
In 2002, Ms. Willard began her advocacy career as a member of Open Sesame, a group that pushed for curb ramps in the city of Saratoga Springs. In 2002, Teena was invited by Schenectady's then-Mayor Al Jurcinski to sit on the newly formed Task Force for Persons with Disabilities and to be the coordinator for Schenectady's Office of Disability Services. In 2002, she became a member of the Adirondack Accessibility Advisory Council, which developed an agreement with the state to provide New Yorkers with disabilities access to state trails.
In 2003, she was appointed by Gov. George Pataki to sit on the NYS Forest Preserve Advisory Committee. Teena also serves as a member of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council's Head Start Policy Council, and Pedestrian and Transportation Help for Saratoga, a local group concerned with the rights of pedestrians and the ease of navigating streets and sidewalks in Saratoga Springs.
She was presented with an "Achievers' Award" certificate and a Senate Proclamation that highlights her accomplishments at the special ceremony in the "Well" of the Legislative Office Building in Albany.
The New York State Senate "Achievers' Award" is presented each spring in conjunction with Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, an annual event sponsored by the Senate to raise public consciousness of the efforts and accomplishments of citizens with physical disabilities. 5-25-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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