Office of Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
139 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bill Patton
717-787-4610
O’Brien named Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – House Speaker Dennis O’Brien has received the 2007 Outstanding Advocate Award given by the Easter Seals organization.
Easter Seals President and CEO James E. Williams Jr. presented the award to O’Brien at a reception in Philadelphia.
O’Brien was honored for helping children with disabilities, especially those with autism, to obtain appropriate resources and educational opportunities.
“I am truly humbled by this honor, but the real stars are the families living with disabilities,” O’Brien said. “Every day, they help loved ones to make strides to fulfilling, productive lives.
“My interaction with them over the years has made me a better human being. This community of individuals has taught me to be engaged in the world, rather than isolated from it,” he said.
O’Brien was nominated for this year’s award by Nancy Teichman, president of Easter Seals Eastern Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives in July passed an O’Brien-sponsored bill, which Easter Seals supports, that would require private insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in patients up to age 21.
The measure (H.B. 1150) is awaiting action in the Senate. O’Brien is working with a large network of advocates to get it passed into law in 2008.
Easter Seals created the Outstanding Advocate Award to recognize sustained efforts by elected and appointed officials to serve people with disabilities.
“These public officials are leaders in giving people with disabilities greater opportunities for independence, access and choice,” said Elgin Manhard, chairman, Easter Seals National Board of Directors. “Each of them shares our vision of a nation where people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities.”