RILC Presents Awards at Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act

On Friday morning, over 150 supporters of the Rockland Independent Living Center, or RILC came out to Casa Mia Manor Restaurant for breakfast to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the passage of the American Disabilities Act.

According to Executive Director, George Hoehmann, Rockland County has yet to fully comply with all of the provisions of the Act, however, a great deal has been accomplished in the past 23 years. People with disabilities are closer than ever to reaching full equality and inclusion.

At the breakfast, the RILC gave out five awards to individuals who have made a significant difference in improving life for those with disabilities.

The first accolade of the morning was the Spirit of Recovery Award and was presented by Andy Kohlbrenner, the mental health recovery and program development director of RILC.

This award honors individuals who exemplify what it takes to have a successful recovery.

“An individual who does whatever it takes to move forward from darkness into light,” Kohlbrenner said.

Andrew Greenspan of Nyack received the award.

“Andrew has had some very dark days, but he has found his way to a brighter future. He’s well rounded, and now engaging himself in the community. Andrew will surely make a name for himself in the music industry,” Kohlbrenner said.

Greenspan was thrilled to receive the honor from RILC.

“I’m very honored and could not be where I am today without support. Especially my parents, and my doctor at RILC. I’d most like to thank Sean Cambell, my mentor. I’m forever grateful to have him in my life,” Greenspan said.

The next award to be given out was the William A. Morales Award, and was presented by PACER assistant director Carlos Martinez.

“The award goes to an individual who has dedicated years to developing the PACER program, and has always believed in the independent living philosophy,” Martinez said.

Joseph Alexander received the honor, and he has devoted time to the hiring, training and supervising of personal assistants of those with disabilities. Alexander himself is wheelchair bound.

“RILC, has helped me have a more independent life with the help of aids,” Alexander said.

Sarah Mitchell-Weed, Independent Living Services Director, presented the William H. Mullins Systems Change Advocate Award to Christopher Jensen.

This honor is given to an individual who has brought about an important change for those with disabilities.

Jensen serves as a program coordinator for Fire services. He has developed necessary procedures for large-scale responses for man made and natural disasters. His emergency management plans have included the disabled.

“I look forward to working together in the future in terms of preparedness to help those with special needs,” Jensen said. 

The Senator Eugene Levy Memorial Independent Living Award was the next to be granted.

“This award goes to an individual whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the lives of those with disabilities,” said Donna Ehrenberg, Independent Living Services Director.

26 Years ago, Levy proposed the legislation to create and Independent Living Center in Rockland, and was devoted to bettering the lives of those with disabilities.

Laura Mason and Dr. Mary Romney received the honor that hold’s the founder’s name. Mason and Romney come from Infinity Equine Therapy, which allows those with disabilities to ride horses.

This year, twenty adults and children from RILC participated in Infinity Equine Therapy.

“These women allow people with disabilities to build character and confidence through therapeutic riding,” Ehrenberg said. “Infinity Equine is changing lives for the better.”

Adam and Sheila Hayes presented the final award, the Keith B. Hayes Spirit of Mentoring Award.

Nearly six years ago, their son Keith Hayes passed away due to progressive degenerative issues that left him wheelchair bound. Keith was 20 years old.

“Despite his ailments, he never lost his strength, he was always giving to others,” Sheila said.

Sheila expressed how she felt after losing her son to his disease.

“Having a song die so young, I was shocked, and angry. Angry that he couldn’t continue to live his life,” Sheila said.

Keith had dreamed of being a psychologist.

“After he died, I thought he wouldn’t live on. What better gift can you give me than an award in his honor? To know that RILC was able to do this, I just say thank you,
Sheila said. “Being here is such an honor for my husband and myself. To see an audience so filled, and filled with such inspiring people, just makes my heart beat with an extra flutter.”

A mentor at the Association for the Visually Impaired, Yolanda Rihlmann received the honor, and Joan Corcoran received the award on her behalf.

“Yolanda places blind and impaired people in employment in Rockland, and sets the standard for employee and employer,” Corcoran said. “She shows people with disabilities that they have worth and can be independent, and allows employers to realize that it’s a good choice to hire people with disabilities.”

Hoehmann believes that this event is important for two reasons and stated, “It raises awareness within the community, and it recognizes individuals that have done truly remarkable things. This encourages needed action in the community.”