Home > Advocacy in Action > 2010 Disability Caucus
Awards:
Independent Living Hall of Fame:
Chairman's Award:
The Media Award is given to a media entity or individual who has provided media coverage of people with disabilities and disability issues in an accurate and positive way.
This year's award goes to Dee DeLancey, of Huntington, WV who has been a supporter of independent living and disability issues since his early days in radio. Dee has partnered with his local center for independent living, Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, to conduct Disability Awareness Day and has simulated having a disability for the day.
Dee uses his contacts to get other media, city, county, and state officials involved and to also simulate disabilities. He visits businesses while simulating a disability, all on camera, to bring to the forefront how people with disabilities can be productive members of society if accessibility issues are overcome and attitudinal barriers are eliminated.
Dee received two nominations for this award for his involvement in Disability Awareness Day with Mountain State Centers for Independent Living in Huntington, for the many news reports he has done on disability issues over the years, and for his genuine caring and concern.
Anne Weeks, President / CEO of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living tells us that Dee participates in Disability Awareness Day, held the first Tuesday of October every year. Dee's continued recognition of Mountain State Centers for Independent Living programs and special events has helped get the story out about people with disabilities, accessibility issues, acceptance, and achievements. Dee consistently focuses on the achievements of people with disabilities and how, given the chance, they can have equal roles in our community.
Dee, along with a camera, is always at our Walks, annual meetings, and other consumer events. Dee has included us in non-disability related reporting too. Our history with Dee goes back to the beginning when Mountain State Centers for Independent Living was first opening in 1981. Back then Dee was on the radio and one of his first interviews was with Ron Yost to learn about Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, its purpose and programs.
Thank you Dee!