UCP AffNet Entrance
Press Releases: 2006 Releases
United Cerebral Palsy Celebrates the Entertainment Industry (09/28/2006)
Washington, DC, September 28, 2006 - Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines, star of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and United Cerebral Palsy Board Trustee; Josh Blue, winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing; and Geri Jewell, actress and comedian, helped recognize the entertainment industry for its steadfast commitment to United Cerebral Palsy and individuals with disabilities at an awards ceremony on September 27.
The 2006 Life Without Limits Gala celebrated the stars, celebrities and entertainment executives who for decades brought the nation’s attention to people with disabilities through local and national telethons. The entertainment industry was also praised for raising awareness of cerebral palsy by bringing people with disabilities into people’s living rooms, helping break down barriers towards acceptance.
“Since our founding almost 60 years ago, the entertainment industry, in particular, the Hearst Corporation, ABC Network, Jack Kluge and Metromedia, and the Goldenson family, has supported our efforts to champion the rights of people with disabilities to live without limits,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “We recognize the industry tonight because they help us continue that commitment as we work to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.”
Honorees included U.S. Senators Susan M. Collins (R-Maine) and Richard J. Durbin (D-Illinois), who received public service awards for their leadership on behalf of Americans with disabilities.
Senator Susan M. Collins, Republican from Maine, has been a friend and advocate for people with disabilities throughout her career. She has championed disability related provisions in new laws dealing with emergency management and response systems. She was the chief co-sponsor of the Medicare Independent Living Act, which increased the use of mobility devices like wheelchairs for people with disabilities. She also has worked to increase Medicaid reimbursement to states and reject proposals to reduce Medicaid benefits and eligibility.
Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-Illinois) was recognized for his dedication to increasing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Senator Durbin has distinguished himself as the original co-sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, he has always worked to increase funding for disability discretionary programs and as the Assistant Minority Leader for the Senate, he takes an active role in challenging and opposing initiatives to reduce or eliminate entitlement and discretionary programs aimed at making people with disabilities more independent and productive.
The United Cerebral Palsy’s No Limits Award was bestowed upon two remarkable women - Kimberly Cook and Patricia Williams. Kimberly, a 23-year-old wheelchair bound woman with cerebral palsy and her caregiver, Patricia Williams, defied all odds during Hurricane Katrina and survived the storms, risking their own lives to save several stranded babies.
Williams left her own family behind, knowing that Kimberly would not survive without her. Professional caregivers like Patricia are the backbone of community-based health services for millions of people with disabilities. However, turnover is high since caregiver wages are well below comparable jobs and in some cases, even minimum wage.
“Patricia and Kimberly are the personification of selflessness, and a true inspiration to all people living with disabilities. We honor them tonight for their courage and fortitude,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. Both women currently reside in Baton Rouge, LA.
** Please contact Elizabeth Reitz at (202) 973-7114 for event photographs **
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, visit www.ucp.org.