LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ann M. Hardiman upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Abilities First, Inc. on April
30, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ann
M. Hardiman upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition
by Abilities First, Inc. at its first annual gala, "Gait to the Gala,"
to be held on Friday, April 30, 2010, at The Grandview, Poughkeepsie,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Ann M. Hardiman is the Executive Director of the New York
State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA), a
position she has held since 1995; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Ann M. Hardiman strives to ensure that
NYSACRA makes an impact on critical issues, fulfills the organization's
mission and vision, and represents the collective voice of its members
in promoting the full participation of persons with developmental disa-
bilities in the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Ann M. Hardiman worked for 17 years as a provider
of services to people with developmental disabilities; she was an Admin-
istrator at the Task Force of Child Protection, Inc., Director of Resi-
dential Services for Rehab Programs and Assistant Executive Director of
Opengate, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Ann M. Hardiman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from SUNY Potsdam in 1973; she then went on to obtain her
Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology from Marist College in
1975; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Ann M. Hardiman has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Ann M. Hardiman has served as an Advisor to the Self Advocacy
Association of New York State for over 20 years; she is also a member of
the National Advocacy Campaign Steering Committee of ANCOR and the
Direct Support Alliance of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Ann M. Hardiman has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ann M. Hardiman has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ann M. Hardiman upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Abilities First, Inc. on April 30, 2010; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ann M. Hardiman.