LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Independent
Living, Inc. to be celebrated May 5, 2012, and applauding the honorees
of the evening

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would 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 commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of Independent Living, Inc. to be celebrated
on Saturday, May 5, 2012, and to applaud the honorees of the evening;
and
WHEREAS, At this special celebration, Independent Living, Inc. will
honor David Rider, of Rider, Weiner and Frankel, PC, for his commitment
to the ideals of Independent Living, Inc. and his unwavering support of
its mission, and Kevin McGuire, of McGuire Associates, Inc., for his
personal accomplishments and his serving as a role model for individuals
with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Douglas Hovey will be honored for 20 years of
distinguished service as Independent Living's Executive Director and for
his steadfast dedication to people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. has served as a common
voice for persons with disabilities living in the Orange County communi-
ty; a free-standing, locally controlled, nonprofit agency operated by
people with disabilities, it offers a wide range of programs and
services dedicated to ensuring universal access and opportunity in every
aspect of community life; and
WHEREAS, Its efforts are directed to individuals of all ages having
any disability, as well as to families, businesses, agencies, and muni-
cipalities; it is committed to the universal elimination of physical and
attitudinal barriers, as well as to assisting individuals with disabili-
ties to successfully make the critical transition from system-dependency
to independence; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, Independent Living, Inc. has touched
the lives of thousands of people; having a uniquely recipient-based
perspective and approach to addressing disability issues, it has
consistently exemplified cost-effective ways of improving the quality of
life of persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Independent Living means being in control of your own life,
taking responsibility for your actions, taking risks, and either failing
or succeeding on your own terms; it means participating in community
life and pursuing activities based entirely upon self-determined inter-
ests and preferences; and
WHEREAS, To support these goals, Independent Living, Inc. helps indi-
viduals of all ages with all types of disability to obtain whatever
services they need to preserve their right to choose and to fully and
equally participate in society; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary organization of peers enables Independent
Living, Inc. to offer an approach that is immediately distinguishable
from those of traditional organizations; whether it is providing peer
counseling to a newly disabled adult or offering technical assistance
through a partnership with a local industry or municipality, Independent
Living, Inc. serves as an important voice for systems change, and a
vital resource for persons with disabilities within the local and
regional communities; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those organ-
izations and individuals who enhance the well-being and vitality of
their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excel-
lence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Independent Living, Inc. to be cele-
brated May 5, 2012, and to applaud the honorees of the evening; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Douglas Hovey, Executive Director, Independent Living, Inc.,
and to the aforementioned honorees.