Senate Resolution No. 2050

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Denise DiNoto upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership
Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson
Valley, Inc. on May 9, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that individuals
with disabilities merit our recognition as they realize goals that serve
to lift barriers and expand choices for all persons with disabilities;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Denise
DiNoto upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon
Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley,
Inc. to be celebrated at its 23rd Annual Dessert Spectacular on Tuesday,
May 9, 2017, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is a
non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities
lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of
self-determination, the Center offers many services including advocacy,
peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employment
opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those
individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to
the rights of persons with disabilities; Denise DiNoto has truly helped
make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities;
and

WHEREAS, For most of her life, Denise DiNoto has been a steadfast
and committed advocate for the disabled community; a speech pathologist,
she has worked with consumers in health care settings, and mentored
college students who were pursuing degrees in articulation disorders;
and

WHEREAS, As an employee of the New York State Department of Health,
Denise DiNoto had the opportunity to focus on both disability and health
services; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Denise DiNoto serves as the Communications and
Outreach Specialist at Consumer Directed Choices, a private, nonprofit
corporation located in Albany, New York; this vital organization was
founded to empower people to choose their own home care; and

WHEREAS, Denise DiNoto is committed to helping other people by
writing about her numerous experiences as a woman with a disability;
through her written poetry and prose, and blog, she tells of the
injustices experienced by people with disabilities, and encourages
people to be their own advocates; and

WHEREAS, Although many of her stories are sad, Denise DiNoto is a
happy and positive person and truly strives to make the world a better
place for people with disabilities; and


WHEREAS, A role model for all, Denise DiNoto won the Ms. Wheelchair
NY contest, and was the First Runner up in the Ms. Wheelchair America
contest; she is also dedicated to her community, holding the title of
President of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to
our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Denise DiNoto upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the
Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Denise DiNoto.