Assembly Resolution No. 280

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Resource
Center for Independent Living in Rome, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to foster the
health and well-being of its citizens and engage in a conscientious
commitment to advancing the safety and advocacy for individuals with
disabilities across this great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Resource Center for Independent
Living (RCIL); and

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, Since October 13, 1983, RCIL has served the residents of
Rome, New York by providing resources to help people with disabilities
live independent lives through peer support, advocacy, training, and
other services; and

WHEREAS, The RCIL mission is to ensure a fully accessible,
integrated society that enables full participation by people with
disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Promoting a dynamic environment where society and the
individual benefit from a world with no limitations, the RCIL achieves
excellence in consumer-controlled, self-directed services in programs,
education, advocacy, research, and information retrieval and
dissemination; and

WHEREAS, The services provided by the RCIL are geared toward
increasing awareness of an individual's rights and options, as well as
the various methods to achieve desired goals; and

WHEREAS, The core values of the RCIL are based upon the belief that
the widespread poverty, segregation, and isolation of people with
disabilities is unacceptable, should not be tolerated, and requires
change; the RCIL has answered the call to this issue and works toward
making positive systemic changes through education and legislation to
provide full access, power, and self-determination to those with
disabilities; and

WHEREAS, With a focus on integration, assisting people reach their
greatest potential, and a culture that encourages risk-taking,
creativity, and innovation, the RCIL is an organization that adheres to

a code of ethics mandating respect, appreciation, honesty, integrity,
empathy, trust, and accountability; and

WHEREAS, With unwavering commitment to their community, the Resource
Center for Independent Living listens to its clients and their families
to help create a plan for individuals to live out the life they imagine
for themselves; and

WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative
Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Resource Center for Independent
Living for their commendable commitment to the Rome, New York community;
effectively carrying out its important mission, the RCIL has
demonstrated the value of supporting individuals with disabilities for
four decades; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Resource Center for Independent
Living of Rome, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Resource Center of Independent Living of Rome, New
York.