Senate Resolution No. 1393

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Melanie Hecker 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 14, 2019

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
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 honor
Melanie Hecker 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 25th Annual Dessert Spectacular on
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV)
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; Melanie Hecker has truly helped
make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities;
and

WHEREAS, As a woman living with Autism, Melanie Hecker has
experienced discrimination throughout her life, however, she uses those
experiences as a way to educate others about her disability and the
barriers to independence which face many others with disabilities; most
importantly, she teaches disability is a part of life, and society
should not place limits on what someone can do just because they have a
disability; and

WHEREAS, Today, Melanie Hecker is enrolled in an accelerated
bachelor/master's degree program at Rockefeller College of Public
Affairs and Policy, University at Albany; she will receive her
bachelor's degree this month, with her master's degree expected in
December of 2020; she was proudly inducted into the Who's Who in
American Colleges, and the Disability Honor Society; and

WHEREAS, Recently, Melanie Hecker gave the keynote address at the
Higher Education Disability Advocacy Day on behalf of all State
University of New York schools, and has traveled around the country
speaking about disability, autism and mental health; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to her mission, Melanie Hecker has served on many
committees including the New York State Independent Living Council Youth
Subcommittee, and the New York State Board of Regents Post-Secondary
Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Melanie Hecker is a vital member of the
Congregation Ohav Shalom Inclusion Committee, serving in the capacity of
co-Chair; her focus on inclusion in houses of worship has extended to
other synagogues throughout the Capital Region through technical
assistance, and presentations to clergy, lay leaders, and members of the
community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
honor Melanie Hecker 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 Melanie Hecker.