[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       JUNE CITIZEN OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2000

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to name Don 
Dreyer, the director of the Nassau County Office for the Physically 
Challenged, as the Citizen of the Month in the Fourth Congressional 
District for June 2000.
  I admire Don's dedication. He has worked so hard to improve the lives 
of people with disabilities within our community, and nationally.
  Don has served in his current position for 22 years. Being disabled, 
Don understands the concerns and difficulties of physically challenged 
individuals. He has strongly advocated for local, state, and federal 
legislation to improve the independence and productivity of children 
and adults with disabilities.
  Don was a driving force behind the passage of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. He attended the ADA signing ceremony at 
the White House with President Bush.
  In 1996, Nassau County was named the ``Model ADA Program'' by the 
National Association of Counties. This was a great honor for Don who, 
along with his compliance committee, developed the innovative $21 
million project. The program works with organizations so that 
modifications in their policies and procedures include access by 
persons with visual, auditory, and other disabilities.
  Don developed an outreach program to the private sector on the ADA 
program. Since 1984, he has been teaching members of the Nassau County 
Police Academy a curriculum involving their correspondence with persons 
with disabilities. Don presents programs to the local Chambers of 
Commerce, as well as hosts and produces the Cablevision series 
entitled, ``Capabilities in Health.''
  I commend Don for all he has overcome and all he has accomplished. I 
am honored to give him this recognition he well deserves.
  Don lives in Rockville Centre with his wife Barbara. He is a graduate 
of Hofstra University with a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Counselor 
Education. Dreyer has served as the Director of Media and Public 
Relations at the National Center for Disability Services, the Hofstra 
University Newsletter Editor, and the Assistant Director of University 
Relations at Hofstra University before becoming the director of the 
Nassau County Office for the Physically Challenged.

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