[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF DR. JOEL M. LEVY'S RETIREMENT FROM YAI/NATIONAL INSTITUTE 
                  FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES NETWORK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. NADLER of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
truly remarkable New Yorker, Dr. Joel M. Levy, as he retires from the 
YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network (NIPD).
  After forty years of dedicated service and leadership on behalf of 
people with disabilities, Dr. Levy helped grow YAI/NlPD from a small 
and struggling agency into one of the nation's leading providers of 
services for people of all ages with developmental and learning 
disabilities.
  Dr. Levy played a key role in transforming the field of disabilities 
and dramatically improving the lives of thousands of individuals and 
families.
  Dr. Levy's inspirational efforts helped create innumerable 
opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to experience 
greater independence, productivity and joy through community living, 
meaningful employment and volunteer activities. Furthermore, he has 
ensured that people with disabilities have access to quality physical 
and mental health care.
  And because of his commitment, Dr. Levy has positioned YAI/NIPD as an 
internationally acclaimed professional organization renowned for its 
conferences, training materials, research and publications in this 
field.
  In the course of a long and distinguished career, Dr. Levy has given 
hope to people with developmental and learning disabilities and their 
families.
  On behalf of myself and all New Yorkers, I thank Dr. Levy for his 
years of service to people with disabilities and their families and 
wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________