[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 66 (Friday, May 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JOEL M. LEVY

 Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to a truly 
inspiratioal New York figure, Dr. Joel M. Levy, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities 
Network, NIPD, after 40 years of dedicated leadership of the 
organization.
  Over this time, Dr. Levy has spearheaded the development of YAI/NIPD 
from a small and struggling agency into one of the Nation's leading 
providers of service for people of all ages with developmental and 
learning disibiities. In particular it is at the forefront of 
understanding and treatment of autism.
  He has played a pivotal role in leading the social revolution which 
has transformed the landscape of the disabilities field and which has 
dramatically improved the lives of thousands upon thousands of 
individuals and families.
  Dr. Levy's tireless efforts have created countless 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 persons with disabilities have access to quality health 
care, in turn promoting their physical, mental and overall well-being.
  And of great importance, 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 his distinguished career he has clearly created a 
Place of Hope for all people with developmental and learning 
disabilities and their families.
  I feel privileged on behalf of all New Yorkers to have this 
opportunity to salute and commend the outstanding achievements of Dr. 
Levy.

                          ____________________