[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to join the Illinois 
chapter of the American Association of Intellectual & Developmental 
Disabilities, AAIDD, in recognizing the recipients of the Illinois 
Direct Support Professional Award 2011. These individuals are being 
honored for their outstanding efforts to enrich the lives of people 
with developmental disabilities in Illinois.
  These recipients have displayed a strong sense of humanity and 
professionalism in their work with persons with disabilities. Their 
efforts have inspired the lives of those for whom they care, and they 
are an inspiration to me as well. They have set a fine example of 
community service for all Americans to follow.
  These honorees spend more than 50 percent of their time at work in 
direct, personal involvement with their clients. They are not primarily 
managers or supervisors. They are direct service workers at the 
forefront of America's effort to care for people with special needs. 
They do their work every day with little public recognition, providing 
valued care and assistance that is unknown except to those with whom 
they work.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the Illinois recipients of 
AAIDD's Illinois Direct Support Professional Award 2011: Brenda Walker, 
Sandy DeArmond, Rosie Pippens, Crystal Alvey, Patience Blair, Diana 
Christofalos, Nick White, and Erica Carter.
  I know my fellow Senators will join me in congratulating the winners 
of the Illinois Direct Support Professional Award 2011. I applaud their 
dedication and thank them for their service.

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