[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Pages 28879-28880]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        OREGON HEALTH CARE HERO

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I rise to honor a tireless 
advocate for Oregonians with disabilities. Cynthia Owens has committed 
herself to helping ensure, whether through grassroots organization or 
legislative activism, that individuals with disabilities are granted 
equal access and opportunity. Today, I recognize Cynthia Owens as an 
Oregon Health Care Hero.
  Twenty-one years ago, Cynthia and David Owens' youngest son, Andy, 
nearly drowned. The accident left Andy with severe physical 
disabilities. With the realization that she would need to be her son's 
advocate, Cynthia began working to protect and expand critical services 
that allow individuals with disabilities to live independently in their 
communities. Although her son's new disability served as her impetus, 
Cynthia's work with countless boards, commissions and organizations has 
had an impact far beyond her own son; her efforts have been felt 
throughout the disabled community in Oregon.
  United Cerebral Palsy was the first to benefit from Cynthia's 
commitment to the disabled community. She served for 13 years as a 
volunteer, working with families to help identify resources and 
services for their disabled loved ones. After becoming a legislative 
advocate at the federal and state level, she began working for The Arc 
of Oregon as the coordinator of a campaign

[[Page 28880]]

to extend services to all those eligible for disability assistance.
  With the experience she gained helping her son find a job in the 
community, Cynthia became involved in larger efforts to find employment 
for individuals with disabilities. She now works with the Oregon Health 
Sciences University Center on Self Determination, the National 
Coalition on Self Determination, and Self Determination Resources, Inc. 
Cynthia works with groups around the state to train others in the 
disability employment field, as well as maintaining a database for 
families and other interested in employment opportunities. Cynthia was 
recently honored with an appointment to the State Rehabilitation 
Council by Governor Kulongoski. The Council works to ensure that Oregon 
Vocational Rehabilitation Division assists Oregonians with disabilities 
achieve meaningful employment and independence.
  I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting both Cynthia and Andy. I 
am repeatedly amazed by the strong will, warmth and goodwill of the 
Owen's family, and honored to help support Cynthia and her work on 
behalf of the disabled community in Oregon. Cynthia and her husband, 
David, have faced many challenges raising their son. However, Cynthia 
has turned those challenges into opportunities for Andy and others like 
him.
  For being an outstanding mother and advocate. I salute Cynthia Owens 
and thank her for being a true Oregon Health Care Hero.

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