[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31825]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Independent Living, 
Inc., based in Newburgh, New York, as it celebrates the twentieth 
anniversary of its founding. For the past two decades, Independent 
Living has championed the cause of equal rights, access, and 
opportunity for persons with disabilities, and has worked throughout 
the Hudson Valley region to enhance the quality of life for these 
individuals and their families.
  Founded in 1987, Independent Living currently provides services and 
assistance to more than 10,000 people annually. Through the hard work, 
vision and leadership of founder and Executive Director Douglas J. 
Hovey, Independent Living has continued to develop and expand its 
programs and advocacy for persons with disabilities, increasing its 
staff to more than two hundred.
  Independent Living continues to make progress towards the goals of 
eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers for all persons with 
disabilities and ensuring that these individuals have universal access 
and opportunity in every aspect of community life. The organization's 
programs include information and referral services, peer counseling, 
individual and systems advocacy, and independent living skills 
training. Independent Living provides critical assistance with housing, 
education, employment, medical needs and personal attendant services, 
as well as advocacy for needed public policy changes at the local, 
state and federal levels of government.
  Independent Living has systematically worked to reduce barriers for 
persons with disabilities by consulting with and educating family 
members, educators, service providers, public officials and 
representatives from the business community. The organization is 
operated by people with disabilities who clearly understand such 
barriers and can work effectively to resolve these obstacles. Through 
their diverse programs for individuals with disabilities, Independent 
Living also has helped to foster motivation, independence, self-
direction, employment, social integration, and community participation.
  Madam Speaker, I am delighted to honor Independent Living for its 20 
years of committed and distinguished service. I congratulate and salute 
Doug Hovey, the board of directors and the staff and supporters of this 
organization for their very positive and lasting impact on the lives of 
so many individuals and families. I offer my appreciation to 
Independent Living, Inc., which continues to serve as a strong model 
for similar efforts throughout our Nation.

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