“Strive!  Survive!  Thrive!”

The Celebration of the 19th Anniversary of

The Americans with Disabilities Act

 was held Friday, July 24, 2009 
at the Henry A. Wallace Center at
the FDR Presidential Library and Home

The Keynote Presenter was Nelson Lauver

"Ordinary Americans, Extraordinary Achievements"

Broadcaster, Humorist, Motivational Speaker
The American Storyteller Radio Journal
Read his full bio here

Nelson Lauver had one goal as a boy in school – to make sure no teacher wanted him back the next year.   Unable to keep pace with the rest of the class, he chose to act out and become the “bad kid.”  To Nelson, anything was better than being the “dumb kid.” 

In 1992 at age 29, Nelson, then a parking lot line painter, set a goal…to overcome a lifetime of illiteracy caused by undiagnosed dyslexia.  Today, Nelson touches the lives of millions of listeners with his syndicated radio feature, The American Storyteller Radio Journal, a four minute slice of Americana broadcast daily across the United States. 

As a speaker and humorist for nearly 15 years now, Nelson has been entertaining and inspiring audiences with his thoughts on goal setting, personal achievement and human potential.

Visit his website at http://theamericanstoryteller.com/

Also featured:

Robert Gumson, Manager of Independent Living Services
New York State Education Department
Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)

Benjamin Krevolin, President of the Dutchess County Arts Council
received the Deaf Advisory Group Award

Thomas J. Marone, President of the Board of Directors for TRI
received the Cynthia L. Burchfield Memorial Award

Marjorie Tortorella, Coordinator of Adult Advocacy Program for
Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Inc.
received the Eileen H. McCue Memorial Award

Sarah Caprioli, Project Coordinator
"Women with disAbilities Empowerment Project

Kellyann Kostyal, Co-Chair
Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Teresa Toussaint, VESID
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Sephina De Felice, Susan Kemp and Robin M. Smith, PhD
TRI Consumer Advisory Group

Community Members with Statements of Independence and Inclusion

Closing Songs led by
Pat Lamanna, Robin M. Smith, PhD, and John Vacca

Community Speakers, Awards Presentations, Musical Entertainment

Continental Breakfast was provided by Mrs. Nesbitt’s Café  

In support of our mission to promote independence and integration in society for people with disabilities, we gladly accept donations and thank you in advance.