Illinoisans honored for assisting people with disabilities    

Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities celebrates 30 years

[SEPT. 17, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. and Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Rocco Clapps on Wednesday honored several Illinoisans, state agencies and organizations for their commitment to assisting people with disabilities. The awards were presented at the annual meeting of the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities.

"Today, we are honoring individuals, agencies and other organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of persons with disabilities," Adams said. "Their efforts have truly made a difference in the lives of many Illinoisans who now have nearly unlimited opportunities for working and full participation in society."

The interagency committee is celebrating 30 years of assisting state employees with disabilities. The organization provides education to the state's employees through annual conferences. Wednesday's meeting also included workshops on employment issues for people with disabilities.

"Over the last three decades, ICED has successfully helped people with disabilities find good job opportunities within the state," Clapps said. "As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, I applaud the agency and its members' efforts to empower the disabled and bring their issues to the forefront."

The interagency committee was created by statute in 1974 to represent the interests of employees with disabilities in Illinois state government. The committee advocates for the rights of state employees with disabilities. It also serves as a resource for state agencies on disability-related issues. Five state agencies and four employees with disabilities are appointed by the governor to serve on the committee. The five agencies serving on the committee are the departments of Human Rights, Human Services, Central Management Services, Veterans' Affairs and the Civil Service Commission.

Alvin Roberts of the Bureau of Blind Services in Carbondale was recognized as an Employee of the Year. Roberts has worked for the state for 50 years. Dennis A. Herbert of the Illinois Department of Transportation was also named an Employee of the Year. Herbert is a technician.

Following are the other 2004 awards:

• Agency of the Year -- Illinois Department of Corrections
• Nonprofit organization -- Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Chicago
• Nonprofit organization -- Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, Joliet
• Media, TV -- Jerry Lambert WICS-TV, Springfield
• Media, print -- The Aurora Beacon News
• Legislator -- The late state Sen. Vince Demuzio, Carlinville

[Illinois Department of Human Services
news release]