NOVEMBER 20, 2006

Earns 2006 MRC Excellence Award

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has been recognized by the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference for her efforts on behalf of the disability community in the state.

Land was given the 2006 MRC Excellence Award on Thursday at the conference in Traverse City. The honor is presented each year by the event's co-sponsors, the Michigan Rehabilitation Association and the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organizations, to recognize excellence in "furthering the understanding of and advancement of individuals with disabilities."

"I am very pleased to receive this award because it confirms that we are making a positive difference for those with disabilities," Land said. "As Secretary of State, I want to make things easier for people and remove barriers faced by those with unique challenges.

I look forward to working with the disability community to continue our progress in the years ahead."

Tom Masseau, government and media relations director for Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, nominated Land for the award, stating, "The disability community not only has an advocate in Secretary Land, but has found a friend."

In support of his nomination, Masseau cited Land's participation in several disability forums, her work with the Paralyzed Veterans of America to promote an online directory of disability-friendly gas stations and her "Be Safe, Be Seen" campaign for pedestrian safety as reasons for the honor. He commended her work to improve the security of disability parking placards and her inclusion of the disability community in the implementation of federal voting reforms.

"When the federal government released monies for polling place accessibility and voting equipment, Michigan was at the forefront, because of Secretary Land," Masseau said. "While Secretary Land has been in office, she has worked with the disability community in advancing issues that affect individuals on a daily basis."

Valarie Barnum-Yarger, executive director of the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council, commended Land for her demonstrated commitment to developing and implementing an inclusive voting system.

"Ms. Land's work as Secretary of State exemplifies the theme of this year's conference, ‘Moving Forward,'" Barnum-Yarger said. "Ms. Land has worked diligently to ensure all individuals have equal access to participate in Michigan's electoral process."

Duncan Wyeth, executive director of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns, also supported Land's nomination and said she has provided leadership and advocacy for citizens with disabilities.

"Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land personifies the core values of public service and is indeed a champion of persons with disabilities," Wyeth said.

Partners of the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference include the Disability Network of Michigan, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council, the Michigan Rehabilitation Council, the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and the ADA Steering Committee.