Mayor Bloomberg Honors Recipients of Second Annual Mayoral Advocacy Awards

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg honored recipients of the Second Annual Mayoral Advocacy Awards, which honor people and organizations that are raising the quality of life for people with disabilities. This announcement was made at a reception in celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Among the recipients was IBM for its commitment to providing increased access to computer technology and communications for people with disabilities.

"The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a civil rights milestone," said Mayor Bloomberg. "For more than 50,000,000 Americans living with a disability, some aspects of daily life are still challenging ... Tonight we honor New Yorkers who are making a difference and making our City more accessible for all."

Bloomberg also announced that Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Matthew P. Sapolin is being promoted to Commissioner. "The City has made significant gains to improve the lives of people with disabilities ... it is also fitting that we recognize and pay tribute to our courageous neighbors who are working daily to increase the standard and quality of life for people with disabilities," Sapolin said. Sapolin will continue to serve as a liaison between the disability community and City government.