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November 15, 2007HHS Honors People Making a Difference in the Lives of Persons With Disabilities |
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From HHS News and Events: At an awards ceremony in Washington D.C., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services presented the Secretary's Highest Recognition Award to four individuals in celebration of National Disability Awareness Month. They include: pioneer of the first infant hearing screening program Marion Downs, Ph.D.; autism advocate Temple Grandin, Ph.D.; the U.S. Paralympics; and documentary filmmakers Kathleen and John Ryan. They were joined by special guest Tatiyana McFadden, winner of two medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics wheelchair races and recipient of the Secretary's Highest Recognition Award three years ago. Awards for Distinguished Service were also presented to two local individuals, Brenda Leath, MHSA, and Robinsue Frohboese, J.D., Ph.D. Steven Galson told the audience, "Today's award recipients are changing the perception and improving our understanding of persons with disabilities. Most Americans, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity will experience a disability at some time during the course of their lives. Dr. Downs is a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Temple Grandin, Ph.D.: Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the world's most accomplished and well-known adults with autism. John and Kathleen Ryan: The brother and sister team of John and Kathleen Ryan created the inspiring and motivating film, "Right to Risk," a documentary that accompanies eight individuals with significant physical disabilities on a 15-day, 225-mile whitewater raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Brenda Leath, MHSA: A non-federal employee, for commanding leadership, commitment, tireless energy and passion not only for the National Consortium for African-American Children but for persons with disabilities nationwide.
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