Senator Pete Harckham Honors Four CP Self-Advocates in Hudson Valley
New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored four residents in commemoration of Disability Pride Month at a special ceremony during a luncheon at the Putnam Diner. The celebratory event was attended by over a dozen people with disabilities, some in wheelchairs, plus team members from Constructive Partnerships (CP) Unlimited.
Harckham recognized the four honorees—Cristy Shull, Susie Williams, Betty Williams (no relation to Susie) and Diego Ortiz—for their efforts and advocacy in support of the disabled community, work that has included visits to Albany to push for legislation and more funding for programs and support staff.
“I am proud to honor these incredible individuals who are our neighbors and have differing abilities,” said Harckham. “They contribute unique perspectives and strengths to our communities and enrich the lives of people in the Hudson Valley. We will continue to recognize their contributions and promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. We will work hard to help create the unlimited possibilities that they rightly deserve.”
“Everyone at CP Unlimited is proud of the four self-advocates recognized today,” said Penny-Lynn Pagliaro, executive director of CP Unlimited Hudson Valley Division. “Their impact extends beyond their local counties to all of New York State, and their words have created momentum, motivation, and movement around issues important to the wider disability community. Congratulations to Diego Ortiz, Cristy Shull, Betty Williams, and Susie Williams and thank you to our dear friend and true ally, Senator Pete Harckham.”
“To get a proclamation makes me feel like I did something for the community,” said advocate and proclamation recipient Diego Ortiz.
Disability Pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.” Disability Pride celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are, reclaiming visibility in public and interacting fully with their disabilities out in the open, while rejecting shame and internalized ableism.
