Honor disABILITY Museum Anniversary

2018; and WHEREAS, A project of People Inc. and chartered by the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents, the Museum of disABILITY History is the only "brick-and-mortar" museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to preserving the history of people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, The Museum of disABILITY History has diligently worked to promote a higher level of society awareness and understanding, and a change in attitudes, perceptions and actions which will result in people with disabilities having the greatest possible participation in their communities; and WHEREAS, The Museum was established in 1998, by Dr. James M. Boles, Ed. D., President and CEO of People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, after he discovered there was no museum or single education resource to send students to learn about the history of people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Museum of disABILITY History has steadily expanded, and, in late 2010, moved to a brand new location; in January of 2011, it received its Permanent Charter from the New York State Board of Regents; and WHEREAS, For 20 years, the Museum of disABILITY History has strived to advance the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities; the Museum's exhibits, collections, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for both dialogue and discovery; and WHEREAS, A recent addition to the Museum is the temporary exhibit "In Celebration of Down Syndrome," which recognizes individuals who have the disorder by exploring medical history, myths and facts, as well as success stories and popular culture; and WHEREAS, Some of the Museum's permanent exhibits include: Throughout History - An Introduction to Disability History, Almshouses and Schools, Path to the Institution, Eugenics in America, Pop Culture, Sports and Disability, The Evolution of Adaptive Equipment, and the Invacar Exhibit; and WHEREAS, The success of the Museum of disABILITY History is in direct correlation to the efforts of Curator Doug Platt and his staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Museum of disABILITY History of Buffalo, New York, on May 19, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Doug Platt, Curator, the Museum of disABILITY History.