Honor Melanie Hecker Award

Senate Resolution No. 1393 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Melanie Hecker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. on May 14, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Melanie Hecker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. to be celebrated at its 25th Annual Dessert Spectacular on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of self-determination, the Center offers many services including advocacy, peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employment opportunities; and WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities; Melanie Hecker has truly helped make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, As a woman living with Autism, Melanie Hecker has experienced discrimination throughout her life, however, she uses those experiences as a way to educate others about her disability and the barriers to independence which face many others with disabilities; most importantly, she teaches disability is a part of life, and society should not place limits on what someone can do just because they have a disability; and WHEREAS, Today, Melanie Hecker is enrolled in an accelerated bachelor/master's degree program at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany; she will receive her bachelor's degree this month, with her master's degree expected in December of 2020; she was proudly inducted into the Who's Who in American Colleges, and the Disability Honor Society; and WHEREAS, Recently, Melanie Hecker gave the keynote address at the Higher Education Disability Advocacy Day on behalf of all State University of New York schools, and has traveled around the country speaking about disability, autism and mental health; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her mission, Melanie Hecker has served on many committees including the New York State Independent Living Council Youth Subcommittee, and the New York State Board of Regents Post-Secondary Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities; and WHEREAS, In addition, Melanie Hecker is a vital member of the Congregation Ohav Shalom Inclusion Committee, serving in the capacity of co-Chair; her focus on inclusion in houses of worship has extended to other synagogues throughout the Capital Region through technical assistance, and presentations to clergy, lay leaders, and members of the community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Melanie Hecker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Melanie Hecker.