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UCP of Suffolk's Marisol Getchius receives Advocacy Award from NY Rehabilitation
The self-advocate works to ensure that the voices of those receiving services are heard and recognized as key components of the service delivery system in New York State. As the Advocacy Assistant for United Cerebral Palsy of Suffolk, Getchius has made a significant contribution to helping disabled individuals be self-reliant and is well known on Long Island and throughout the State for her advocacy efforts. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as an infant, Getchius and her parents refused to let her diagnosis become a handicap but rather the beginning of a lifelong advocacy journey for her and her family. Since joining the UCP staff more than a decade ago, Getchius has trained countless staff and program participants. She also makes presentations to many community and business groups, always teaching by example and living life herself without limits. Getchius' mission is to integrate all individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of society. The Thomas A. Maul Self Advocacy Award is named for the state's longtime Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Maul, who retired in late 2006, was a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities, constantly working to improve the efficacy of services, while challenging providers and policymakers to make the system the best in the nation. Compassion, progressive thinking, and exemplary action marked Commissioner Maul's service. The NYSRA Award bearing his name recognizes similar qualities among New York's self-advocacy community while honoring his years of service.
Shown in the photo, Marisol Getchius receives the first ever Thomas A. Maul Self Advocacy Award from New York Sate Rehabilitaiton Association.
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