The Arc Honors Senator Jeffords With Its Public Policy Award

ARC of the United States
Thursday, 14 February 2002

The Arc of the United States has awarded its 2002 John Chafee Leadership in Public Policy Award to Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT) for his longstanding and outstanding advocacy in pursuing public policies that help people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities live fuller lives in their communities. The award, named for the late Sen. John Chafee of Rhode Island and intended to honor his work on behalf of people with mental retardation, is presented annually at the Governmental Affairs/Policy Seminar held by The Arc of the United States, AAMR, and AUCD.

The Arc of the United States is the nation's largest volunteer-based organization devoted solely to issues concerning people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families.

"It's an honor to recognize Senator Jeffords with one of The Arc's most prestigious and meaningful awards and it is particularly appropriate that we honor Senator Jeffords, who was a close ally of John Chafee," said President of The Arc Karen Staley. "Senator Jeffords has championed many causes that are important to our constituents, notably the initial creation of the bill that guarantees a free appropriate education for every child with a disability. This landmark law is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). More recently, Senator Jeffords has championed the strengthening and full funding of IDEA. We honor his dedication to protecting the rights and opportunities that are due all Americans."

More information on the annual Governmental Affairs/Public Policy Seminar held by The Arc, AAMR, and AUCD can be found on The Arc's web site at www.thearc.org.

For more information, or to contact ARC of the United States, see their website at: www.thearc.org