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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored seven New Yorkers during his 2002 Disability Awareness Month Celebration on Monday, October 27th.

"As people with disabilities continue to break down barriers, we celebrate the many victories, large and small," Thompson said at the event at City Hall. "In business, men and women with disabilities serve as active leaders, playing key roles in the economic life of our city, state, and nation. People with disabilities continue to enter new professions, breaking down stereotypes and making the road easier for future generations."

Addressing the honorees and guests, Thompson noted the long struggle for acceptance and recognition, noting that the struggle is far from over.

"We are here to honor a distinguished group of men and women who are all modern-day leaders in the continuing struggle for equality," Thompson said. "They have achieved great heights professionally, and opened doors for others. They are role models, for the next generation, and for all of us. They are leaders who have persevered in their chosen fields and set new standards for excellence.

"Our honorees are counselors, athletes, service providers, and community leaders. They are all dedicated New Yorkers, and they have all made extraordinary contributions to our city."

The distinguished honorees were: Anita Lois Apt, Community Activist; Lucy Birbiglia, Executive Director, Queens Independent Living Center in Forest Hills; Myung Kyu Park, Peer Advocate Specialist, Transitional Services, Inc. in Harlem; Christina Curry, Executive Director, Harlem Independent Living Center; Jimmy Mulzet, Community Activist and Special Olympics Medalist; and Philip H. Levy, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Joel M. Levy, Chief Executive Officer, both of the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities.

Theater of Dreams, sponsored by YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities, will perform at the event.

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