Events Across the State Honor Disability Rights Pioneer January 23rd, 2012

California Celebrates 2nd Annual Ed Roberts Day
"I am convinced that we are making the most profound social change that our society has ever known." - Ed Roberts, 1990

SACRAMENTO, CA- Californians will honor the life and legacy of Ed Roberts, a champion for disability rights on the 2nd Annual Ed Roberts Day, January 23, 2012.

"Celebrating Ed Roberts' Day is a time to honor the life of a pioneer for disability rights and to celebrate the legacy that lives on in the ability of people with disabilities to shape their own future," said Teresa Favuzzi, Executive Director of the California Foundation for Independent Living.

Coinciding with the day of honor, Roberts, a 2011 California Hall of Fame inductee is recognized for his contributions to California's history and the cause of disability rights in an exhibit at Sacramento's California Museum. On January 23 the museum will offer discounted admission to visitors attending the exhibit.

"Learning about disability leaders like Ed Roberts shows young people with disabilities that we can be leaders of change just like Ed was," said Jamie Caron, a student at Ohlone College in Fremont. "Today's events will help more people learn that people with disabilities have - and will continue - to shape history for the better."

Roberts, who passed away in 1995, was an international leader, educator and champion of persons with disabilities. Roberts began his advocacy efforts at UC Berkeley, where he was the first student with significant disabilities to be admitted to the campus. He later became one of the founders of the Center for Independent Living Inc. in Berkeley. In 1975, he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as the first Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation with a significant disability he served in that position until 1983, at which point he went on to become a co-­‐founder of the World Institute on Disability.

The California Museum acknowledged these achievements by naming him one of the 2011 California Hall of Fame inductees and featuring an exhibit that showcases his accomplishments. On Ed Roberts Day (January 23rd, 2012) the museum will offer a discounted admission of $6 to museum patrons who indicate they are visiting to "Celebrate Ed Roberts."

Two of the campuses Roberts spent time attending, the University of California, Berkeley and the College of San Mateo, are also planning events to honor his life and work on Monday. The Disabled Student Services Program at the College of San Mateo will be acknowledging Roberts in the Student Senate and the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) and the Berkeley Center of Independent Living will cosponsor an event to celebrate Roberts at UC Berkeley while providing information to high school students with disabilities looking to attend University. Over 100 high school students are expected to attend the event and speakers will include State Senator Loni Hancock (D-­‐Berkeley) and Zona Reports.

Passed with overwhelming support in the California State Senate in 2010, the bill declaring January 23 as "Ed Roberts Day" was authored by Senator Hancock. Congress member George Miller (D-­‐Martinez) authored a similar resolution which was adopted by Congress.

Ed Roberts Day Events:

California Museum Celebrates Ed Roberts Day
Discounted admission rate of $6.00. Patrons wishing to participate should advise the Museum ticket office that their visit is to "Celebrate Ed Roberts." LOCATION: 1020 O Street, Sacramento CA 95814

Ed Roberts Day Celebration at UC Berkeley
Featuring information on post -- secondary options for high school students with disabilities Speakers: State Senator Loni Hancock and Zona Reports. LOCATION: Cal Alumni House, 1 Alumni House, Berkeley, CA 94720.

The College of San Mateo Recognizes Ed Roberts
The College's Disabled Student Services program will recognize and honor the life and work of Ed Roberts at their Student Senate. For more information on this event, contact Beverly Madden [email protected]. LOCATION: College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402
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