ADA – Page 2 – TACONIC RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC.

Over 90 individuals Attend TRI’s Successful ADA Event!

Dutchess County Executive Marc J. Molinaro expresses his support of the Americans With Disabilities Act, TRI, Universal Access for All and to Think Differently!

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) held a virtual event on July 31, 2020 to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Lisa Tarricone, our Executive Director, welcomed everyone and introduced the video (you can click on it to view on youtube), ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Film. The film featured individuals sharing their personal stories of how they benefitted from the provisions of the ADA, what challenges they face today, and what their aspirations are for the future. We heard Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro speak via a video he sent us (see above) in support of the ADA and TRI. Following the county executive, Geri Mariano, filmed in the video, then shared with us an update and continued challenges. Mel Tanzman a long time disability rights advocate and retired Executive Director of a disability rights organization gave us a historical background on the leaders of the disability movement like Ed Roberts, Justin Dart, Marilyn Saviola and Judy Heumann (Click here for a list of disability history references). He and Lisa Tarricone then discussed what is needed to further expand disability rights into the future. Vote, Vote, and Vote! Pledge to THINK Differently!

In closing, Lisa displayed the proclamations, certificates of recognition and statements from our Legislators and Government Leaders who support the ADA and TRI’s accomplishments. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation where they also pledge to Think Differently. It was a well-attended event with over 90 participants! Below you can read our speakers bios, read all of the proclamations & documents from our list of supporters, listen to an audio recording or watch a Zoom Recording with Audio and ASL Interpreters only.

Keynote Speakers & TRI Staff

Mel Tanzman

Mel Tanzman was a former Director of Social Work and Health Policy for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, and then the Executive Director of Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. until 2019. Among the many advocacy efforts he has been a part of for the last 35 years, besides affordable housing and CDPA, he is most proud of his involvement in helping nursing home residents free themselves to live in independent community based settings. He states “Those were real independence days and I celebrated each one.”

Lisa Tarricone

Geri Mariano

Geri Mariano, following her first advocacy appearance as a toddler on the NYS Assembly floor, would find she had a strong voice. She persuaded her high school and college to make several access “fixes” and helped initiate the first Students with Disabilities Committee at Smith College. She started “Just Call Me Geri” programs for schools, weaving themes such as Compassion, Challenges, Acceptance into her life story. Over the years Geri has received several awards in recognition of her resilience, positivity, and raising awareness.