HR1496 Summary

• Congratulates Cathy Ficker Terrill on her retirement as President and CEO of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities after 16 years of service.

• Recognizes her leadership in transforming the organization from a "workshop" model to a person-centered employment approach, growing Ray Graham to serve nearly 2,000 individuals with disabilities at 35 locations in DuPage County.

• Honors her extensive professional contributions including serving as past President of the American Association on Mental Retardation, Director of the Illinois Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, and appointments to President Clinton's Committee on Mental Retardation and Governor Quinn's Task Force on Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

• Acknowledges her role in authoring and securing passage of the Illinois Early Intervention Act, Family Support Act, and Transition Act, which expanded access to early intervention services and support for individuals with disabilities.

• Directs presentation of a suitable copy of the resolution to Cathy Ficker Terrill as a symbol of esteem and respect.