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Proclamation congratulating Dr. Katherine D. Seelman upon receipt of the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living's "Disability Pride Award" and recognizing her significant contributions to the disability community.
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WHEREAS, on July 19, 2006, the Heinz Regional History Center hosted an event to benefit the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living called the “Disability Pride Day Dinner” to celebrate the history of the disability movement, the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to honor those who have provided significant support to the disability community, including Ms. Katherine D. Seelman, Ph.D. a long-time member of the City-County Task Force on Disabilities (Pittsburgh/Allegheny County); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Seelman earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Hunter College, a master's degree in public policy and a doctoral degree in science technology and public policy from New York University; and
WHEREAS, since 2001, Dr. Seelman has served as the Associate Dean for Disability Programs and Professor of Rehabilitation Science and Technology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, in addition to serving on the City-County Task Force on Disabilities, in 2004 she was appointed by Governor Ed Rendell to the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Advisory Council. She has published volumes of work and amassed numerous awards and honors; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Seelman serves as a member of the American Telemedicine Association, Society for Disability Studies Board, Advisory Committee Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America Board, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc., International Commission on Technology and Accessibility Rehabilitation International, U.S. International Council on Disabilities Board, and the American Public Health Association;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council recognizes and congratulates Dr. Katherine D. Seelman upon receipt of “The Disability Pride Award” and for giving greater hope and dignity to countless individuals. We honor her for helping disabled individuals become independent and we thank her for continuing to remove artificial barriers to achievement that remain. Her work serves as an inspiration, teaching us to celebrate individuals for their abilities and for this, we bestow our highest commendation.