Senator Aguilar honored for work to protect vulnerable populations

Wednesday, October 31 2012

DENVER— Senator Irene Aguilar (D-Denver) has been honored with the Outstanding Advocate Award by Easter Seals Disability Services. The Easter Seals organization is a national nonprofit that offers support and crucial services to more than one million children and adults with autism and other disabilities and their families.

Senator Aguilar received the award for her work to pass House Bill 1226 during the 2012 legislative session. This bill increases protection for people living with disabilities by creating an additional surcharge against individuals who commit crimes against disabled adults or juveniles. A portion of this fee goes to organizations that support the disabled community throughout the state.

Senator Aguilar offered the following comment on the award:

“This legislation is really significant because it not only helps bring individuals that prey on our vulnerable populations to justice, it also raises funds to help support groups that provide services to adults and children with disabilities. Citizens living with disabilities offer so much life, joy, and inspiration to their families, friends, and society as a whole, and I am honored to receive this award from an organization that has done so much on behalf of this special community.”

Easter Seals Disability Services was founded nearly 90 years ago and today provides services such as medical rehabilitation, employment and training, child services, senior services, and recreation.