Governor’s Planning Council Receives Public Policy Award

Watertown, Wisc. (Nov. 25, 2009) -- Bethesda Lutheran Communities recently presented its Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award to the Governor’s Planning Council of Indiana. A group whose mission is to “promote public policy which leads to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.”

Bethesda’s Public Policy award annually recognizes people, groups or entities who are making significant contributions to those with developmental disabilities through enlightened public policy or outstanding public achievements that promote the welfare of those with developmental disabilities.

“The Council is richly deserving of the Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award,” commented Jeff Kaczmarski, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Bethesda. “Its promotion of enlightened, inclusive public policy significantly promotes the welfare of people with disabilities in Indiana, and serves as a model for policy and advocacy to other states.”Some of the major projects of the Council have included the Community Transportation Initiative, a three year project intended to promote an expanded transportation system in Indiana, and the Count Us IN project, a two year initiative designed to increase the number of citizens with disabilities who are involved in the electoral process both as voters and as volunteers.

One unique and admirable aspect of the Council is its stipulation that 60 percent of its board members, who are appointed by the Governor, must be people with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Communities provides services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the country and around the world. Bethesda offers many different types of services for individuals and their families, including a variety of residential settings, supported-living programs and outreach services.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or e-mail: pr@mailblc.org.

 

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