(Wilmington, DE): On Thursday, January 23^rd, the State Council for Persons with Disabilities will present their annual "Legislator's Award" to Attorney General Jane Brady. The Council's award recognizes legislators and state officials whose actions have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Joining Attorney General Brady as this year's award recipients will be Representative Robert Valihura, Representative Deborah Hudson and Senator Margaret Rose Henry. The award will be presented by Rita Landgraf, Chair of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, at the fifth annual LIFE (legislation, independence, families and education) Conference. The award ceremony is scheduled from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. on the 23^rd at the Sheraton Inn in Dover. The LIFE Conference is a collaborative effort of many of Delaware's consumer focused disability organizations and provides consumers, families, service providers, advocacy groups, educators and state agencies with information on critical issues facing persons with disabilities.

Mrs. Landgraf commented, "Jane's vision, leadership and belief in persons with all disabilities makes her very deserving of this award. Her leadership in founding and chairing the Delaware

Disabilities Forum has guided advocates, consumers, and state officials to enhance programs and practices for persons with disabilities."

Attorney General Brady, who founded and serves as Chair of the Delaware Disabilities Forum, said, "I want to thank all the advocates who work so hard each day to assure fair and equitable opportunities for the disabled. I sincerely appreciate the honor." Since 1996, the Disabilities Forum has presented quality conferences exploring the legal issues affecting individuals with mental disabilities, including topics as diverse as law enforcement training, special education and discipline, and compliance with the Olmstead decision.