Sessions Receives Easter Seals Advocacy Award

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) has earned the Easter Seals Advocacy Award for his exemplary commitment to increasing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Sessions received the award at the Easter Seals Advocacy Awards Benefit held in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 19.

"Individuals with special needs are an important part of our communities, contributing and bringing joy to our lives in their own unique ways," said Sessions. "Easter Seals is a national leader for disability services, and I am honored to receive the Easter Seals Advocacy Award as a partner in championing greater quality of life for people with disabilities."

Easter Seals recognized Sessions for his leadership in Congress to increase resources, education, and workplace opportunities for people with disabilities. He worked tirelessly to enact the Family Opportunity Act, which allows states to create a Medicaid "buy in" for families of children with disabilities whose family income or resources are up to 300% of federal poverty level. Sessions also championed extending federal work-study education benefits to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Additionally, Sessions serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus. In his congressional district, Sessions has established a Special Needs Working Group of specialists and other parents of children with disabilities to help develop solutions and increase advocacy for the special needs community.

Congressman Sessions and his wife, Nete, are the proud parents of Alex (age 16), who has Down syndrome. Alex is earning his Eagle Scout award this year, and he competes in Special Olympics, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals.

"As the parent of a young man with disabilities, I understand firsthand the importance of providing resources and opportunities for people with special needs to develop to the best of their abilities. I am deeply committed to being a voice for the voiceless. And I look forward to continuing my work with the disability community to build an even brighter future for people with special needs by empowering them to achieve through social, educational, and workplace opportunities," Sessions concluded.

Established in 1919, Easter Seals provides advocacy and services for millions of children and adults living with disabilities and for their families. Now with 550 service centers in the U.S. and Australia, Easter Seals offers medical rehabilitation, employment training, children's services, adult and senior services, and social and skill development services. For more information, visit www.easterseals.com

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