State Sen. Diane Allen was named the Arc of New Jersey’s Legislator of the Year in the Senate for 2013.
State Sen. Diane Allen, R-Burlington, was named the Arc of New Jersey’s Legislator of the Year in the Senate for 2013.
”It is a true honor to be recognized by an organization like The Arc of New Jersey, which has done so much in its own right to advocate for those with disabilities,” said Sen. Allen in a release. “I look forward to continuing to work with The Arc of New Jersey to help those who are disadvantaged receive the assistance they need to succeed. To assure that all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential it is imperative we provide those with disabilities and their loving families the supports they need.”
Sen. Allen was recognized at the organization’s annual awards celebration on Dec. 10 in New Brunswick.
According to the release, this year the Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Allen regarding school bus safety for the transportation of disabled students, addressing fraud and misuse of parking placards for disabled persons and updating the membership of the New Jersey Epilepsy Task Force.
Throughout her legislative career, she has consistently demonstrated her support of those with special needs, having sponsored laws concerning the Council on Developmental Disabilities, in support of those on the autism spectrum, and the Self-Directed Support Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Rights Act, according to the release.
The Arc of New Jersey’s mission is to protect the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes; and to enhance the quality of life of those individuals and their families through advocacy, empowerment, education and prevention.