Advocates for developmentally disabled honored

CRANSTON – Members of the developmental disabilities community recently joined the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Director Craig Stenning at a ceremony honoring Edwin T. Drew and James V. Healey in the lobby of BHDDH. Stenning presented the second annual Fogarty-Olean award to Edwin T. Drew for leadership, dedication and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Drew’s volunteer efforts have had an impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly those at the J. Arthur Trudeau Center. His commitment to this population spans more than 45 years.

James V. Healey, a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, was the recipient of the Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Among his many legislative efforts, Healey was responsible for a law that made Rhode Island the first state to enact a “right to education” statute for all individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Each year, the Fogarty-Olean award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Stenning. We established this award to encourage a new generation of community leaders, family members and parents to speak out on behalf of those who often are not heard. With the Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award, we are acknowledging Mr. Healey’s exceptional leadership in the transformation of the Developmental Disabilities system.”

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