On Thursday, July 26, I had the opportunity to attend the
National Council on Disability Swearing In Ceremony at the National Archives of
Records Administration Rotunda. It was a
very poignant moment, to be sitting there on the 22nd Anniversary of
ADA, with the actual Constitution directly in front of us, the Declaration of
Independence to our left, and the Bill of Rights to our right. I was also thrilled to meet NCD members from
my home town, Albany, New York—Mr. Chester Finn and Ms. Stephanie Orlando. There was a reception after the ceremony,
where I got the chance to network with others who are passionate about
disability rights.
Afterwards, three of us climbed into a taxi in order to make
it to the CRPD markup. Dirksen was
filled with disability pioneers and advocates who had been working so hard for
global disability rights and the ratification of the treaty. It meant so much to be a part of such an
historical moment.
Afterwards, we went to Union Station for lunch, and then
made our way to the Botanical Garden, where the interns convened before walking
over to the Capitol together for a group photograph. It has been such an honor to get to know all
of the interns over the summer. Everyone
has such incredible passion, and you all inspire me to the fullest.
Now we moved on to the Cannon Building for the And Justice
for All awards, where I was further inspired by Jim and Carrie’s speeches. Finally, it was time to go, and head off to
my second Diva Dinner at Fire and Sage.
It was an unforgettable day.
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