Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at the Annual Ada Sapolin Awards

August 9, 2016

First Lady Chirlane McCray: Hello, everyone. Good evening. Welcome to Gracie Mansion. This is the people's house, this is your house, and you are always welcome here. This evening we celebrate the 26th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act, one of the greatest pieces of legislation – of civil rights legislation – in our nation's history. 

[Applause]

We are also celebrating you – the people who are transforming the Act's promise into progress. For the last year-and-a-half, I have been working with a growing team to address the largest source of disability in the world – mental illness. Now this fact comes as a big surprise to many people because we tend to associate the term disability with physical limitations. But when researchers looked at New York City and measured which disorders have the greatest disability burden, three of the top five were rooted in the brain – major depressive disorder, substance misuse, and anxiety disorder. And of course, some people who suffer from physical disabilities are also susceptible to mental health challenges. What we need is a mental health system that treats the whole person, and that's exactly what we're creating with ThriveNYC.

[Applause]

ThriveNYC is our roadmap to change the culture around mental health, to change the way people think about it, and to change the way the City and its partners deliver services. And it is the most comprehensive mental health plan of any city or state in the nation. We're very proud of it. Together, we are changing the culture and approaching it like physical health because people need to know that mental illness is treatable. Together, we are building a system to address mental health risk at every stage of life. And together, we are making resources available where people live, where they work, where they worship, and where they learn, with a focus on high-need communities. And together, we are creating a place where people are defined by what they can do and not by what they can't do.

[Applause]

Now, my former boss, a guy who used to be my favorite mayor –

[Laughter]

– liked to say that we are all – we are all of us temporarily able. And I think that's such a beautiful way to put it because we all go through periods when we need help navigating our physical and mental limitations. And we all have something positive to contribute to the community, but the community must be open to our contributions. And that's what today's gathering is all about. Tonight's honorees are building on New York City's well-earned reputation as a place where everyone has an opportunity to contribute. And no one values that reputation more than the man I'm about to introduce. Everyone, please welcome my husband, our fearless leader, and my partner in all things – Mayor Bill de Blasio.

[Applause]

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you. Good evening, everyone. All right, energetic crowd tonight. We welcome you. We welcome you to the people's house, and we are thrilled to have you here. It is a beautiful, summer evening. It is a perfect night to celebrate together all the great work that has been done – all the people who are who here do so much for this city. And this is a crowd of folks who have fought a lot of good battles, have made a lot of change, helped a lot of people. So I must insist, since you're in my house, you must give yourselves a round of applause.

[Applause]

I want to thank Chirlane for all she's doing. I think people know it takes audacity to say that we're not going to accept a status quo that doesn't work for people. And again, so many people in this beautiful tent this evening have fought battles against an unacceptable status quo, have fought for fairness and decency for people. When it comes to mental health, we have a nation, we have a city that for too long ignored the obvious and didn't provide what people needed. And we're finally looking that problem in the eye, and we're going to do something about it, and we're going to start by de-stigmatizing something that is profoundly human, and real, and has to be embraced like all of humanity. And our First Lady is leading the way. Let's thank Chirlane for all she does.

[Applause]

I want to thank our extraordinary Commissioner for the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Victor Calise.

[Applause]

I just like saying his name because it gets such a good response. We debate whether it should be Calise the American style or Calise the Italian style, but that's okay. In either interpretation, he's very popular. 

I want to thank all the folks here who have done so much – the individuals, the organizations, the businesses that have worked to make this city more accessible and more fair. It's hard work – a lot of it has taken a long, long time. It has taken a lot of meticulousness and focus, but you've done it. I want to thank you all. We're going to honor some great people this evening. And I want everyone to know we – to all of you who do this work – we consider ourselves – the City of New York – considers ourselves your partner, and we consider it an urgent mission. And we took a big step forward last month announcing AccessibleNYC – first ever report of its kind to help us to focus on the needs of people with disabilities and continue the progress that we must achieve. And it's going to be an important tool for all of us. 

Now, this evening is one that a lot of people in this administration want to be a part of. They feel this mission; they're very committed to it in each and every one of the parts of the City government that they run. So I'm going to introduce all of the leaders of the City government gathered here, and you can give them just a big, ongoing round of applause.

Our Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop. 

[Applause]

Our DCAS Commissioner Lisette Camilo.

[Applause]

Commissioner for the Department of the Aging Donna Corrado.

[Applause]

Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl.

[Applause]

Chair of the Commission on Human Rights Carmelyn Malalis.

[Applause]

Commissioner for the Office to Combat Domestic Violence Cecile Noel.

[Applause]

Commissioner for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anne Roest.

[Applause]

Commissioner for Emergency Management Joe Esposito.

[Applause]

Not only Commissioner, but former U.S. Army General, Loree Sutton, Department of Veteran Services. 

[Applause]

The man who takes care of this beautiful house and makes sure it is available to the public – the wonderful work of art it is – the Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Paul Gunther.

[Applause]

And the woman who with her crack team brings us these wonderful events – Director for the Mayor's Office of Special Events – Carla Matero, thank you.

[Applause]

And finally, a dear friend and a partner in all we do with the City Council – Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal. 

[Applause]

So, 26 years ago, one of the biggest steps forward for civil rights in America with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. And we celebrated – many of us celebrated together last year on the 25th with Tom Harkin. Wasn't that a treat to be there with him, himself?

[Applause]

And I – it's such an important experience in my life to have gotten to know Tom Harkin because when you think of the battles we're fighting today, and then you go back in time 20 – now 26 years – a lot of you remember what a challenge it was just to educate people on these issues, let alone pass groundbreaking legislation. Again, a lot of the people here were part of that fight –Tom Harkin led the way. And it's an example, again, of audacity. How much good that Act has done for so many people only because someone had the audacity to believe that you could break through the status quo and get it done. So we celebrate a very important moment in history and we don't forget the struggle that led to it. 

And we continue the work every day here in New York City. And that's why we're proud of AccessibleNYC because again, to address the problem we have to be straightforward about where the challenges are, and what the solutions are, and then devote ourselves to them. This report gives a very detailed look at what people need. And it helps us to refine our commitment to the basics: connecting more New Yorkers with disabilities to jobs, a key imperative; making sure people with disabilities have accessible and affordable housing, something that we feel everywhere in this city.

[Applause]

Giving our students with disabilities a quality education.

[Applause]

One of my personal favorites – ensuring New Yorkers with disabilities have accessible taxis when they need them.

[Applause]

And finally – placing full-time disability service facilitators in key City agencies to advocate for the community.

[Applause]

And this fits our larger concept in this administration of fighting against inequality. This city can't be as great as it was meant to be if it's not open to everyone, if everyone can't take part in that greatness, and experience all that this city has to offer. So that's our focus. 

A few weeks ago, there was a very powerful voice on these issues in Philadelphia. And I had the pleasure to spend time sitting next to her on the convention floor, but her speech resonated so deeply. Anastasia Somoza – powerful, powerful message.

[Applause]

And she talked about what it means for people with disabilities to have real educational and employment opportunities and what it means to not have those opportunities – how that holds someone back. And she said it very simply – she said these opportunities should be for quote, "absolutely everyone," absolutely everyone, and she is absolutely right. It's as simple as that, and that is our vision. So we're going to work every day with you to achieve the vision.

And we know we'll have a lot of good consciences, and a lot of good partners, and tonight we honor several of them who have been particular leaders – helping to raise the bar for everyone and make things happen. We honor people with two different awards – the ADA Sapolin Award and the Frieda Zames Advocacy Award. 

[Applause]

And now, to present the awards – it's about to happen again – to present the awards – America's favorite award presenter, Commissioner Victor Calise.

[Applause]

Commissioner Victor Calise, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities: You want to be my Vanna White?

Mayor: Yes, I'll be your Vanna White.

[Laughter]

Commissioner Calise: You were good at the ferry when we did that.

Mayor: Whenever you reference the report, [inaudible].

Commissioner Calise: Good evening, everybody. Welcome to Gracie Mansion. First, I'd like to thank the Mayor and the First Lady for hosting us in their home. And I'd also like to thank the hardworking staff at MOPD – thank you for everything you do. Special events – 

[Applause]

I love our DCAS team here for putting everything together for this great event. And the interns this year – where are you? Raise your hands. Great job everybody.

[Applause]

Of course, Richard Buery's team, my Deputy Mayor, and Jorge for their support and everything that they do.

And of course the beautiful lady in the yellow dress, my wife Susan, for supporting me in everything that I do.

[Applause]

I got it this time. I got it right this time. Right?

Mayor: [Inaudible]

[Laughter]

Commissioner Calise: The ADA was not the end of the fight for people with disabilities. And while it remains the strongest law of anywhere in the world that protects the rights of people with disabilities, much more work needs to be done. On this anniversary of the ADA, it is critical to remember that this work is best done together. The success of the ADA did not come from efforts of a single voice. It's passage came because of a united chorus of activists, families, friends, educators, legislators, and countless others coming together to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities – just like everyone in this room. While those rights have been legally secured for more than a quarter century, its implementation is ongoing. 

For the first time ever, the City has released AccessibleNYC, a report of nearly 100 pages that sets our vision for making New York City the most accessible city in the world. It covers everything from the launch of our new employment program, NYC: AT WORK, to describing the incredible dedication of the Department of Education to students with disabilities. And this sort of progress is only possible when we work together as a community. People with disabilities are not only one community, we are of the community. But we need to show it. We need to be right there at the community boards, right there at the City Council, and each and every single one of us needs to be right there when we vote this coming fall.

[Applause]

It was only – it was only through this sort of visible and united advocacy that we could pass something as monumental as the ADA. Never before have issues of disability rights and inclusion been so prominent. But I never forget that right here in New York, we still have so much left to do. And this administration, and this Mayor, and this First Lady, and all the Commissioners behind us are committed to do so.

[Applause]

We are increasing diversity in City employment for people with disabilities; thousands of kids with disabilities are attending universal pre-K; more accessible, affordable housing is being built; parks, outdoor film festivals have open captioning; and members of our community are diversifying City-run boards. And I am confident that if we work together, victories are just on the horizon. So thank you.

[Applause]

And now it's time for the awards presentation. 

Mayor: The envelope please.

Commissioner Calise: Yes. So, TITLE I is the ADA Sapolin Employment Award and it goes to Brooklyn Roasting Company. 

[Applause]

And I know Brooklyn and coffee are your most prominent thing, but it wasn't picked for that.

Mayor: It wasn't?

Commission Calise: No, it wasn't.

Mayor: Okay.

[Laughter]

Commissioner Calise: The Brooklyn Roasting Company offers New Yorkers best quality, fair-trade, Rainforest Alliance, and organic-certified and sustainable coffees. In just five years, the company has grown from its three founders to over 120 employees.

[Applause]

And here's the best part – as part of their strategy to bring the best talent to Brooklyn that the boroughs have to offer, BRC has partnered with JobPath to provide employment opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities, as well as those with autism spectrum disorder.

[Applause]

It's excited [inaudible] about jobs. Let's do it again. Yes.

[Applause]

Providing jobs, training, and career advancement for participants of JobPath has created a diverse and inclusive work environment, which benefits the business, co-workers, and BRC neighborhoods. As BRC expands to more locations, opportunities will continue to grow. As Michael Pollack of BRC has stated – it's so easy to say yes to good ideas and hiring people, with disabilities is good for business and for New York City. So Michael, come on up. Michael, come on up you're hired and accept the award.

[Applause]

Mayor: [Inaudible]

[Applause]

Commissioner Calise: TITLE II ADA Sapolin Public Service Award goes to Theatre Development Fund. 

[Applause]

Since 1980, TDF Accessible Programs, also known as TAP, has been dedicated to providing access to theater for people with disabilities, implementing autism-friendly performances of Broadway productions, accessible seating, open captioning, sign language interpreter shows, audio-described performance on and off Broadway. TAP trains theaters in the United States and abroad on how to set up captioning programs and autism-friendly shows, and offers an educational enrichment program for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, blind or with low vision. Theater Access in New York City is TAP's newest website initiative and developed in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Broadway League. The website is intuitive, user-friendly, shows a friendly show finder that allows theatergoers to filter and sort through dozens of Broadway shows based on accessibility needs. It provides details on accessible paths of travel, seating locations, and times and ticket availability for scheduled accessible performances. And accepting the award is TDF Executive Director Victoria Bailey.

[Applause]

Mayor: [Inaudible]

[Applause]

Commissioner Calise: TITLE III Public Accommodation goes to New York City Regal Theaters. Regal Cinemas distributed Sony Entertainment Access Glasses for captioning of more than 6,000 screens across the country, including screens in seven theaters located in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. The captions are projected onto the glasses and appear to float about ten feet in front of the user. They come with audio tracks that describe the action on the screen for individuals who are blind and they can boost the audio levels of the movie for those who are hard of hearing. And receiving the award for Regal Cinemas is 24-year-old – 24-year veteran of the industry and district manager – 

[Laughter]

Commissioner Calise: District Manager Jason Sills.

[Applause]

Mayor: [Inaudible]

[Applause]

Commissioner Calise: The TITLE IV ADA Sapolin Award goes to NYU Ability Lab. The Ability Project is an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to the study of disability and the development of accessible, assistive, and rehab technologies. They use a human-centered approach to design assistive and adaptive technologies that are meant to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and empower them to accomplish tasks in all facets of life. Current projects include: a platform for people with visual disabilities to learn coding and processing; adaptions to Microsoft Connect that's used for rehabilitation exercises for stroke patients; umbrellas for motorized wheelchairs; and technology to aid speech therapy. The Ability Project also has hackathons, such as the Access Design Competition to encourage students to design projects and concepts that will influence the future of assistive, listening technologies. Receiving the award for NYU Ability Lab is Clinical Associate Professor, Ph. D., and occupational therapist Anita Perr. 

[Applause]

And now for our last award. The Frieda Zames Advocacy Award.

[Applause]

I've heard so many great things about Frieda. And I've never had the opportunity to meet her, but I hear so many great things about what an advocate she was and how much she's done for our community. And no one deserves it more, to receive this award, than Edith Prentiss. 

[Applause]

And boy there's so much to say about Edith. For those of you that know Edith – she is on every board, involved in every issue, and she knows it from top to bottom. She's often – she corrects me every chance she has. 

[Laughter]

And I say – yes Edith, you're right – because everything that we're talking about tonight, Edith does. Edith is – cares about not just her disability, but every disability. She works to make sure that issues are heard both on the local level, the Council level, and our level here in the Mayor's Office. And she doesn't stop, and she continues to push it, and she raises the bar. And she keeps us accountable, and I appreciate that. And she's willing to work with everybody and get things done. Edith, I totally went off script and that was just from the heart. And I just want you to come up and accept this award.

[Applause]

Mayor: [Inaudible]

[Applause]

Commissioner Calise: Well, everyone thank you. I appreciate it. We have a lot of work to do. I want to thank the Mayor, the First Lady, all the Commissioners, Council Members, and most of all – all of you for making this night a success. And I look forward to the next year working for all of you.

Thank you.

[Applause]