I am extremely honored to have the privilege of introducing the next Awardee. Happily, from my viewpoint, this Awardee is a woman, a woman chosen from an outstanding group of nominees. Her tireless work on behalf of individuals with disabilities, particularly those with mental retardation, has earned her the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. International Award.
Fortunately, the winner of this Award, Mrs. Barbara Schmidbauer, is the parent of a child with Down Syndrome. She has been a member of the European Parliament where she has long championed policies for people with mental handicaps and other disabilities. She has brought her advocacy to the highest forum. As the Chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Disability, Ms. Schmidbauer mobilized support for a non-discrimination clause for disabled persons in the European Union Treaties.
She also produced the European Parliament Resolution on the Rights of Mentally Handicapped People. That legislation produced civil rights for persons with mental retardation, including early education, vocational training and independent living support! Her work in the European Parliament also opened transportation, telecommunication and postal services for persons with disabilities, and the promotion of the use of sign language.
Ms. Schmidbauer continues her advocacy work in her current role with the European Disability Forum. No one in Europe or elsewhere has surpassed Mrs. Schmidbauer in her devotion to the mentally handicapped and her success in establishing new legal rights and services for every mentally handicapped person everywhere in Europe.
Therefore, no one deserves greater recognition than Mrs. Schmidbauer. The modern world is a happier and more civilized place for everyone because of Mrs. Schmidbauer’s dedication and service for all the thousands with mental retardation.
It is with great respect and pleasure that I present to you, Mrs. Schmidbauer, this beautiful Art Crystal Award created by Sandor Varga who transforms every piece of crystal into magnificent works of art.
So, Mrs. Schmidbauer, it is with great pleasure that I have the hon
or to give you one of Sandor Varga’s most beautiful creations. With it, I also give you a check for $10,000 for all the work you have performed. You certainly deserve that amount of money for all you have done!
