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  4. DE UCEDD Graduate Receives the State Council for Persons with Disabilities Legislative Award

DE UCEDD Graduate Receives the State Council for Persons with Disabilities Legislative Award

February 28, 2012

Website Link  http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2012/feb/for-the-record-021712.html

Debra Heffernan (left) receives the Legislative Award from Pat Maichle at the LIFE Conference
Debra Heffernan (left) receives the Legislative Award from Pat Maichle at the LIFE Conference

Delaware State Rep. Debra Heffernan, a 1983 University of Delaware (DE UCEDD) graduate with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, was presented the State Council for Persons with Disabilities Legislative Award at the 14th annual LIFE Conference in Dover, Jan. 19.

The award is given to a state or federal legislator who has worked on disability issues that have had a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The LIFE Conference is Delaware's premier annual conference for persons with disabilities and those who support them.

Debra Heffernan was honored for her work on legislation that removed insensitive and offensive language from the state code. In presenting the award, Pat Maichle, council director, praised Heffernan for "building a strong relationship with the disability community" and leading the state in a "tremendous step forward." In accepting the award, Heffernan said, "It is only through our shared perspective that I will be able to help bring positive changes to how Delaware views and provides opportunity for all our citizens."