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Madelaine Sayko and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth at Disability Ball

On January 19th I had the great pleasure of attending the second Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball at the National Press Club in Washington DC. The American Association of People with Disabilities was a co-sponsor of the Ball. Power and Pride instituted the ball four years ago to demonstrate the political unity and diversity of the disability community.

The ball was a chance to have fun and celebrate – and what a great time was had by all. The Honorable Tony Coelho , the Master of Ceremonies,

talked of the progress that is being made and the hopes for the future for people with disabilties.

Other speakers included Kareem Dale, who is stepping down as the Associate Director at the White House from his role as Special assistant to the President for Disability Policy, and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (on the right) who spoke of how important the support from the disability community had been in her own recovery. Tammy was shot down during a combat mission in Iraq and lost both legs and part of her right arm.

Many other luminaries in the disability world were also in attendance including Joyce Bender and Michael Winter. There was incredible music once again by the band Jukebox and a great deal of dancing from all attendees. The event was inspiring, lively, and a wonderful evening for all. CC