Washington, DC - The Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region Chapter honored Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) with their 2007 Advocacy Award last night in the nation’s capital. Easter Seals has made the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) its signature issue for 2007 and is working with Congressman Dingell to see that all children, especially children with disabilities, get the health care they need. A top priority for Easter Seals and Mr. Dingell is to ensure that the nearly 3 million children who are eligible, but not enrolled in SCHIP, get the health care they deserve.

“The greatest indicator of the quality of an individual is how he or she helps those less fortunate and the people with Easter Seals do incredible good deeds,” Dingell said. “Working with Easter Seals is truly its own reward; to receive this year’s Advocacy Award is wonderful bonus of which I am greatly appreciative. But by no means does this mean that the work is done. I will continue to work with Easter Seals to ensure that the most vulnerable among us – our young people, our elderly and those with disabilities and special needs – get the health care and services they deserve. With the help of my colleagues, we will fight to pass legislation that would extend health care coverage to all of our children.”

Easter Seals also recognized the Congressman for helping children and adults with disabilities live with equality, dignity and independence. Last year, he helped usher through the Combating Autism Act, legislation that will help increase the availability of services to individuals touched by autism.

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. According to their website, Easter Seals assists more than one million children and adults with disabilities and their families annually through a nationwide network of more than 450 service sites.

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