On the recordMarch 6, 2012
Hundreds of advocates from across the country traveled to Capitol Hill last week to raise awareness on behalf of the National Down Syndrome Society. Today I rise to congratulate one of those individuals, Bridget Brown, who is being honored with the 2012 Self-Advocate of the Year Champion of Change Award. A resident of Darien, Illinois, Bridget has helped to empower and inspire thousands of others with Down Syndrome to lead full and successful lives. A role model, mentor, and national speaker, she graduated from high school in 2005 after becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to be included in her school district. She helped to promote among Illinois educators the concept of inclusion, and launched her own advocacy organization called Butterflies for Change. I applaud Bridget for her amazing work at the local and national level to help others achieve their full potential. She has made her State and her community proud, and I wish Bridget continued success in her efforts on behalf of the more than 400,000 Americans with Down Syndrome. ____________________
