Land Honored by Disability Rights Organization

Receives Marvin E. Beekman Advocacy Award from MPAS

LANSING, MI - Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land was honored Tuesday by Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS) for her support of the state’s disability community.

Land was presented with the Marvin E. Beekman Advocacy Award at a meeting of the MPAS Board of Directors in Lansing . The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to rights protection and advocacy for people with disabilities, according to MPAS.

“Our team at the Department of State has worked to make the voting process easier and to provide services to customers that are more convenient, efficient and helpful,” Land said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve been able to make for Michigan ’s citizens with disabilities by partnering with MPAS and other advocacy organizations.”

During Land’s two terms, the department upgraded its branch offices, in many cases making the facilities more accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Bureau of Elections increased the accessibility of polling places with federal grant money in the “Improving Access for All” program. Staff also worked with local election officials and disability advocates to select and install AutoMARK voting equipment that allows voters with disabilities to cast ballots on their own.

The department has teamed with the Michigan chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America to promote The Pump Guide, a list of full-service gas stations at self-serve prices for drivers with disabilities. And Land attended several disability forums, where she was able to hear about challenges facing those with disabilities firsthand.

“We are pleased to present the Marvin E. Beekman Advocacy Award to Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who for the past eight years has forged a historic relationship with the disability community,” stated Mark R. Lezotte, MPAS board president and shareholder practicing in the law firm of Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, PLLC. “She has steadfastly worked to assure everyone access to the electoral process. Secretary Land 's leadership has also positioned Michigan as an example to others nationwide in assuring voting rights for people with disabilities. Her friendship and advocacy will be missed by Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service and the disability community at large.”

Other elected officials who have received the Marvin E. Beekman Advocacy Award from MPAS include U.S. Sen. Carl Levin in 1984, State Rep. Laura Toy in 2000 and State Senators Gilda Jacobs and Bev Hammerstrom in 2006.