Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga), Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R,C,I-East Meadow) and their colleagues today held their sixth annual Disability Awareness Day ceremony at the State Capitol in Albany.

"I am happy to be hosting our sixth annual Disability Awareness Day celebration," Tedisco said. "Every year, my conference and I set aside a day in June to honor those who triumph over personal obstacles to achieve greatness. I am pleased to welcome my constituent, Tammy Dalaba, and everyone else who made this wonderful celebration possible."

The group presented the "Excelsior Award for Excellence" to people from across the state who have succeeded despite their disabilities. The award honors the extraordinary achievements and public service of those who have overcome physical and other personal challenges.

"We are here today to pay tribute to this superb group of New Yorkers who have contributed so much to their communities," said McKevitt, Ranking Republican on the Assembly Mental Health Committee. "It is heartwarming to see so many honorees here in Albany today. Disability Awareness Day has become a great Assembly Republican tradition, and I hope it continues far into the future."

Tedisco noted that 22.5 percent, or approximately three million New Yorkers are living with some form of disability.

Other Assembly Minority members participating in today's ceremony were: Assemblyman Tom Alfano (R,C,I,WF-21st District); Assemblyman George Amedore (R,C-Rotterdam); Assemblyman Jim Bacalles (R,C,I-Corning); Assemblyman Greg Ball (R-Carmel); Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski); Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I-Newport); Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey (R,I,C-Peru); Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C-Springport); Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia); Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua); Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,C,I-Wilton); Assemblyman Robert C. Oaks (R,C-Macedon); Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C-Greenwood Lake); Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino (R,C,I-Massapequa); Assemblywoman Dierdre "Dede" Scozzafava (R,C,WF,I-Gouverneur); Assemblyman Lou Tobacco (R-South Shore) and Assemblyman David R. Townsend, Jr. (R,C,I,WF-Sylvan Beach).