Assembly Resolution No. 543
BY: M. of A. Magnarelli
MOURNING the death of Sally Johnston, a leader of
the disability movement, distinguished citizen, and
devoted member of her community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Sally Johnston of Syracuse, New York, died on May 10, 2023,
at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, A true leader of the disability movement, Sally Johnston
started her career in advocacy in 1975 when she began volunteering at a
new community center; she worked with members of the community to build
relationships with county elected officials, eventually succeeding in
getting public office buildings made accessible throughout Syracuse and
Onondaga county; and
WHEREAS, For 14 years, Sally Johnston worked with advocates across
Syracuse, New York to make buses accessible for all; she would go to
measures as far as chaining herself to buses and eventually won in her
fight to make buses in Syracuse accessible; and
WHEREAS, Getting involved in long-term care, Sally Johnston called
for a demonstration program that served as a precursor to Consumer
Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) to be made available in Onondaga
county; this program would pave the way for the statewide implementation
of CDPA; and
WHEREAS, Having tirelessly devoted her time to the cause, Sally
Johnston played a vital role in the establishment of the Consumer
Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State; she was the
first Board President of CDPAANYS and was dedicated to ensuring the
organization was built on a strong foundation; and
WHEREAS, Sally Johnston continued to faithfully serve the CDPAANYS
until her retirement; and
WHEREAS, Her legacy lives on, in 2011, Sally Johnston was honored by
CDPAANYS with the Advocacy Award, which was renamed to The Sally
Johnston Award for Advocacy; in 2022, she was recognized further for her
work when she was inducted into the Disability Rights Hall of Fame,
created and run by the New York State Independent Living Council; and
WHEREAS, Sally Johnston distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; improving the quality of life for others and enabling
them to build lives of dignity and self-worth; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sally Johnston leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sally Johnston, a leader of the disability movement,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sally Johnston.
