ACF Messenger
September 14, 2004

Twelve Reappointed to President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID)

President George W. Bush has reappointed twelve members to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

The members will serve for the remainder of two year terms which expires on May 11, 2006.

Reappointed to the committee were: Dr. Vijaya Appareddy of Tennessee, Claudia Coleman of California, Olivia Colvin of Texas, Kathy Hargett of Maryland, Kenneth Lohff of Wisconsin, Lori William of Connecticut, Edward Mambruno of Connecticut, Lon Solomon of Virginia, Karen Staley of Oregon, Annette Talis of Wisconsin, Madeline Will of Washington, DC and James Brett of Massachusetts.

The reappointments took place at a swearing-in ceremony at Administration for Children and Families (ACF) headquarters in Washington, DC on Monday, Sept. 13.

HHS Deputy Secretary Claude Allen administered the oath.

“Every day, the lives of people with intellectual disabilities are enriched by the work of this committee,” said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. “The people on this committee are leaders who are helping to strengthen those lives.”

“I am pleased by these reappointments,” said D. Wade F. Horn, assistant secretary for children and families. “The work this committee does on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities will be strengthened by her continued involvement.”

The President's Committee for People withIntellectual Disabilities (PCPID) is a federal advisory committee, established by executive order to advise the President of the United States and the Secretary of The Department of Health and Human Services on issues concerning citizens with intellectual disabilities.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Sally Atwater, the Committee coordinates activities between different federal agencies and assesses the impact of their policies upon the lives of citizens with intellectual disabilities and their families.

President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative is designed to help Americans with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding educational opportunities, increasing the ability of Americans with disabilities to integrate into the workforce, and prooting increased access into daily community life.