Community Options, Inc. will honor U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) with the Betty Pendler Award in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for persons with disabilities.
Community Options is a national nonprofit organization that provides housing and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Community Options supports over 3,400 people across 10 states, including more than 400 people in Pennsylvania, according to a press release.
A presentation ceremony will be held on Nov. 19 for the senator from Pennsylvania. The Betty Pendler Award is presented to the person who best exemplifies the mission of Community Options.
“I am honored to receive the Betty Pendler Award from Community Options,” Casey said. “As we confront this public health crisis, it is more important than ever that we continue to fight for people with disabilities, from advocating for more funding for home and community-based services to building on the successes of the ABLE Act. I hope to work toward a future where all individuals with disabilities can live and work with dignity.”
Casey has served in the United States Senate since 2006, representing the people of Pennsylvania. He was born in Scranton and is the son of Robert Casey, former governor of Pennsylvania. Among his achievements include the passage of the ABLE Act, and the introduction of the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020 to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities.
“There is no one more deserving of the Betty Pendler Award than Senator Casey,” said Robert Stack, president and CEO of Community Options. “Time and time again, Senator Casey has proven to be a staunch advocate for persons with disabilities. The passion he showed while fighting to pass the CARES Act is a great example of his commitment to serving the underserved. We are excited for this opportunity to recognize his dedication with this award.”
The Betty Pendler Award is named in honor of Betty Pendler who fought tirelessly for the interests of persons with disabilities. Having a daughter born with Down syndrome, Pendler became a dedicated parent leader and advocate, according to the press release.
She served on the board of directors of the AHRC of New York City, the editorial advisory board of Exceptional Parent, the NY State Developmental Disabilities Council, and was a faculty member of Partners in Policymaking.
