EFE is Finalist at New Freedom Awards Inaugural

Equip for Equality was a finalist for Best New Freedom Organization and Best New Freedom Organization in a Supporting Role at the inauguration of the New Freedom Awards (NFA) at a black-tie-optional gala held July 22, 2003, in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. The sold-out event and buffet dinner, hosted by the Jim Mullen Foundation, attracted more than 700 people representing dozens of disability organizations and those who work closely - in all capacities - with people with disabilities. Altogether 250 nominations were submitted in 19 categories.

The mission of the New Freedom Awards is to "inspire the New Freedom industry to greatness by recognizing those men and women who create extraordinary new freedoms to help the 57 million Americans with disabilities enjoy basic freedoms in their lives that most people take for granted - to work, play and live the American dream with dignity."

EFE's nominations were based on its systemic success in its lawsuit against the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) for failing to provide equal access to its trains and buses, which achieved a $15 million settlement mandating accessibility over a five-year period with oversight by an independent monitor and for its broad impact on the self-advocacy education of thousands of people with disabilities and their families through the Training Institute on Disability Rights.

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association was the winner in the Best New Freedom Organization category, for which the other four finalists were the American Association of People with Disabilities, the National Association of the Deaf, the National Organization on Disabilities and EFE. Academy Awards-winning actress Marlee Matlin was one of the presenters.

IBM Foundation took top honors in the Best New Freedom Organization in a Supporting Role category out of a field that also included Microsoft, the American Foundation for the Blind, National Industries for the Blind and EFE.

In a ceremony that simulated the pomp and circumstance of the Academy Awards with its celebrity presenters and impressive trophy for winners of each category, the event was replicated on two giant TV screens. Serving as masters of ceremony were John Chmela, Executive Director of the Jim Mullen Foundation, and William Smith, Director of Operations.

Of note as awards presenters were former Chicago Bears Super Bowl stars, coach Mike Ditka and quarterback Jim McMahon, and CBS/WBBM-TV news anchor Jay Levine and station President and General Manager Joe Ahern, who recently hired Jim Mullen as the station's disability reporter. Entertainment for the event was provided by Gaia, renowned songwriter and singer, who performed an anti-stigma song, "I Am More," with interactive audience participation.

Jim Mullen was a Chicago police officer with a wife and 6-month-old daughter, whose life was irrevocably changed on Oct. 16, 1996, when a bullet to his face ended his career. In an instant, he became a quadriplegic clinging to life. His recovery motivated him to become an activist in the disability community, especially in the world of digital communication.

The winners in the other categories were Best New Freedom Service (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), Best New Freedom Individual in an Inspiring Role (Christopher Reeve), Best New Freedom Individual in a Supporting Role (Don Grossnickle), Best New Freedom Employment (IBM), Best New Freedom Research (Microsoft), Best New Freedom Hospital (Shriners Hospital for Children), New Freedom Transformation Award (Joe Ahern), Best New Freedom Individual (Steve Tingus), Legendary New Freedom Award (Ann Sullivan), Best New Freedom Publication/ Website (Exceptional Parent Magazine), Best New Freedom Community Program (International Center on Deafness and the Arts), Best New Freedom Product (Microsoft Windows), Best New Freedom Accessibility Award (IBM), Best New Freedom Technology (DEKA), Best New Freedom Communications Award (ABLE-TV) and Best New Freedom Fund (Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation). =

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