Lazarus Testifies Before Helsinki Commission

On September 24, ICI’s Sheryl Lazarus (pictured fourth from left) testified in Washington, DC before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, at a briefing titled, “A Truly Inclusive Society: Encouraging the Ability in Disability.” Lazarus, director of the TIES Center, was part of a panel of speakers exploring best practices developed federally and locally in the U.S. to empower and integrate individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the legal changes that will enable individuals with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential. The briefing was recorded and live-streamed to 57 countries, mostly in Europe and Central Asia, as well as the U.S.

The panel was moderated by Allison H. Parker, General Counsel for the commission, and the other witnesses were:

Sara Hart Weir, President and CEO, National Down Syndrome Society

Kayla McKeon, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy, National Down Syndrome Society

John Cronin, Co-Founder, John's Crazy Socks

Mark Cronin, Co-Founder and President, John's Crazy Socks

The transcript of Lazarus’ testimony is available here, and the video of the full panel’s comments can be found here.

Photo source: U.S. Helsinki Commission