Press Releases
Northeast Minneapolis Residents Christa Laird and
Nora Pliego Receive Arc's Change Maker Awards
May 2, 2008
ST. PAUL – Arc Greater Twin Cities will honor two residents of
northeast Minneapolis by presenting them with its Change Maker Awards. Christa
Laird will receive the “Changing Policies” Award and Nora Pliego will receive
the “Changing Attitudes” Award. The presentation will be made at Arc’s Annual
Meeting May 6 at General Mills’ Conference Center.
Arc’s Change Maker Awards recognize individuals or organizations who make a
difference for children and adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and their families. They reflect Arc’s tag line, “Changing
Attitudes. Changing Policies. Changing Lives.” The “Changing Attitudes”
category recognizes those who positively change public perception of people
with disabilities. The “Changing Policies” category recognizes persons whose
efforts have resulted in systems and policy changes that benefit individuals
with disabilities and their families.
Laird is being honored for her passionate commitment to building a world where
people with disabilities are fully included. She has given her time and energy
to many activities in the public policy arena, including testimony at the
capitol on disability-related legislation, hosting visits with elected
officials in her home and educating legislators about the impact of their
decisions on the lives of people with disabilities.
Also receiving “Changing Policies” Awards are Milt Conrath, recently retired
deputy director of Dakota County Social Services, and Tim Kasemodel of Wayzata.
Pliego is being honored for her efforts to encourage Hispanic families to seek
assistance for children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She has raised awareness of Arc in the Hispanic community and has helped
families obtain services and supports that make a difference in their lives.
Also receiving “Changing Attitudes” Awards are Sherry Gray of St. Paul and
Melissa Lemke of St. Louis Park.
Arc Greater Twin Cities is a nonprofit agency serving the many needs of people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Established in 1946, Arc has been changing attitudes, changing policies and
changing lives for more than 60 years. Arc helps individuals and families
address issues that span the lifetime, including early intervention, education,
transition to adulthood, health care, housing, employment, guardianship and
more. For more information and volunteer opportunities, call Arc at (952)
920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org.