In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), a national disability rights law firm based in Oakland CA, presents annual Eagle and Turkey Awards. On Tuesday, November 22nd, during its 8th Annual Awards presentation, DRA named the Mitsubishi Electric US companies an Eagle award recipient. Eagle Awards give thanks to corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits that have demonstrated outstanding efforts to advance the rights of people with disabilities. The Mitsubishi Electric companies were honored for “creating positive change for young people with disabilities” and for the work of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, whose mission is to promote the independence, productivity and community inclusion of children and youth with disabilities.

Other 2005 Eagle award recipients included: ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, for its home renovations for people with disabilities, and Wilderness Inquiry, an inclusive outdoor recreation organization that is funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation.

Shoji Hibara, Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi Electric US, represented the companies at the award ceremony, along with Rayna Aylward, Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. In accepting the award, Mr. Hibara said: “We established the Foundation in 1991. After much discussion, we decided to focus our work on supporting young persons with disabilities…This DRA Award confirms that we have chosen the right direction.” Ms. Aylward added: “This award also honors the wonderful work of our employee volunteers across the country. For the past 15 years, they have donated thousands of hours to organizations in their communities that support youth with disabilities.”

While Eagles are few and far between, noted the DRA presenters, there are many more turkeys roaming the land. “Turkey” Awards are given to those who have impeded the progress of people with disabilities in the areas of employment, education, health care, transportation, recreation and housing. This year, DRA presented Turkey Awards to: the state of Georgia, California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, Taco Bell Corp., and the website Hotels.com.

For more information, contact:
Disability Rights Advocates (DRA)
Stefanie Cox
VOICE: (510) 451-8644
EMAIL: general@dralegal.org
WEBSITE: www.dralegal.org