Memorandum Date: October 16, 1993 To: Senator Dole From: Alec Vachon Re: Gold Seal to Marca Bristo Attached note for your signature congratulates Marca Bristo on winning 1993 Henry B. Betts Award. I represented you on award jury, which met September 16th at Mayflower Hotel. In addition to merits, Marca "home town" favorite --long associated with Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) (see nomination papers). Dr. Henry Betts is RIC CEO, and Freddy Prince, who established award, long-time RIC board member. Incidentally, Betts Award will be presented Monday, October 25th, at reception at the Madison Building of the Library of Congress (invite copy attached). Note also mentions Marca's designation as Chairperson of National Council on Disability. It is intended to prompt her to think about the role of the National Council, which has behaved erratically in recent years. Incidentally, on May 7, White House announced intended nomination (see White House press release), but thus far not been sent to Senate. No one has an explanation, except White House procrastination. BOB DOLE UNITED STATES SENATE October 16, 1993 Dear Marca, Just a brief note to congratulate you on winning the 1993 Henry B. Betts Award, which recognizes not only accomplishment, but promise --"a living individual . . whose work and scope of influence . . will be a force for change in the future." The jury chose very well and wisely, I think. I also look forward to your nomination as Chairperson of the National Council on Disability. Although I do not wish to add to any impatience you may feel, we need you. As you may know, the National Council was intended to be a "think tank" on disability issues --a source of independent, informed expertise --to Congress and Executive Branch. With so many issues of importance to people with disabilities now before us -­from the human rights abroad to health care reform at home --never has such counsel been more in demand. With best regards, Sincerely, (Signature) BOB DOLE Ms. Marca Bristo Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago 310 South Peoria, Suite 201 Chicago, Illinois 60607 The Henry B. Betts Award 1993 Nomination Form Recived MAY 27 1993 By LW Nominee Mr./Ms.-Name: Ms. Marca Bristo Position or Title: President and Cheif Executive Officer Organization: Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago Address: 310 South Peoria Suite 201 City: Chicago State: Il Zip: 60607 Area Code:312 Phone(Day):226-5900 Area Code: 312 Phone(Evening):404-2440 Nominator Mr./Ms.-Name: Mr Bruce Newman Position or Title: Executive Director Organization: The Chicago Connnunity Trust Address: 222 North LaSalle Suite 1400 City: Chicago State: Il Zip: 60601 Area Code: 312 Phone(Day): 372-3356 Area Code: 312 Phone (Evening) Same BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF BIOGRAPICAL PROFILE OF THE NOMINEE. The profile is to be typed and limited to this side of the form. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Access Living, Ms. Bristo is a nationally recognized leader in the disability rights movement. In 1979, she helped found Access Living as Chicago's only non-residential Independent Living Center for people. with disabilities. Bristo directed the agency through its initial period of affiliation with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and into full corporate autonomy in 1987. Under her skilled direction, Access Living has grown from a staff of 6 to a staff of 40, and today has an operating budget of 1.6 million dollars. She is the co-founder and past president of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and served on the congressionally appointed Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, which crafted the ADA. Ms. Bristo chairs the Illinois Public Action Council Board, and is a board member of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Donors Forum of Chicago. She is the Co-Chair for the Campaign for Better Health Care in Illinois, and a 1991-92 participant in Leadership Greater Chicago. More recently, Bristo served on the Clinton/Gore Transition Team Health Policy Cluster, and in May, 1993 was appointed by President Clinton to the post of Chair of the National Council on Disability. Ms. Bristo holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Beloit College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She lives in Chicago with her husband Bob Kettlewell. a four-year-old son, Sannny, and a two-year-old daughter, Madeline. The Henry B. Betts Award 1993 Nomination Form Page 2 of 3 SUMMARY OF NOMINEE'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES Summarize the reasons for the nomination. The summary is to be typed and limited to the space on this side of the form. During her fourteen year career of helping people with disabilities to live independently, Marca Bristo has been a driving force behind the disability rights movement in this country. She has given of herself not only to the disability community, but also to the general public in an effort to educate and alleviate misconceptions that are commonly held about people with disabilities In the area of volunteer commitment, Marca has served as a board member for the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (1988-90), Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (1987­present), and the Donors Forum of Chicago. She functioned as chair of the Illinois Public Action Council (1989-present), and co-chair of the Illinois Campaign for Better Health Care. She has served as a member of the United Way Discrimination Priority Grants Committee (1990-present), Women Leaders in Action (1991-present), Women's Leadership Development Initiative, Chicago Foundation for Women (1991-present), and the Clinton/Gore Transition Team Health Policy Cluster. Her involvement in these various entities has resulted in the surfacing of issues faced by the disability community, as well as the solutions/approaches to make our society more open and equitable for the benefit of all citizens. Marca is living testimony that being disabled is not synonymous with being nonproductive. Marca Bristo's active involvement in a variety of business and professional groups reflect her versatility, tenacity, and dedication to the disability rights movement. She is presently active on the Access America National Advisory Board, the Advisory Committee to Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Women's Health Clinic, Disability International USA (board member), the Independent Living Advisory Committee, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, the J.M. Foundation Search for Excellence National Advisory Committee, and the World Institute on Disability's International Disability Exchanges and Studies Project (review committee member).In the fall of 1992, Marca was invited by the Pope to represent this country at the International Conference for People with Disabilities at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. In May, 1993 Marca was appointed by President Clinton to serve as the chair of the National Council on Disability, after she served as a member since 1992. In her past, she has served on such committees as First Japan/USA Conference on Persons with Disabilities, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Committee on Service Delivery and Advocacy, National Advisory Committee on Independent Living Evaluation, President's Committee on the Employment of people with disabilities (executive committee member), the Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, and the United Way Needs Assessment Committee on Discrimination (chair, subcommittee on disability). In Chicago, Marca has successfully advocated for increased accessibility of the city's Polling Places, Electoral Processes, Housing Stock, Emergency and Shelter Services, Government and Judicial Systems, and Public Transit Systems. Nationally, she has won similar victories, the most noteworthy being the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Henry B. Betts Award 1993 Nomination Form Page 3 of 3 WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST OUTSTANDING ASPECT OF THE NOMINEE'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES? Comments are to be typed and limited to the space on this side of the form. Marca Bristo is truly the advocate's advocate. In her pursuit to help transform this society into one that respects the human rights of ALL people, she has exhibited a passionate dedication that is paralleled by only a select few in the history of man. The strength, example, and service she provides to the disability community, paired with the enlightment of a more humane and just perspective that she offers to the non-disabled, makes her a charismatic and well respected leader in both circles. Marca Bristo has been recognized in the form of an endless list of honors and awards presented by diverse entities throughout her 14 year career in disability rights. For example,she was nominated as "Outstanding Young Woman of America", received the Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award from the United States Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Midwest Academy Award, the August Christmann Award, the National Council on Independent Living's Distinguished Service Award, was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Citizens of Chicago by the Junior Association of Commerce, was one of the Chicago Tribune's 88 people to watch in 1988, and received the Distinguished Service Award of the President of the United States in 1992. The single most outstanding aspect of her contributions to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities is Marca's ability to break down the most harmful of all obstacles that impedes the progress and inclusion of the disability community-the attitudinal barrier. Her success in changing attitudes that oppress, exclude, and discriminate, has opened the doors to constructive, positive collaboration with many of this country's most powerful and influential leaders. Her efforts have resulted in some very important, groundbreaking legislation for all people with disabilities, such as the recent passage of the ADA that she helped to craft. Her service as a member of the Clinton/Gore transition team was instrumental in the appointment of people with disabilities in the present administration. Marca's work on Hilary Rodham Clinton's Health Reform Task Group will help shape a health care package that will benefit all citizens. Her recent appointment by President Clinton to serve as the Chair of the National Council on Disability will give her the opportunity to significantly help the 43 million people with disabilities in America. Her focus, stamina, and dedication to addressing those issues which are far reaching into the lives of both the disabled and non-disabled has made a positive difference for countless people. From the inner sanctum of the Vatican in Rome to the demonstrations at the White House and on the streets of Chicago, Marca has kept her vision of full inclusion of people with disabilities alive. Submitted by: Name: Bruce L. Newman Signature (Signature) Date: 5/25/93 The Henry B. Betts Award PRIORITY SCORE SHEET PLEASE PRINT NAME OF NOMINEE: Ms. Marca Bristo NAME OF NOMINATOR: Mr. Bruce Newman *PRIORITY RANKING: A Comments: In an unusually difficult choice of nominee so well-qualified, I beleive this nominee clearly meets all the criteria necessary for an "A" ranking. The possible designation as a "Betts Laureate" adds to the prestige of the award on an international basis as one views the nominee's world-wide involvement in quality of life issues and now as a quasi-governmental appointee, the nominee's decade plus years of advocacy are well recognized- accomplishing significant progress internationally and nationally. (Signature) E.F. Hil(Unintelligible), Reviewer *PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE "A" RANKING, IF WARRANTED, SHOULD BE GIVEN The Henry B. Betts Award PRIORITY SCORE SHEET PLEASE PRINT NAME OF NOMINEE: Ms. Marca Bristo NAME OF NOMINATOR: Mr. Bruce Newman *PRIORITY RANKING: B Comments: - National involvement - Some international involvement (Signature) Bill Haig, Reviewer *PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE "A" RANKING, IF WARRANTED, SHOULD BE GIVEN The Chicago Community Trust 222 North LaSalle Street Suite 1400 Chicago, Illinois 60601-1009 312.372.3356 312.580 7411 CAX 312.853.0394 TDD August 5, 1993 Betts Award Jury Suite 1031 303 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601 It is my honor to write in support of the nomination of Marca Bristo for the Betts Award. It would be redundant to reiterate the list of leadership positions and significant accomplishments already summarized in the original nomination materials. Therefore, I've chosen to comment on my relationship with Ms. Bristo as a member of the Board of Directors of the Donors Forum of Chicago. In this setting Ms. Bristo functions brilliantly as an articulate, thoughtful, and powerful advocate for not only the disabled, but also the entire not-for­profit community. She understands the sector and addresses the issues with clarity and breadth of vision. She leads, challenges, prods, and inspires and we are all more aware and we all understand better because of her thoughtful comments. Of course, advocacy for the disabled is her central theme and mission, but she is also always willing to go beyond that and focus on the mission and objectives of the organization. She is very willing to see things through our eyes and challenges us to see through hers. In another setting I worked closely with Ms. Bristo on the publication of a special supplement on the Americans with Disabilities Act that appeared in The Chicago Tribune. I represented the "funder" and Ms. Bristo represented the view of the disabled. But we also asked her to additionally think of the project and the message from the point of view of the hundreds of thousands of non-disabled readers. Throughout the process she was tenacious, feisty, demanding, challenging, passionate, and very human. We discussed, we argued, we fought, and she brought me along in my own personal growth and understanding. And the final product was spectacular and successful because of her drive and her vision and her commitment. I can think of no better spokesperson and champion for the disabled than Marca Bristo. I can think of no one else who has triumphed over her disability with more pride and dignity. She is most deserving of recognition for her many accomplishments and for her example to both the disabled and the non-disabled. Sincerely, (signature) Richard Turner Director of Communications and Development Vice Chair The Donors' Forum of Chicago AUG-9-93 MON 12:55 DONORS FORUM FAX NO. 3124311113 P. 02 53 West Jackson Boulevard Suite 430 Chicago, Illinois 60604-3608 (312) 431-0260 Library: 431- 0265 Fax: 431-1113 TDD: 431-0417 Donors Forum OF CHICAGO August 9, 1993 Betts Award Jury 303 E. Wacker, Suite 1031 Chicago, IL 60601 To the Jury: Access Living President Marca Bristo has served on the board of directors of the Donors Forum of Chicago for five years, and has exhibited keen insight and leadership in the organization's efforts to incorporate diversity into all aspects of its operations and services. The Donors Forum of Chicago is a nonprofit membership association of grant-making foundations and corporations in the Chicago Metropolitan area, and one of Marca's many valuable contributions has been to help raise the consciousness of Chicago's philanthropic community concerning beth the needs and assets of the disabled in Chicago. Her talents and influence have helped grant makers in Chicago become more sensitive to issues that are important to disabled persons, and her efforts have brought about an increase in grant-making dollars for nonprofit organizations that work to improve the well being of the disabled in Chicago. It has been a privilege to work with Marca these past few years. I can think of no other individual as passionate and committed to these issues as Marca. I highly recommend her for the Henry Betts Award. Sincerely, (Signature) Valerie S. Lies president The FIELD FOUNDATION of ILLINOIS, Inc. l35 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 The Betts Award Jury 303 E. Wacker, Suite 1031 Chicago, Illinois 60601 August 6, 1993 Dear Jury: Please allow me to offer the following brief comments in support of Ms. Marca Bristo's nomination for the Betts Award. As Ms. Bristo's tireless advocacy on behalf of disabled Americans is recognized nationally as well as in Chicago, it is my particular pleasure to speak in her behalf. Though I have interacted with Marca over the past ten years primarily through the evaluation of grant requests from Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, full appreciation of her considerable wisdom and talents has come only recently. For the past two years we have served together on the board of the Donors Forum of Chicago. During this period, what Marca has accomplished in terms of educating Forum members about the needs and issues which challenge the lives of disabled persons has been remarkable. Further, she has consistently provided valuable insight into the Americans with Disabilities Act and generally raised our consciousness and sensitivity to the issues of accessibility which have long been inherent but unrecognized in our grantmaking activities. Marca pursues an advocacy for the rights and wellbeing of the community of persons with disabilities that is unswerving in its dedication, and rivaledin its intensity and consistency only by her efforts in public education. To recognize Marca Bristo for her extraordinary leadership in the disabled community through the Betts Award honors them both. Thank you for the opportunity to share these remarks. Sincerely (Signature) Handy L. Lindsey, Jr. Executive Director The Library of Congress and Prince Charitable Trusts cordially invite you to the presentation of the 1993 HENRY B. BETTS AWARD to Marca Bristo Monday, October 25, 1993 Madison Hall James Madison Memorial Building The Library of Congress 101 Independence Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. Reception 6:00 p.m. Award Presentation 7:00 p.m. The favor of a reply is requested before October 15, 1993 This invitation is personal and not transferable 05/17/93 17.24.49, BOP OASIS FAX -> ; Msg: 088856 2 pages Page 2 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 7, 1993 PRESIDENT NAMES MEMBERS OF NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY (Washington, DC) The President announced today that he intends to nominate five new members to the National Council on Disability, and that he has approved the nomination for reappointment of two others. "I am pleased to announce these additions to the National Council on Disability," said the President. "With the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act, people with disabilities are now able to fully participate in our society. These outstanding people will ensure that all Americans are judged by their abilities, not their disabilities." Among those the President will nominate is Marca Bristo, the President and Executive Director of Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago. Following her confirmation and appointment, Bristo will be designated by the President as Chair of the Commission. The other new members the President will nominate are: Michelle Alioto, television director, producer, writer, and host, and co-founder of the American Paralysis Association; Bonnie O'Day, Executive Director, Boston Center for Independent Living; Hughey Walker, Chairman, Georgetown (SC) County Council; and Katie Pew Wolters, Executive Director, Steelcase Foundation and Member, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. The members being nominated for reappointment are: John Anthony Gannon, President Emeritus, International Association of Fire Fighters, and Founder, John A. Gannon and Associates; and Lawrence Brown, Jr., Business and Community Relations Manager, XEROX, and former running back for the Washington Redskins. # # #