Abilities United Executive Director Lynda Steele, selected by Assemblyman Gordon, as Woman of the Year

 “For over 20 years Lynda has committed herself to bettering our community by ensuring those with disabilities play a more prevalent and inclusive role in society,” said Assemblyman Gordon.  “In doing so, Lynda has transformed our understanding of disabilities, allowing us to recognize individuals for their intrinsic value and not by their limitations. As she retires from Abilities United in July, Lynda leaves behind a community that is more compassionate and understanding because of her service.” Steele was named Executive Director of Abilities United (formerly Community Association for Rehabilitation) in Palo Alto in 1993. Abilities United supports children and adults with disabilities, their families and the community, and champions a culture in which all members of society are included and appreciated for their distinctive contributions. Under Steele’s watch, the Abilities United budget increased from $2.9 million to $6 million, reflecting the success of the services, the organization’s ability to attract the best and brightest staff, and their ability to expand services to some 3,000 Bay Area residents annually.  Steele responded to the award by stating, “I am honored that Assemblyman Rich Gordon nominated me for this prestigious award.  It is even more meaningful because it comes from the State Legislature that has done so much to improve the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I can't think of a more wonderful way to close out my career and begin my retirement.” Organized and sponsored by the Women’s Caucus, The Woman of the Year event was started in 1987 as a celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California. In March of every year (Women’s History Month) Assemblymembers have the opportunity to nominate one woman each for the ceremony, for a total of 80 Women of the Year in the State of California. WHAT:                      Lynda Steele to be honored as 24th Assembly District’s Woman of the Year WHERE:                   State Capitol, Assembly Chamber WHEN:                      Monday, March 10th11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. WHO:                         Assemblyman Rich Gordon                                    Lynda Steele, Abilities United, Executive Director  ###
About Assemblyman Rich Gordon: Assemblyman Rich Gordon represents the 24th Assembly District on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, which includes the communities of: North Fair Oaks, Atherton, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Woodside, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, a portion of Cupertino, and the San Mateo County Coastside – from El Granada to the Santa Cruz County border. Website of Assemblyman Rich Gordon: www.assembly.ca.gov/Gordon  

About Abilities United:

Abilities United (founded as C· A ·R) www.AbilitiesUnited.org is a United Way Affiliated Agency and a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization for children and adults with developmental disabilities (intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions causing developmental delays) and other disabilities who live in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.  Each year, over 3,000 individuals and their families use their training, education and support services.