Title
Resolution in Recognition of Ralph W. Shelman
Purpose
Recommendation:
Rec
Pass the Resolution in Recognition of Ralph W. Shelman for his significant contributions to the public as a leader in the disability community
Body
WHEREAS, Hampton resident, Ralph W. Shelman, is being recognized for the contributions he has made to our community by providing independent living services to those with disabilities;
WHEREAS, Mr. Shelman earned a B.S. degree in History Education from Hampton Institute, a M.A. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, and completed post graduate coursework in Gerontology at Hampton University;
WHEREAS, he has been a visiting lecturer on disability issues at Christopher Newport College, Thomas Nelson Community College and Hampton University;
WHEREAS, he is the founder of Insight Enterprises, Inc., an agency located in the City of Hampton that provides independent living services to people with disabilities;
WHEREAS, he is the co-founder of the Africa, African-American Disability Project, a Pan-African disability organization that provided consultant services to countries in Africa for several years;
WHEREAS, Mr. Shelman has been appointed by five Virginia Governors to various boards and commissions, serving as: Chair of Virginia’s Council on Independent Living; a member of the Disability Services Council; a member of Virginia Board for Rights of People with Disabilities; and Chair of the Board of the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Fund;
WHEREAS, he has served as Chair of the Multi-Cultural Committee of the National Council on Independent Living; a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities under President Bill Clinton; and a member of Hampton Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities;
WHEREAS, Mr. Shelman is recognized throughout Virginia and the United States as a leader in the disability community, having been involved in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Virginians with Disabilities Act; and the development of other disability related laws and policies, such as the Statewide Personal Assistant Services Program for People with Disabilities; and the passage of policies to provide increased accessibility in the Virginia Transit System, including the installation of wheelchair lifts on buses;
WHEREAS, he co-chaired the Coalition for the Preservation of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind at Hampton, his alma mater; and
WHEREAS, local churches and faith-based organizations wishing to increase their ministries to members of the disability community frequently request that he provide seminars offering information about services to the disability community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that Ralph W. Shelman be, and hereby is, awarded the Hampton Distinguished Citizen Award for the contributions he has made to the City of Hampton and society.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the December 12, 2018, City Council meeting of the City of Hampton, Virginia, and that an appropriate copy be signed by the Mayor, attested by the Clerk, and presented to Ralph W. Shelman.