Wheelchair notwithstanding, Doug Hovey stands tall among nonprofit leaders with his wit, candor and acceptance of a life-changing injury that has disabled his body ”“ but not his razor sharp mind. He was the first executive director selected for Independent Living in Newburgh 21 years ago, and he”™s still there, advocating for people with disabilities.
That tireless advocacy ”“ which must be even more tiring at times, with two young boys at home ”“ has won Hovey many accolades. Now, he and his staff will be able to create more services for the community thanks to an Economic Development Assistance Program grant of $250,000, secured by Sen. Bill Larkin, R/C-Cornwall-on-Hudson. The grant will be administered through the Dormitory Authority of New York.
A disability training, technology and conference center will be incorporated at Independent Living”™s headquarters at 5 Washington Terrace in the city of Newburgh. “We anticipate the training center will attract people with disabilities, seniors, area businesses, employers, educators, parents, advocates, therapists and other health and human service professionals,” said Hovey.
The objective is to transform the building by converting 5,000 square feet of unoccupied space into fully accessible space. When completed, it is expected to accommodate a variety of events and activities with a demonstration center for durable medical equipment and assistive technology, a large conference suite with breakout areas and classrooms, a lounge area and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Independent Living served more than 10,000 residents of the Hudson Valley in 2007 and expects even more to flow through the doors by the end of 2008.
Hovey said he is “very grateful to Sen. Larkin for his ongoing support.” Hovey himself will be honored for his work on behalf of people with disabilities at Inspire”™s Shining Stars celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Middletown Elks Lodge.
Information about Independent Living”™s services is available at www.myindependentliving.org.
