Dedication to disability access earns Corbett advocacy award
by Staff, San Jose Mercury News
Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett, D-San Leandro, has been awarded the 2011 Legislative Champion of Accessibility by Disability Rights California. The award honors leaders who advocate for equality for persons with disabilities.
"As is often the case, the passage of a bill or a win in the courtroom doesn’t eliminate discrimination," Corbett said. "I will continue to fight for the disabled and their rights toward full equality."
Corbett is past chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a current member. Among her most notable legislation was Senate Bill 1608 a major effort to improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Corbett has been honored by the Consumer Federation of California, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Consumer Attorneys of California, California Public Interest Research Group, Community Resources for Independence, Alameda Justice Center, Consumer Action and California Congress of Seniors.
Corbett served in the state Assembly 1998 to 2004. She was elected to the Senate in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. She represents the 10th Senate District, which includes the cities of San Leandro, Fremont, Hayward, Union City, Pleasanton, Milpitas, Newark and part of San Jose, as well as the communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and Sunol.