SR0720 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0720 LRB101 14255 ALS 63128 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Marca Bristo, who passed away on September 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Marca Bristo was committed to her work as a disability rights activist and founded Chicago's Access Living at the age of 23, only two years after a diving accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down; nearly 40 years after its founding, Access Living has continued to fulfill its mission to break down systemic barriers to create a stronger, more inclusive society while igniting disability power and pride; and

WHEREAS, Marca Bristo retired as the CEO of Access Living a month prior to her death, showing her dedication to the organization and to those living with disabilities; one of her biggest achievements as CEO was helping to author the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation that granted civil rights to people with disabilities; after the ADA was signed into law in 1990, her advocacy never stopped; she continued to assist in passing many social reforms, including requiring all televisions to have closed-captioned decoders and creating the first fair housing program in the country to address disability discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Marca Bristo's efforts have been nationally and internationally recognized; she earned prestigious appointments and awards for her unwavering determination to fight for equality and inclusivity for the disabled population; her legacy will continue to exist through Access Living and the many disability rights leaders who will continue to advocate for the rights and freedoms she diligently pursued; and

WHEREAS, Marca Bristo's death has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her, especially her sister, Gail, her husband, Bob Kettlewell, her children, Sam and Madeline, her son-in-law, Pierce Nahigyah, and her granddaughter, Beatrix; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marca Bristo and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Marca Bristo as an expression of our deepest sympathy.