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Courage Center Presents 2008 National Courage Award to Congressman Jim Ramstad

Posted on: Thursday, 17 July 2008, 15:01 CDT

MINNEAPOLIS, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota-based Courage Center will present Congressman Jim Ramstad with its National Courage Award, recognizing an individual's contributions to the health, welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The award will be presented during the Medtronic Celebration of Courage Gala on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 at The Depot in Minneapolis.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080717/AQTH094)

"Issues facing the disability community have been a long-standing key policy area for Jim Ramstad," said Courage Center CEO Jan Malcolm. "We are thrilled to recognize and honor Congressman Ramstad's bi-partisan leadership in this area."

As a Minnesota state legislator, Ramstad sponsored funding for a pilot program that eventually became the Metro Mobility paratransit service. Today, Metro Mobility provides transportation for 20,000 people with disabilities in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. He was also the sponsor and legislative champion for Minnesota's in-home personal care assistant program, which gave every qualifying person with a disability the right to in-home care under the state's Medicaid program, making Minnesota one of the first states to make such a program entitlement.

In 1999, as a Congressman for Minnesota's Third District, he co-sponsored the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, the last major federal law to pass benefiting people with disabilities. This act gives people searching for employment more control in choosing where they can go for assistance. It also expanded access to Medicare, even in the event of a job loss. For millions of Americans with disabilities, lack of adequate health insurance coverage remains a significant barrier to employment.

Ramstad also cosponsored, along with Senator Paul Wellstone, the Mental Health Parity Act. He continues to work on the bill's passage, which would require most group health plans to provide coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they provide for physical illnesses.

"Time and again Congressman Ramstad has reached across the aisle to work on behalf of Americans looking to gain greater independence and participate fully in life. His passionate and tireless work has made Minnesota a leader in the areas of access and mental health reform. We are grateful for his friendship and leadership," said Malcolm.

About the National Courage Award

Since 1980, Courage Center has recognized individuals, who through either personal or professional achievements have made significant contributions to the disability community. Previous National Courage Award winners include Janet Reno, journalist John Hockenberry, Christopher Reeve and designer Michael Graves.

About Courage Center

Courage Center is a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. At Courage Center, we specialize in treating brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, autism, and disabilities experienced since birth. Founded in 1928, Minneapolis-based Courage Center offers advanced technologies and innovation provided in part through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors. For more information visit CourageCenter.org.

Contact: Amy Dillahunt, marketing and communications, Courage Center,

763-520-0593

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080717/AQTH094AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Courage Center

CONTACT: Amy Dillahunt, marketing and communications of Courage Center,+1-763-520-0593

Web site: http://www.courage.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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