Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C-WF, Syracuse) was delighted to receive the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award during Disabilities Awareness Night at Alliance Bank Stadium. The award, which is named after the late founder and editor-in-chief of Exceptional Parent magazine, honors community members for their life, work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

Senator DeFrancisco was instrumental in establishing Casey’s Place, a state of the art respite home in Onondaga County for children with severe multiple medical disabilities. He also fought to have the New York State Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Center built in Syracuse.

"I am delighted to accept this award," said Senator DeFrancisco. "I have seen, first-hand, the wonderful work that goes on at Casey’s Place and I am proud that I was able to contribute to establishing this one of a kind respite home. So many lives have been touched by this organization and I am confident that our community will continue to reach out to individuals with disabilities."

The event was hosted by EP Global Communications, Inc., publisher of Exceptional Parent magazine. EP Global Communications, Inc. is a 37-year-old award-winning publishing and communications company that provides information for families and professionals involved in the care and development of people with disabilities and special health care needs.

Disabilities Awareness Night began in 2002 when Exceptional Parent magazine joined with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox to kick-off the event. Since then the event has grown and now includes both Major and Minor League baseball venues, the NBA and NASCAR.

Senator DeFrancisco was presented with the national award at home plate before the Syracuse Chiefs game last night.