Public Defender Bennett H. Brummer receives statewide award for his advocacy on behalf of people with developmental disabilities

Miami, FL — October 13, 1999 — The Association for Retarded Citizens ( ARC) of Florida presented its President’s Award to Miami-Dade Public Defender Bennett H. Brummer for his long-standing legal and social advocacy for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities at its recent South Florida chapter ceremony.

"Bennett H. Brummer is an excellent role model as a community leader who meets the mission of his office and goes beyond those requirements to meet the needs of the community," said Michael E. Messer, executive director of the South Florida chapter of ARC.

Mr. Brummer has been a strong advocate in Miami for individuals with developmental disabilities for many years. He sets an innovative example for our community, Mr. Messer said.

Mr. Brummer responded, "I am honored by this recognition of my efforts and sensitivity to helping people with developmental disabilities. We work very hard and are very serious about what we do in the Public Defender’s Office. My staff and I look forward to continuing to work together with ARC in my Anti-Violence Initiative (AVI), which helps our clients to lead more productive lives."

The AVI takes a broad view of Public Defender clients’ interests and seeks to help them lead law-abiding lives by developing more constructive and effective treatment and sentencing options.

One of the AVI projects will help children obtain educational services that they are legally entitled to receive. Mr. Brummer invited members of ARC to join him in this effort.

"It will be in the best interests of ARC if the school board provided the special education programs required by law," Mr. Brummer said. "The recipients of these programs would be better off, and the Public Defender’s Office would have fewer clients."

ARC is committed to promoting the opportunity for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities to choose and realize their goals. The organization also is committed to reducing the incidence and limiting the consequences of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities through education, awareness, research, advocacy and the support of families, friends and community.