“I am pleased to congratulate Commissioner Karen M. Tamley for her appointment by President Obama to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board. Commissioner Tamley’s advocacy and activism have long empowered Chicago’s disability community. In her role as Commissioner, she has shaped disability policy and led accessibility compliance initiatives in key areas such as transportation, city infrastructure, emergency preparedness, housing, and schools. In addition, she has ensured the delivery of independent living services to thousands of Chicagoans with disabilities. Because of her leadership, the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities was named “Best Government Department” by Deaf Illinois for two consecutive years, and the city received the Accessible America Award from the National Organization on Disability. As she begins her term today, I have no doubt Commissioner Tamley will excel on the Board just as she has in making Chicago accessible for all."

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