SCPD recognized Brooks for years of advocacy to improve the lives of Delawareans with disabilities. The award was presented by Rita Landgraf, SCPD's vice chair. The SCPD is composed of people with disabilities, family members, disability advocates and state agency policymakers.
Brooks, who retired as dean of students in 2001, now serves as a disabilities specialist with UD's Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS). His current project at CDS focuses on the need for a statewide coordinated respite care system to assist people who are primary caregivers for relatives with disabilities. Brooks is an assistant professor in the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy (CHEP), and teaches in the Department of Individual and Family Studies.
On behalf of the state Senate, Sen. Liane Sorenson (R-6th district) read a tribute at the conference that summarized the reasons Brooks received the Lifetime Achievement Award: “The Senate commends Dr. Brooks for his many years of leadership in the effort to assist Delaware citizens with disabilities in living their lives to the fullest and in developing their full potential....As the father of a child with developmental disabilities, he has been a selfless champion not only for his own son but for other Delawareans with disabilities.”
Brooks has served on the governor's Advisory Council for the Division of Developmental Disabilities for the past 20 years, including 10 years as chairman. He has been a member of the board of directors of The Arc of Delaware for 20 years and has served as president of that board for the past five years. He has been an active member of the Coordinating Council for Children with Disabilities, the Children and Families Committee of the Developmental Disabilities Council and other related organizations.
Brooks also serves on the governor's Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Persons with Disabilities and several other disability organizations. He is a resident of Newark.
The LIFE Conference is Delaware's premier conference for people with disabilities and those who support them. It is a joint effort of many of Delaware's consumer-focused organizations, including the Center for Disabilities Studies. The mission of the council is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are empowered to become fully integrated within the community. LIFE addresses legislation, independence (through assistive technology), families and education.
The Center for Disabilities Studies' mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families in Delaware through education, prevention, service and research related to disabilities. The center promotes independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the community. For more information, visit [www.udel.edu/cds], or call (302) 831-6974.