Able Tales Newsletter

Congratulations to SILC member Ingrid Anderson, a 2002 recipient of the Governor's Service Award!  Ingrid, receiving her award from Lieutenant Governor Douglas Racine.

The Governor's Service Award was presented to Ingrid at the Successful Aging & Independent Living (SAIL) Summit, held in Killington in May. Ingrid received this award in honor of her dedicated service to elders and people with disabilities throughout the state of Vermont. Her many contributions were outlined in the nominating letter from The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Windsor County, reprinted below.


This letter is written to nominate Ingrid Anderson for The Governor's Award. For years Ingrid has worked hard for the ethical treatment of Vermont elders and disabled people. Her special interests include handicapped accessibility and access to transportation services. She became fully involved in fighting for the rights and the comfort of elders and disabled people prior to her own debilitating illness.

A registered nurse and retired nursing home administrator, Ingrid was a member of the Health Care Authority's Long Term Care Task Force, working with members of a planning group trying to get funds funneled into communities to set up services for people with disabilities. The program was similar to the current day PATCH networks. She also became involved with the Community assisted Independent Living Service, which worked to provide regional services to the disabled. This launched Ingrid into working on transportation access issues that plague disabled people. She was also a member of the Dartmouth College Institute for the Study of Applied and Professional Ethics, where she advocated for elders and disabled people. She continues to be a member of the Vermont Ethics Network.

In 1990, Ingrid was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a connecting tissue disorder with debilitating symptoms that include severe pain and sleeplessness. Correct diagnosis of the disorder took a long time and pain control remains an issue. Ingrid used the knowledge she gained about her illness to educate others. She has presented a program on Fibromyalgia for DAD employees.

Ingrid is a volunteer for Hospice and has taken the Buddy Program training for people who volunteer with AIDS patients. Although she can no longer get out to visit people, she contributes by way of mailings, assisting with fund raising and being a weekend contact person. As a volunteer for the Vermont Sunshine Society, she also sends out 40 letters and cards each month to shut-ins. She suggested changing the name of the organization from the "Shut-in Society" to its present name.

Ingrid is currently serving on the Board for the Department of Aging and Disabilities and, when health permits, attends monthly meetings. When she doesn't feel well enough to travel or can't find a driver, Ingrid attends the meeting by teleconferencing.

Ingrid has served on the Statewide Independent Living Council since 1991 and served as chair for six years. She is also a member of their Transportation Task Force, supporting alternative ways for low-income elders and disabled people to access transportation services. She named the "Ticket to Ride" program.

Ingrid continues to work in her community. She was a "charter member" of the RSVP Advisory Board and is currently back on the Council. She has recently signed on to work at the Springfield Area Adult Day Care Program and is developing a presentation for youngsters in the LEAP program to talk about living with a disability.

Although Ingrid uses a wheelchair or, when able, a walker, she has not stopped living life to the fullest. When she is not busy helping others, she enjoys watching Dartmouth Women's sports events, gardening, knitting, crocheting, doing puzzles, playing cards and working on her computer.

Since the 1980's, Ingrid Anderson has made a difference in the lives of many Vermonters through direct service activities and at the policy level by serving on Statewide Boards and Advisory Panels. Her deep-seated commitment to service and her compassion for under-served populations has been unflagging in spite of her own disability. Thank you for supporting her nomination for the Governor's Award.

Our thanks to Wendy Regier, Director of RSVP of Windsor County, for permission to print her letter of nomination.