National Association of Elder Law Attorneys to Recognize 'Achilles International' Founder Dick Traum at Special Needs Summit in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dick Traum, long-time national leader in efforts to empower people with disabilities to take part in mainstream athletics, will receive the "Special Needs Leadership Award" on Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) during the organization's Special Needs Summit, to be held Feb. 25 to 27 at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans.

"Through Achilles International, Dick Traum has changed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people with disabilities for the better," said NAELA President Stephen J. Silverberg, CELA.  "We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize his achievements and outstanding spirit of public service."

Himself an above the knee amputee, Traum began an intense, personal running program some 34 years ago to improve his physical well-being, which led him to become the first amputee to compete in the New York City Marathon.  He began working with other people with similar disabilities and in 1983 established the Achilles Track Club, now Achilles International.

The non-profit Achilles International offers programs for children and veterans with disabilities as well, all aimed at building their personal confidence and self-esteem as well as athletic skills.

NAELA members are attorneys experienced and trained in working with legal challenges facing aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities.  Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations, and others in providing legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of those with special needs and people as they age.  Association members practice in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Elder Law and Special Needs Law are specialized areas that involve representing, counseling, and assisting seniors, people with disabilities, and their families in connection with legal issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life.  Practitioners address the confluence of legal needs with the social, psychological, medical, and financial needs of clients, including such areas as estate planning, planning for incapacity with health care decision-making documents, and long-term care needs.  

SOURCE National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys