CANTON – A CP of the North Country employee has been honored with a prestigious award at the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State CP of NY State conference.

At this year's awards banquet Monday, Oct. 27 in Saratoga Springs, CP of the North Country employee Jim Williams of Colton was awarded the Robert Schonhorn Staff Member of the Year Award.

The award is given to a staff member from a Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State affiliate who has made significant contributions to people with disabilities that have resulted in their increased independence, productivity or integration.

At CP of the North Country, Williams is a home service director in Canton. He assists people with disabilities in accessing the programs and services necessary to be as independent as possible and to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable home environment.

He is also an educator in the Kids on the Block Program, where he uses puppets to educate young people about individuals with disabilities.

Williams is also the creator and coordinator of the Outdoor Recreation Program, which he started to give people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities that they may not have been able to access otherwise.

Some of the activities that participants take part in are whitewater rafting, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, exercise group, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, overnight camping, hiking and more.

The award recognizes that his efforts have helped participants gain confidence, meet new people, develop social skills, improve their physical well-being and become more independent members of the community.

To find out more about CP of the North Country's programs and services, visit www.cpnorthcountry.org.