For her extraordinary work in special education and disability integration awareness, Marta Fidela Gladys Cruz Cerón of Bolivia was named a 2011 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) recipient in the category of cultural achievement. Born blind, Cruz Cerón has made it her mission to use her first-hand experience as a way to raise awareness for others who are disabled. Her ability to share this daily experience with them has made her an advocate for all who are handicapped. Cruz Cerón’s goal is to show the world that those who are disabled have the capability to fully function and participate in mainstream society. Cruz Cerón also founded the Center for Counseling and Training in Special Education of the Blind and Integral. Through this center, she promotes the socialization of blindness, provides Braille and sign language instruction and offers resources for the prevention and treatment of blindness. She encourages special education as a way for the blind to integrate with the sighted. Her dedication to helping those with disabilities reached a new level when she fought for government support in Potosi, Bolivia. Cruz Cerón received enough support to have a square built to commemorate those who encourage special education. Through her campaigns, the city of Potosi was honored with the title of the Cradle of Special Education in America. Her hard work and faith in the people of society show that service to others has no boundaries. JCI TOYP JCI (Junior Chamber International) honors ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission and provide extraordinary service to their communities. Whether through service, innovation, determination or revolutionary thinking, these young active citizens create positive impacts in their communities. These ten young active citizens will be honored at the 2011 JCI TOYP Ceremony and reception Wednesday, November 2 at the JCI World Congress in Brussels, Belgium. About JCI: JCI is a worldwide membership-based nonprofit organization of young active citizens ages 18 to 40 who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Through projects in more than 5,000 communities across more than 100 countries, members seek targeted solutions to local problems, creating a global impact. Visit www.jci.cc to learn more. Contact: Krissy Durant, Programs Manager, JCI (Junior Chamber International) programs@jci.cc
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