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IV. PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND SUPPORTS
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Message from AHRC New York City's
President: Laura Kennedy
Recently, we have been navigating a changing environment that is challenging our knowledge and experience in providing the variety of services needed in the years ahead. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, (OPWDD) in consultation with the Federal Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) is pursuing a new Medicaid waiver agreement to implement reforms and create a managed care delivery system known as "The People First Waiver." For over 63 years, AHRC New York City has been at the forefront in shaping the programs and services that are available today for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For over 25 of those years, my daughter and our family have been beneficiaries of those services- services that have allowed her to be more fully included in community life on Staten Island. I have always thought of AHRC as a "Family First" organization. Our membership includes self advocates, family members and friends, who work in partnership with dedicated, compassionate, and experienced staff. This partnership drives the direction and ensures the quality of its programs, a partnership that has made AHRC the wonderful organization that it is today. We are not alone. AHRC New York City is one of 49 Chapters of the NYSARC, Inc serving over 67,000 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout New York State. NYSARC is also an affiliate of the Arc of the US. Through those relationships, we have dedicated volunteers and staff who advocate on the local, state, and national level. I am confident that AHRC New York City is in good stead to manage the challenges we face and that we will continually provide the individualized and high quality programs people that will need for many years to come. . |
Message from AHRC New York City's
Executive Director, Lorrie Henderson, Ph.D., MBA
 The last few months have brought with them more change and uncertainty. OPWDD has announced that New York State will now be pursuing 1915 Waivers instead of the 1115 Waiver we have been anticipating for more than a year. We will apprise you of details as they become available. But in the meantime know that AHRC New York City is involved in several projects that will position us to be a significant player in the new system, just as in the past. I am particularly pleased to let you know that we are now involved in an initiative with The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and will hopefully be able to provide you with real data in the years to come regarding the excellent services and supports for which AHRC is renown. This CQL initiative along with the Autism Initiative that is being spearheaded will certainly help AHRC New York City in its pursuit to be a Center of Excellence in the provision of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
We have been busy working on several fronts that will hopefully allow our organization to continue to flourish. We have promoted several professionals who have worked at AHRC for long years and have done some reorganizing, all in the hopes of keeping AHRC on the forefront of excellence. Have a safe and enjoyable summer and we look forward to working with you, our readers, in the Fall..
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People First Waiver Update:
It is Going to Be a 1915 b and c Waiver NOT an 1115 Waiver!!!!
What's in a number?
After months of discussion with the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), New York State OPWDD and the CMS determined that instead of the 1115 Waiver, New York State will go forward with a combination of the 1915 b and c Waiver! Recent regulatory changes make the 1915 b and c Waiver a good option for achieving the kind of flexibility that is desired to redesign New York State's system as outlined in the People First Waiver. OPWDD is hoping that the new system will allow for person centered, need-focused supports and services to be provided to eligible individuals throughout the state.
The 1915 b Waiver will authorize OPWDD to create a managed care service delivery system for individuals with developmental disabilities. The 1915 c Waiver will allow OPWDD to establish the specific services that will be provided by the statewide system. OPWDD is currently working with the CMS on a timeline for establishing these new Waiver agreements.
What does this change mean to the recipients of services? We are not yet certain as to the details of any of the proposed changes! That being said, what we do know is that managed care is the future of service delivery for people with developmental disabilities in New York State. That will involve an enormous change to the system that we have been accustomed to in New York State for the last several decades. Although AHRC will keep you up to date as information becomes known, it behooves all family members, schools and other providers to also keep abreast of what OPWDD is considering by visiting the People First Waiver Web Page often. Attend People First Waiver Innovative Ideas Workshops -- sign up by contacting the People First Waiver Liaison's at your borough DDSO. After learning more about the Waiver, you can make comments on the OPWDD Comment Line: 1-866-946-9733 or by email People.First@opwdd.ny.gov. AHRC will be running Family Education Sessions on the Waiver in the Fall. Sign up for information about AHRC's successful Family Education Series at the AHRC New York City Website www.ahrcnyc.org.
What do we know? The InteRAI remains the core tool that OPWDD is planning to utilize to assess the needs of all people who receive OPWDD supports and services in New York State. OPWDD will also use supplemental tools for individuals with particular needs although we do not yet have information about these tools. The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) has been partnering with OPWDD and various organizations around the state, including AHRC New York City, to begin the process of training organizations on how to enhance quality review practices to ensure effective person-centered planning and achievement of desired outcomes for individuals served. AHRC New York City is very excited about its CQL initiative to develop new quality measures to ensure that services are customized to individuals' interests and needs. We will provide more information on this initiative as we move along in the process of training staff and implementing the new practice.
What do we need to do? As was written in the Fall/Winter issue of the AHRC Chronicle, there is without question a need to reform our system and AHRC New York City is happy to participate in this reform. In these economic times where many families must tighten their belts and make difficult choices to survive; organizations that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities must do the same. But we are entering a new world and the fiscal environment that currently exists will place a great deal of pressure on us to serve more people for less money. We must make sure that the implementation of the new Waiver system ensures choice, individualized services and the rights of the people we are committed to serve, as well as appropriate oversight. We must make sure the new system is not hijacked by the powerful demands of savings, reduced expenses and efficiencies thus creating a system of service deficiencies.
To quote, Clarence Sundram, currently Special Advisor to the Governor for Vulnerable Populations, then Chairman of the NYS Commission on the Quality of Care who in 1994 addressed the NYSARC Annual Conference with a keynote speech entitled, "The Challenge of Quality in Changing Times": "The real lesson that one draws from history is that the job of advocacy is never done. The same persistence and the same vigilance that NYSARC demonstrated since its inception ...and through the dark days of Willowbrook are still needed. In some ways the job of advocacy is more difficult. The evil we are fighting is not the stark horror of Willowbrook that could easily galvanize even the most stone-hearted person. The risks are more subtle ones of complacency, isolation, neglect and abandonment, and they are sometimes camouflaged with words like 'choice' and 'empowerment' which communicate values with which most of us agree. Parents and advocates must remain alert enough and astute enough to look past the words to the underlying reality of the quality of life for the people we are concerned about."
The families of AHRC New York City must keep watching government and hold the feet of the powers that be to the fire as regards their promise to "build a stronger system for people with developmental disabilities". That is what families have done in the 63 years that AHRC New York city has been in existence and what they must continue to do.
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Justice Center Legislation Passed Unanimously
by Both Houses of the New York State Legislature On June 20th, both houses of the New York State legislature unanimously passed the Justice Legislation, a bill that further clarified Governor Cuomo's original proposal for a Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. This unprecedented legislation will establish the strongest standards and practices in the country meant to protect more than a million individuals in New York State with disabilities and special needs. AHRC's President wrote a letter to the editor in support of this legislation that was printed in the Staten Island Advance on June 16th. Her heartfelt words follow and say everything that needs to be said! Forty years ago the Advance ran a series of articles that drew our community and nation's attention to the horrors and abuses at the Willowbrook State School. In response to those articles and subsequent television reporting, parents and advocates, including voluntary agencies sued the State in order to reform the system of supports for the developmentally disabled. In a short time, Willowbrook and other institutions were closed and many small community residences were opened. While we have come a long way since then, today, we are again faced with reports of abuse and neglect across all human services systems that deal with the disabled and those with special needs. The stories of neglect, physical assaults and sexual abuse against people with special needs and disabilities have been splashed across newspaper pages, and too often the caregivers who have been the abusers have not been dealt with appropriately. The overwhelming majority of the people who work in community residences and programs are dedicated, hardworking, compassionate professionals who do a great job in caring for those in need; however, even one case of abuse that goes unanswered is simply one case too many. Fortunately, we now have an opportunity for reform. Governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled legislation to give New York the strongest standards for protecting people with disabilities and special needs in the nation. And, with just days left in the legislative session, the Governor has made passing this bill one of his top priorities. With this bill, the Governor has proposed creating the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. This new agency will be solely dedicated to protecting those served, rooting out and prosecuting abusers and making sure that they are never again able to work in any of the human services systems. Specifically, the Justice Center will have an inspector general dedicated to investigating the allegations of abuse and a special prosecutor who will see that abusers are brought to justice. This agency will keep a database to track abusers and keep them from working with people with disabilities and special needs, and will have a 24-hour hotline to report abuse. While not everyone agrees with every word in the Governor's bill, the proposal calls for reforms that are long overdue. We cannot and should not have to wait another year for these reforms. As president of one of New York's largest voluntary agencies dedicated to serving those with developmental disabilities and their families, I strongly endorse this legislation and urge the Legislature to pass it this session. Betty Connelly, our former Assemblywoman, was referred to as the "guardian angel" for the disabled, and rightfully so. For 30 years, Betty represented Staten Island in the New York Assembly, maintaining her office on the grounds of Willowbrook. And even in her retirement, Betty continued to advocate for those with special needs. More than anyone, Betty understood the power of government and the responsibility it had in caring for those in vulnerable populations. I have no doubt that she would find Governor Cuomo's proposed legislation necessary and appropriate and urge that it become law. So do I. Our loved ones' lives depend upon it. Laura J. Kennedy President, AHRC New York City
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Transitioning from Childhood to Adulthood
for Your Family Member with an
Intellectual or Developmental Disability
Advocating for Your Family Member
 Transitions are difficult for everyone at every stage of life. Changing what one is accustomed to, the people around you and the "rules" that govern what you do or don't do can be daunting. This is especially true when your family member has an intellectual or developmental disability and you must navigate many different systems at many different life stages in order to obtain what your family members needs and to which he or she is entitled.
Understanding the challenges faced by families and individuals during the transition from school to adult life, AHRC has recently put together a step by step guide that can assist families in planning this particular transition. A copy can be downloaded here from the AHRC New York City website. You can print out a copy of the publication, the printing of which was funded by The Arc and Walmart Foundation School-to-Community Transition Project.
Students from AHRC Middle High School and their families spent the last few years preparing for this transition by utilizing a person centered process, the Building Futures Project also funded by the Walmart Foundation and Joseph LeRoy and Ann C, Warner Fund. As a result of person-centered planning involving students, their families, and the school's transition team, all of the graduates have received the adult placements of their choice.
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IV. PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND SUPPORTS
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AHRC New York City Launches New Autism & Challenging Behaviors Initiative to Become a Center of Excellence
North Carolina Comes to New York City... to TEACCH
AHRC New York City has launched a new initiative, spearheaded by Associate Executive Director, Kathy Broderick, to become a Center of Excellence in the provision of services and supports to individuals with autism and challenging behaviors from childhood through the adult years.
In March, sixty AHRC staff members from the many AHRC New York City program departments spent three days in a TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) training session. The TEACCH approach is an evidence-based program for individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders (and other challenging behaviors) developed and researched by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Staff from all AHRC New York City program departments participate in the TEACCH training seminar.
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The three-day training will be followed up with the creation of user groups so AHRC staff may support one another in the implementation of these strategies. A cadre of AHRC staff will also be sent to North Carolina for further training this summer and AHRC plans on using trained staff to train additional staff in this very effective approach. In addition to TEACCH which is a broad framework for building a successful setting in which individuals with autism can succeed, AHRC New York City is embarking on a partnership with a local university to offer Board Certified Behavior Analyst certifications to staff. These training efforts will expand each year with the hope of providing a large group of staff with the skills and techniques necessary to support individuals on the spectrum in the most effective way.
Individuals on the autism spectrum have always received services from AHRC, though many did not formally receive this diagnosis years ago. This group of individuals is without question exponentially increasing. AHRC currently serves several hundred school-age children in specialized programs for individuals on the spectrum that have been in operation for over a decade and are well respected in the educational community. AHRC New York City has recently made the commitment to become a Center of Excellence in service delivery for individuals with autism and challenging behaviors particularly adolescents and adults for whom specialized services are sorely lacking.
The TEACCH approach is based upon an understanding of the characteristics of autism and identification of strategies that support independence and success. Strategies include providing physical and visual structure, visual schedules, and clear work/task organization.
 Focusing on the visual strengths of people with autism, TEACCH framework allows people to be self-directed throughout the day because the embedded nonverbal cues and scenarios are natural. The TEACCH program uses schedules and visuals, with the goal of reducing distractions. Based upon the idea that individuals with autism struggle with language, this framework uses numbers, colors, and other nonverbal cues as ways to organize. When used, the framework may reduce behavioral issues, and allows the people employing it to sustain task engagement.
"Following a schedule is the foundation of further instruction of people with autism, under the TEACCH model," says John Goodson, Education Training Director, School Age Programs, Educational Services. "This training is about how to organize a room/teaching space to facilitate schedules, tasks and learning for people with autism who receive a higher level of supports. When teachers learn how to embed the right types of tasks into the model, there can be a dramatic increase to the child's productivity."
TEACCH, which requires less verbal instruction and less prompting by the instructor, has been in use in AHRC New York City's Educational Services Department for a number of years, implemented by Director of Educational Services, Christina Muccioli, Associate Director of Educational Services, Madelin Rivera, and Tom Sposato, Program Coordinator, School Age Programs, who have attended TEACCH trainings hosted at UNC, and trained Teachers in the School-Aged programs. "It was amazing to see the agency invest in this research based tool to help better deliver curriculum, instruction, and development of life-long skills for our students and adults," says Tom. "I do not believe TEACCH is the be all end all, as far as strategies go for helping people with autism spectrum disorder, but it is a great tool to help people be most independent. I find the principals of ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis,) and TEACCH overlap in many ways, and can work together harmoniously."
The TEACCH framework will soon be utilized across departments at AHRC New York City, facilitating AHRC New York City's goal of becoming a center of excellence for autism services.
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During the training, AHRC staff were invited to create visual presentations, including strategies for creating systems of organization and schedules which sustain task engagement.
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 | | Staff from AHRC New York City's Department of Residential Services and Department of Day Services Without Walls program exhibit their TEACCH presentation to attendees of the training. |
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Educational Advocacy at AHRC New York City:
Chris Treiber Moves to the InterAgency Council,
Paul Hutchinson Takes on Position as
AHRC New York City's Educational Advocate
For the last thirty five years AHRC New York City has been committed to having an educational advocate available to families of people with intellectual and developmental delays, hoping to ensure that the New York City Department of Education and the State Education Department provided students with the services and supports to which they were entitled. In fact, this has been one of the hallmark services AHRC New York City has offered to families for decades. Over the years, the advocates were committed and wonderful but moved on accepting other positions in the world of education. In 1995, Chris Treiber, a Social Worker working at Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary, (BBF,) was approached by the Director of Education, Christina Muccioli, who asked him to fill the role of AHRC NYC's Educational Advocate. Having assisted families through social work at the BBF since 1990, Chris was passionate about empowering families and he recognized the need to do more to assist families as they navigate the often difficult process of obtaining appropriate services for their loved ones. Under Chris the position grew quickly. He began to provide more meetings and trainings and began to represent families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities while attending IEP meetings and impartial hearings. A family advocacy program called EMPOWER, (Educating and Mobilizing Parents to Organize and Work for Educational Reform,) a five-session workshop in which parents received training in the process of obtaining services was developed. The goal was to have these parents spread the word and share the information with others. As time went on, more parents began to make referrals to AHRC and then parent networks began to make even more referrals. With an increase in the number of referrals, the position of Advocacy Associate was created, to further facilitate advocacy for families. Paul Hutchinson came to work for AHRC New York City as an Advocacy Associate. Chris represented AHRC through several city-wide coalitions. In the early 2000's, the Supreme Court made a decision placing the burden of proof on the parents when there was a dispute regarding programs and services for their children. Chris worked hard alongside other colleagues from these coalitions to remove the burden of proof placed on parents. Under Chris' leadership AHRC Advocacy services were sought out by increasing numbers of parents every year. After 26 years, Chris was offered the opportunity to work with the Inter Agency Council (IAC) in a newly created position Associate Executive Director for Children's Services. In this position, Chris will have a greater impact on larger numbers of families. Chris has been the quintessential professional and a wonderful representative of AHRC New York City's mission and values. We will miss Chris dearly and thank him for the wonderful years he spent at AHRC New York City. "As I am so often reminded, Chris Treiber left big shoes to fill. However, I am proud to say I continue to be a long standing member of the Chris Treiber Fan Club. Over the years we had many passionate talks about new and different ways to reach parents and empower them to become the best advocates they can be for their children," says Paul Hutchinson, who was recently promoted to Director of Advocacy Services for AHRC New York City. "Moving forward, we are looking at more ways to provide parents with the critical information they need to be effective advocates. This is especially important in these times of special education reform in the Department of Education. Chris' legacy guides to help those with the greatest need and to insist that the DOE to provide appropriate educational opportunities to all the students who learn differently."
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Document Destruction Company,
AHRC New York City's SHREDability
Promotes Security, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility
SHREDability is not just a new business. It's a social enterprise, with a good mission. Conveniently located near three major highways in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the south Bronx, SHREDability is a secure document-destruction business that is creating jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including many people who were not able to be employed previously. Shredding paper for companies throughout the New York City Metro Area, SHREDability offers environmentally conscious practices and competitive pricing, (they will either match or beat competitor's prices,) and exceeds all industry security standards. As an AAA NAID Certified business and a member of the Secure Document Alliance, the business understands the risks companies take every day when handing secure documents.
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Operating under the umbrella of AHRC New York City, 80 percent of SHREDability's workforce is comprised of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, from AHRC New York City's Day Habilitation, pre-vocational, and SEMP programs.
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Michael Edward works in the warehouse for about 20 hours each week. He began his employment with SHREDability in October of 2011, after a year of searching for employment. "I was going to so many programs, and I thought I was never going to get a job!" says Michael.
 "Shredability is creating jobs in the south Bronx. We plan to employ about 50 people by the end of our third year," says Naira Aslanyan, Safety & Quality Assurance Manager, and Staff Training Coordinator for AHRC New York City's Employment and Business Services.
SHREDability is dedicated to the sustainability of our planet. They ensure that all paper passing through their warehouse, (including paper towels, office documents, and even clean toilet paper,) is made into post-consumer products. Items are prepared so that they may be easily recycled and processed at US paper mills. While the company's competitors shred documents on mobile trucks, SHREDability's trucks do not idle on city streets, in order to avoid emitting harmful toxic fumes.
"I've been working for Shredability for six months already," says Francisco Arbizu. "Since we are a green company, we send the paper to a pulping mill. Recycling is very important for our world right now because our resources are going to waste. We are helping to change that in the world."
The process of secure document destruction begins with SHREDability's shredding/recycling bins, which are tracked by number and are weighed before processing begins. The bins are collected from client business locations for transport to the SHREDability warehouse. Upon arrival to the warehouse, the bins are moved into a locked, fenced area where they are securely stored until they enter the co-mingling stage of processing - (the separating of material groups). Once co-mingled, a machine called "the tipper" tips each bin onto a conveyor belt where paper is shredded. Shredded paper is then baled by the machine, and wire-tied by hand. Each bale of shredded paper weighs 1500 pounds.
The company offers several means of security assurance, which allow customers to track the chain of custody related to their business's documents.
Clients may also view their documents being shredded via online access which allows them to view live video surveillance of the warehouse facility. Certificates of Destruction are presented to customers when their documents have been destroyed.
For more information about SHREDability, call 1-888-220-9730, email info@shredability.org , or the company's website, www.shredability.org. You can support SHREDability's mission of security, sustainability, and social responsibility by following them on twitter, and "liking" them on facebook.
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Astoria Blue Feather Head Start
Connects Children and their Families to Community Resources
 | | Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney and Susan Kondoff, Social Services Coordinator for Astoria Blue Feather Head Start |
Senior officials of the Obama Administration recently announced that
Promise Neighborhood Grant. The Elmezzi Foundation has created the Zone 126 Promise Neighborhood, which seeks to change the odds for the 1,600 children living in a low-income housing neighborhood in Astoria, Queens. On Friday, January 13, 2012, Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney visited The Astoria Houses, to congratulate recipients of the $500,000 neighborhood planning grant, and to address a crowd of concerned local residents.
AHRC New York City's school, Astoria Blue Feather Head Start is one of the Elmezzi Foundation partners. The school is located across the street from The Astoria Houses, and many of the children living in the development attend the school. Susan Kondoff, the school's Social Services Coordinator, is a chairperson representing early childhood education for the Zone 126 initiative, and was recognized for her contributions during the event. Susan is active in several local partnerships, including the Queens Community Partners Network, (part of the East River Development Alliance,) the Queens Libraries Literacy Zone project, and the Astoria Cancer Action Council. "Through attending these meetings, I met other people working in local non-profits and organizations, allowing me to share the needs of our school, according to our annual Community Assessment, where we work with the families of our students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our catchment area. All of these relationships brought me to project 126," says Susan. After meeting Chris Cutter, Interim Executive Director of Zone 126, Susan introduced him to the school, and oriented him to the goals of their Head Start program. In turn, Chris provided her with opportunities to meet with other local community organizations and partners of Project 126, facilitating the school's program goals.
 The Astoria Blue Feather Head Start program, actively involves parents in community partnerships, providing opportunities for parent education, job training, employment, preventative health services, emergency assistance, and crisis intervention. Head Start promotes excellence in program management as the primary support for quality services provided to young children and their families. Head Start requires that each family develop family goals, and that the Family Assistant works with the family to achieve those goals. As the Social Services Coordinator, Susan develops individual family plans, and works with the Policy Council to create goals for participating families. The community outreach conducted by the staff at Astoria Blue Feather Head Start, under the leadership of Principal, Denise Polanco-Nieves, is helping families to reach their goals, and to avail themselves of local resources that can help them to improve the quality of their lives. AHRC New York City thanks the school's staff for their work to meet these and other challenges faced by the students and their families.
"Zone 126's Promise Neighborhood grant promises to do a world of good for the children of western Queens. This federal grant will get the ball rolling on a 'cradle to career' educational support program for young people in Astoria Houses and the surrounding community.... I thank The Elmezzi Foundation, which has funded so many worthwhile initiatives in western Queens, and Zone 126 for their dedication to our community. I can't think of a more wonderful New Year's gift for our kids," said Representative Maloney.
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National Council on Disability Interviews AHRC New York City
AHRC New York City has been committed to supporting meaningful employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 50 years, and is known as a leader in the development of programs to support this mission. During the first week of March, AHRC received a visit from members of the National Council on Disability, (NCD,) a small, independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. The Council Members, the majority of whom are people with disabilities, live across the country and each brings a unique perspective informed by varied personal and professional experiences.
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Larry works as a Technician for Cartridge King, an AHRC operated business which refills printer ink cartidges.
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On March 7, 2012, NCD Council members visited Betty Pendler New York League, one of several Day Services facilities in the five boroughs operated by AHRC New York City. The purpose of the Council members' visit was to meet with the leadership of our agency, to discuss AHRC's history of supported employment, and programmatic strategies utilized to facilitate meaningful, person-centered activities and job opportunities for individuals supported by the agency.
New York League program Directors, Yelena Batkhina and Eamon O'Tuama,gave the NCD Council members a tour of the facility, in order to provide the visitors with an understanding of the pre-vocational services and supports offered by AHRC New York City's Day Services department. The Council members interviewed AHRC New York City Executives, staff from the Department of Day Services, and state representatives to learn about our pre-vocational programs. Additionally, the Council interviewed pre-vocational program attendees and their families to learn more about how the programs have affected the quality of their lives.
On the following day, members of the NCD made visits to four local businesses including the law firms Baker Botts and Dewey LeBoeuf, as well as the MTA, and Mood Fabrics, to meet various individuals who are employed in these businesses with support from AHRC New York City's pre-vocational and supported employment programs.
Eileen Santos works four days a week at Mood Fabrics, located in Manhattan's Garment District. The business provides many of America's top designers and hottest celebrities with the latest in designer fabrics. In her position, Eileen gathers fabric swatches for the store's clients. Eileen, who travels to work by train, began working for Mood Fabrics about two months ago, but has been contributing to the working world for the past 15 years. Fond of her new position, Eileen says, "This is my home, and I love working here. Everybody here is like my family. I want to thank Sharon and Phyllip, who owns the store, for helping me get my job!"
Eileen's Supervisor, Sharon Nunez, spoke about Eileen's attitude at work, and her role at their store. "Eileen follows directions very well. She always arrives to work on time and in a good mood," says Sharon. "She loves work and she loves her job, and it shows!" Eileen's outlook is an example of how employment can make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
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Left to right: Pavel Alvarez, Manhattan Account Executive, Employment and Business Services; Jose and Eileen, employees of Mood Fabrics, supported by AHRC NYC; Jack Sauma, Owner, Mood Fabrics (Father); Sharon Nunez, Human Resources/Operations, Mood Fabrics; Eric Sauma, Owner, Mood Fabrics (Son); Steve Towler, Director, Employment and Business Services
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Following their visit, the membership of the National Council on Disabilities expressed their appreciation for our agency's assistance in helping them to fulfill their mission. AHRC New York City is grateful to have been invited to participate. These field visits by Council members are considered to be a regular Council activity that assists them in fulfilling their mission. |
What's in a Name? - Howard Haber
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ribbon cutting ceremony at Howard Haber Early Learning Center
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AHRC New York City's school, Howard Haber Early Learning Center, in Bronx, NY, received its name in 1994. Howard Haber, (also know as Howie,) the son of Kathe and Sidney Haber, was born in1960 with Down's Syndrome and a cardiac condition. Howard faced physical challenges, but his family advocated on his behalf. In the 1960s, Kathe Haber began her work of finding an appropriate preschool placement for Howie, so he could benefit from early intervention. She also worked with the Board of Education to ensure that proper programming was available for her son, and for other children with multiple disabilities.  | |
Kathe Haber
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"Howard was a very happy, loving young man, who loved to read comics and watch wrestling on TV," says Carol Cohen, Howard's sister. "He was a pioneer himself. The love and acceptance our family had, made Howie our ambassador." In Carol's younger years, she spoke at AHRC Chapter meetings, in regard to what it is like to be a sibling of a person with disabilities. Today, she is a member of AHRC and works as a special education teacher in Westchester, NY. As Howie grew older, his cardiac condition necessitated a school placement that would meet his physical needs, ( a school with elevators,) so Kathe once again advocated on his behalf. Kathe Haber served on the AHRC New York City Board, as well as various AHRC committees, including the Guardianship Committee, and a committee created to help AHRC group homes to be approved throughout the city. Kathe was a pioneer in obtaining services for Howard, and active member of the AHRC New York City Board for more than 30 years, even after Howard passed away in 1986. Kathe passed away several years ago but is remembered by all who knew her and who worked tirelessly at her side. . |
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AHRC New York City Foundation Hosts
32nd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner
On the evening of Tuesday, January 31, 2012, attendees of the 32nd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner joined together to pay tribute to this year's honorees, as well as to support the efforts of the AHRC New York City Foundation.
 The dinner commenced as Master of Ceremonies, Len Berman, Sportscaster, welcomed guests and introduced attendees to the services offered by AHRC New York City.
The Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, (held annually for the past 32 years,) honors individuals whose leadership and contributions advance the purpose of the AHRC New York City Foundation, and exemplify the spirit of legendary Yankee Catcher, the late Thurman Munson. This year's honorees included Robert Tillis, Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Bag & Paper Co., Inc.; Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame Catcher, New York Yankees; R. A. Dickey, Pitcher, New York Mets; Chris Mullin, Basketball Hall of Fame Guard, St. John's University / Golden State Warriors; Dikembe Mutombo, Center, Georgetown University / NBA All-Star; Mark Teixeira, First Baseman, New York Yankees; and Daniel Murphy, First Baseman, New York Mets.
The AHRC New York City Foundation, is a fund-raising and grant-making entity that supports New York City programs helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve day-to-day living that is rich, absorbing and worthwhile.
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AHRC New York City's 63rd Annual Dinner
. On the evening of Saturday, May 5, 2012, people from the five boroughs of New York City came together to celebrate the 63-year legacy of quality services and supports offered by AHRC New York City, and to honor some of the people who have dedicated their lives to the service of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The evening opened with a welcome to guests from Master of Ceremonies, Cheryl Wills, News Anchor, NY1, and Sharyn VanReepinghen, the Dinner Chairperson, and AHRC New York City Board member.
Melvin Gertner M.D., President, AHRC New York City Board, spoke in memory of Blanche Fierstein, Jim Murphy, and Ed Garvey, three long-term Board members who passed away during the year. "These individuals contributed decades of work for our organization," said Dr. Gertner. "They built our organization, and helped sustain it over the years... The economic turmoil of our time has challenged us to find new ways of delivering services, but we are encouraged that AHRC members came out in full force to advocate to continue the services necessary to provide a better life for our participants."
AHRC New York City's Executive Director, Lorrie Henderson, thanked a room of over 1,200 people, including residents from across the city, their families, and AHRC New York City staff. "It takes everybody putting in their best efforts to get the results we get every year," said Dr. Henderson, "and I thank everybody here for their contributions."
Dr. Henderson had the honor of introducing the first of the evening's honorees, Judith DeIasi, who served as an Associate Executive Director of AHRC New York City for over 22 years. Judy has shown remarkable passion and dedication to supporting people with disabilities throughout her career.
"I am a very fortunate person, and I've looked forward to coming to work every day. The best part of my job is the people I work with," said Judy. "As I look across this room at the AHRC staff, my colleagues, and the AHRC New York City Board of Directors, I'm reminded of why I am here. I'm here for somebody's child. I will miss you all, especially the moms. Thank you."
 Michael N. Rosen, Esq. Partner, at Bryan Cave LLP, Member of the AHRC New York City Board of Directors for many years, Chairman, and a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation, received the Anne Kraus Memorial Award, for his years of volunteer contributions to AHRC, and for his advice and assistance to the agency. He has often provided leadership with perspectives and advice that are informed not only by his work as an attorney, but by his humanity. Under his leadership, the Foundation has amassed assets of approximately $18 million, at the same time making grants to AHRC totaling several million dollars.
Clarence J. Sundram, Special Advisor to the Governor on Vulnerable Persons, was presented with the AHRC Lifetime Achievement Award. A pioneer in drafting legislation creating the New York State Commission on Quality Care for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Sundram created a network of protection and advocacy programs nationwide, including public interest law firms, legal clinics, legal service offices and access to the state policy making process that built a record of effective advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. He now serves as Special Advisor to the Governor, for Vulnerable Persons to help address the issue of abuse and neglect of people in residential care.
The evening's presentation ended with the film, "Giving Back: Making a Difference in the Community," which chronicles the efforts of people from AHRC New York City programs across the city, as they partner with other local non-profit agencies to volunteer in their communities.
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click the image above to view the video:
Giving Back: Making a Difference in the Community"
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Remembering Ed Garvey
 Ed Garvey was a member of AHRC beginning in 1967 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 1969, serving until his passing in 2012. During those more than forty years he served as Chapter President, as well as in other Board Officer positions, he was the AHRC Annual Dinner Chairperson in 1981 and 2002, and was presented with AHRC's Anne Kraus Award for his volunteer efforts in 2004. Ed was a strong, longtime supporter of the importance of direct care staff, and was an influential force on the AHRC Board in advocating on behalf of direct care staff for many of the forty years that he served on the Board. He was a direct man who spoke only when he had something to say and then stood his ground. He had a warm smile, a strong handshake and was an unflappable advocate for his own son with a developmental disability, and all the sons and daughters of people he knew and those he never met!
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Remembering James Murphy
 For 44 years, Jim Murphy, a past President of the New York City Chapter, held various Board Officer positions and served on and chaired several Board Committees. He always seemed to be able to find common ground and bring people together to move forward in a positive direction. At NYSARC Inc., Jim was a member of the Board of Governors for several years, and a member of NYSARC's Legal Committee. He was a parent advocate who spoke from the heart as only a parent can. But he also spoke with reason and logic, and as a gentleman was able to influence politicians and professionals in the field of developmental and intellectual disabilities, making him a figure that was well respected by Governors, legislators and government officials. In addition to his involvement with AHRC New York City, Jim was a retired Executive Vice President and Director of Public Policy of Fleet Financial Group. From 1980 to 1997 he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, Vice President of the American Irish Historical Society and Chairman of the advisory board of the CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies at Lehman College. He served on the Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai Medical School and LaSalle Academy in Manhattan.
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Remembering Blanche Fierstein
 Over the last 43 years, Blanche Fierstein devoted her time, spirit and energy to AHRC New York City and NYSARC Inc. A past President of the New York City Chapter, Blanche held various Board Officer positions over the years, and served on and chaired several Board Committees. She was a member of NYSARC Inc., Board of Governors and the President of NYSARC Inc., for thirteen years. Blanche was an eloquent, inspirational and outspoken advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. She was the parent of a young woman with a developmental disability but she was also a consummate professional in the field, holding the position of Principal of the DOE's Queens OTC for many years. Her knowledge, her teaching skills and her ability to "tell it like it is" with candor and wit made her a figure that was well respected by Governors, legislators and government officials.
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An Invitation to AHRC New York City's Social Media Venues
Visit Us! Follow Us! Like Us! Subscribe to Us!
In recent years, we have witnessed a shift in the ways used by individuals and businesses to archive, share, and promote information. In keeping with the times, AHRC New York City has augmented its web presence (www.ahrcnyc.org) by creating profiles and posting content to social networking sites! Those who chose to visit our WordPress blog, friend or like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to us on YouTube are able to learn more about AHRC and the people we support, and may also share AHRC posts with their own networks of family, friends and colleagues. Increasing our public reach is vital to AHRC's ability to do the work we are committed to do in the world as it exists today.
Below you will find a list of links to the social networking/media websites used by AHRC New York City. We ask you to visit these sites, and to friend, like, follow, or subscribe to AHRC's pages. If you find one of our posts interesting, please help us spread the word by sharing it with your own network of friends and family. It really will help us to spread the word about the services we provide. You will be happy if you do, as you will be able to see the amazing work our staff is doing every day, as it is viewed by the millions of annual visitors to AHRC New York City internet/social venues.
Please support AHRC New York City by connecting with them via social network platforms:
   
WordPress blog
facebook Profile
facebook Page
twitter
YouTube
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Autism Friendly Spaces
The Theater Development Fund has been creating Autism Friendly performances with Disney for Broadway performances of Mary Poppins and The Lion King. You can learn more about it at http://autismfriendlyspaces.com/. The Autism Society along with AMC Theatres host a monthly event called Sensory Friendly Films, to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite movies in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.
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Contact Information
phone: 212-780-2500 |
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