ahrc suffolk communicator fall 2011
DESCRIPTION
Read up on the latest news and events happening at AHRC Suffolk!TRANSCRIPT
AHRC is Going Green!EWaste Business Kicks Off ThisSeason
E-Works, AHRC Suffolk’s new electronicsrecycling business, began fully operatingthis November! Unlike our nursery and giftbasket shop, e-Works is non-seasonal, andhas extremely large growth potential.
“We’re just at the brink of this whole recycling market,” said AHRC Suffolk’sChief Executive Officer, Bill Leonardi. “E-Works will help our agency become moreself-sufficient, while giving engaging work tothe individuals who’ve been trained to workfor the business.”
AHRC Nassau first established e-Works in2009. At the business’ start, e-Works hadfive employees. Within two years, theagency has seen a 50 percent jump in business, and offers more than 15 drop offlocations throughout the tri-state area.
With the effectiveness of NY State’s 2011 e-waste law, and AHRC Nassau’s high rateof success, it made perfect sense for AHRCSuffolk to create its own e-Works branch.
NY State’s new law, titled the NYS Elec-tronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act,requires manufacturers to provide convenient recycling of electronic waste, in-cluding old computer equipment, TVs and small electronics such as gaming consoles, at little or no cost to most consumers in the state. The next provisiontook effect Jan. 1, when businesses andtrash haulers will now be prohibited from
dumping e-waste in landfills or incinerators. The State’s intent is to keep lead, mercury and other toxic materials insidethose items out of landfills and incinerators,and to shift recycling costs to the firms that produce the goods.
With NY’s growing requirements, AHRCSuffolk, along with many of the other NYARCs, saw the need for such a business intheir local communities.
The pilot project commenced this Novem-ber. So far, 18 individuals with developmental disabilities served in AHRC’sPre-Vocational and Supported Work Pro-grams have been trained.
E-Works serves as a convenient, one-stop-shop for clients. 15 collection sites forequipment are located throughout Long Island. Trucks then transfer collected equipment to the main facilities, located inBohemia and Westhampton Beach, for consolidation and recycling.
Also inside our
“GReen” issue!
• DBA
transportation: “Going Green”
• 1115 Waiver:
What You
need to Know
• lincoln st.
Restoration
•10K Awarded
to educare!
• A Family’s
story
• 51st Annual
Candlelight
Ball Photos!
• spotlight staff
• Polar Plunge!
• Upcoming
events
AHRC’s eWorks needs
Clients! if you have any leads,
contacts, or
relationships with
companies, please
contact us!
631.585.0100 x 585 [email protected]
cont. on page 7
The CommunicatorFall 2011 An AHRC Suffolk foundAtion newSletteR
A MESSAGE FROM AHRC’S CEO, WILLIAM LEONARDI...
As I reflect back on 2011 and my
first year as CEO of AHRC, I
think about the record snowfall,
earthquake, and hurricane that
affected us here on Long Island.
I also think about the proposed
1115 Waiver and what impact
it will have on our program
services and more importantly,
how it will affect the lives of
our participants.
We face immense challenges in 2012 that have
impacted our industry and the effects of these
challenges will be felt for several years to come. That
being said, I believe that we posess the necessary
creativity and vision at AHRC Suffolk to find
opportunity in the face of change and adversity. We
remain as committed as ever to our mission.
Please check our website www.ahrcsuffolk.org or our
Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information
about important legislative issues and events
happening at AHRC.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your
continued support and wish all
of you a Happy New Year!
page 2
December 1, 2011 By Shirley Berenstein, Director of
Public Information, AHRC NYC
Note: This article is NOT about
the nuts and bolts of the 1115
Waiver. It is about the situation we
currently find ourselves in, how we
got here, and what we need to do
to ensure that the people we are
committed to serve continue to
have the lives to which they are
entitled.
Some HistoryOver the last more than thirtyyears, since the closing of the infamous Willowbrook StateSchool, New York State OPWDD(then called OMRDD) — workingin partnership with families,individuals served and providers— built a system of services andsupports for individuals with developmental disabilities that hassurpassed any other system in thenation in its breadth and scope.It was Medicaid (the federal, untilnow open-ended “entitlement”
program which was established toassist states in the provision ofhealth care and related services –selected by each state– to be provided to eligible needy persons) that in the 1970’s became the funding source forcommunity residential development in New York beginning with ICF/MR’s.
A decade later when Congress enacted the Home and Community-Based MedicaidWaiver program, becoming awareof substantial changes in howMedicaid dollars could be used tofund community-based servicesand truly allow the field to furtherthe movement away from institutional care, New York StateOPWDD became extremely adeptat using the Medicaid program tocreate an array of long-term carecommunity services to meet theneeds of individuals with developmental disabilities. When establishing its Medicaid
program New York State opted tonot only provide the MandatedServices required for participationin the federal program, but alsoopted to offer Optional State Medicaid Services to all eligibleMedicaid recipients. And NewYork State was willing and had thecapacity to supply a high percentage of the requisite matching funds, 50% (as compared to the 30 – 40% matchof most states.)
Deficit reduction packages in the1990’s (all without major cuts infunding for programs serving low-income families and peoplewith disabilities) changed thecountry’s fiscal situation from oneof large deficits through the mid-90’s to one of large surplusesin the late 90’s. But there was adownturn in the early 2000’s withthe country again facing enormous deficits and resultingdeficit reduction efforts that thistime focused on
The 1115 Waiver – the New Way Services and Supports will be Developedin New York State: How We Got Here and What We Really Need to Do to
Build a Stronger System for People with Developmental Disabilities
stay in
the Know!
cont. on page 7
ResidenceRestoration
NEWS AROUND AHRC
Members of the Riverhead Town Board andthe Landmarks Preservation Commission(LPC) visited AHRC’s Lincoln Street residence to celebrate the spectacular exterior restoration work that the agency undertook on the house this Fall!
The home is located in the Downtown Riverhead Historic District created by theTown Board in 2008, and is also in an areadeemed eligible for listing on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.
According to Richard Wines, chair of theLandmarks Preservation Commission, “whena contractor for AHRC removed worn out vinylsiding from the structure he revealed an architecturally spectacular building underneath, with most of its original detail stillintact. AHRC’s restoration of this fine late1860′s Italianate house makes a major contribution to the preservation in Riverhead.”
Jodi Giglio, the Town Board liaison to theLPC, explained that: “Combined with the taxcredits available because of the area’s National Register eligibility, the AHRC projectwill enhance property values and encouragefurther revitalization efforts in this importantdowntown neighborhood.”
“As an agency, we are committed to being
good neighbors in the communities where we
live. Moreover, we believe that restoration of
this home will not only be good for its
Riverhead neighborhood but will also
enhance the quality of life for our residents,”
said Bill Leonardi, Chief Executive Officer,AHRC Suffolk.
The restoration of our residence wouldn’thave been possible without support fromfriends of AHRC. Thank you to RiverheadBuilding Supply for donated materials, and toWayne and Liz Kogel, whose brother, Cliffy,lives in the home, for their paint donation.
page 3
After
Before
Out of 157 applicants, AHRC’s Saul and Elaine SeiffEducare Center was awarded $10,000 in grant moneyfrom Optimum Lightpath! The grant will go towardsnew technology for students with physical and learning disabilities who have difficulty using a regularcomputer.
Optimum Lightpath, a market leader in Ethernet-based communication solutions, distributed portionsof the $100,000 grant to 11 Long Island schools.Open to public and private elementary and secondary schools, grants were awarded based onhow the school would: leverage technology to improve instruction, promote the use of technology toimprove the overall education experience, utilize newtechnology to promote distance learning, and createnew school initiatives centered on new technologies.
On November 16th, Vicky Sheilds, AHRC’s Children’sServices Director, was presented the check at Optimum Lightpath’s LI Education Tech Conference.Later in the month, William J. Lindsay, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, Bill Leonardi,CEO of AHRC, Grace Forestieri, AHRC's AssistiveTechnology Specialist, and Todd Cammarota, Enterprise Account Executive at Optimum Lightpathvisited the Educare Center to take photos with students and accept the award.
Always looking for new forms of technology, AHRC’sEducare Center will use the funds to purchase a TAP-it, a mobile interactive learning station designed toprovide accessibility to students with a range of physical or learning disabilities. Similar to a computer,TAP-it offers students access to web-based curriculum with screen and height adjustments thatadapt to their individualized needs. Regular
computers, though excellent learningtools, are not always accessible for students with disabilities.
“A student may be unable to enter information into the
computer because they cannot physically hold a
mouse or select keys on a keyboard. Students in
wheelchairs find it difficult to get close enough to the
computer because the table height prevents their
wheelchair from passing underneath,” explainedVicky. “It is difficult to engage students in a group
while at the computer because they must be seated
further away. These barriers reduce the effectiveness
of the computer of reaching educational goals.”
With mobile technology development on the rise,AHRC is excited to engage students with these newtools.
“When you compare the price of these large,
non-transportable learning devices to the IPad and
other mobile technologies, you’re looking at a huge
difference in cost and accessibility. A student can
learn off of the same device both in the classroom
and at home with their family,” said Andrea Nickdow,Assistant Director, Children’s Services. “It’s really an
exciting time in our field.”
Educational trends seem to be shifting across theboard.
“Students are being evaluated in a more
individualized-type system,” added Vicky. “This has
always been the goal of special education. Our
students all have different strengths and learn
differently. Technology like this, it seems, is just made
for us.”
NEWS AROUND AHRC
page 4
$10,000 Awardedto Educare
NEWS AROUND AHRC
Students at AHRC’s Saul and Elaine Seiff Educare Center were treated to thoughtful gifts fromUnited Healthcare representatives this Fall!
On November 3rd, AHRC’s Seiff Educare Center participated in United Healthcare’s Gift Initiative. Eachstudent chose between a select set of gifts includingblankets and hand-decorated stuffed animals by thecompany’s staff.
Always looking to strengthen relationships betweenbusinesses in the local Suffolk County community,AHRC, which offers its employees United Healthcarecoverage, was happy to accept the visit.
Students enjoyed sharing their assignments and works in progress with United Healthcare staff. Onepreschooler, who prior to enrollment in AHRC’s Educare Center, was non-verbal, even publicly recited the insurance company’s slogan.
“We were happy to present these items…Handing
each of the children a stuffed animal or blanket brings
warmth to our hearts. And as we watch the expression
on their faces—the smiles that were
given to us—it makes myself and the
accompanying staff feel as if we have
made a difference in that child’s day,”
said John Dallo, Vice President ofSales and Account Management,
United Healthcare.
page 5
UnitedHealth-careVisitsEducare!
NEWS AROUND AHRC
New Family Workshops
This Fall, attendees of AHRC’s first Transition toAdult Services Breakfast were given a briefoverview of the services available for their lovedone with a developmental disability. Tours of ourBohemia Adult Day Programs were also provided.
Going forward, AHRC plans on holding moreworkshops for family members/caretakers, with aResidential Services evening workshop beingplanned for Spring 2012.
Proving to be a win-win for both parents/caretakers and AHRC, the workshop introduced community members to our agency, and to otherparents/caretakers of children with disabilities.
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops by
visiting www.ahrcsuffolk.org!
page 6
AED InstallationTo keep our facilities as safe as possible, AHRC installed AED’s near the
nurse’s office in all Adult Day Services locations.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator(AED) is a lightweight, portabledevice that delivers anelectric shock throughthe chest to the heart.
Why Are AEDs Important?
AED’s make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs areportable and can be used by nonmedical people,they can be made part of emergency responseprograms that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 andprompt delivery of CPR. All three of these activities are critical to improving survival from
cardiac arrest.
Vocational Instructor, Sami Ruiz,who’s been involved with E-Workssince the initial pilot, said the training process takes time and concentration, but it’s been “amazing to see it all come together.”
“The individuals are so focused. It’sgreat to finally see them in their chairsworking—they really are enjoying their jobs,” she said.
Working and bringing home a paycheck creates a sense of confidence and self-worth. It allowsindividuals with developmental disabilities to become productivemembers of society. For Richard Mc-Donald, an e-Works employee, disassembling computers for a living taps into his own personal interests.
“I really like making my own money—it feels good,” said Richard. “I alwaysresearch on my own computer, so Ilike this.”
For the time being, Suffolk E-Works, which now operates out ofthe Bohemia Annex and Westhamp-ton’s workshop, is providing assistive services to AHRCNassau. A drop off location has beensetup at the Bohemia Annex, and
pickup routes are currently being es-tablished.
Once the business secures its owncustomers, with the efforts of MarkWilkens, e-Works Consultant, and
staff members, June Huether, Busi-ness Development for Workshop Ac-tivities, and Natale Leo, Administratorof Workshop Operations, it’ll primarilyserve companies and personal clients inSuffolk County.
With NY State’s continually increasing recycling requirements and
people’s growing interest in the envi-ronment, not to mention the expectedbudget cuts looming in our near fu-ture, AHRC Suffolk’s e-Works holdshuge growth potential.
“This is real work—and our individuals want to be busy. Theydon’t like downtime,” said Bill. “Thisnew business venture is really an op-portunity for us to control our owndestiny.”
For business propositions, pickupschedules and other information,contact Natale Leo at 631.585.0100 x 585 [email protected]. And lookout for the e-Works page onAHRC Suffolk’s new website, COMING SOON!
For more information on NY State’srequirements, visithttp://www.dec.ny.gov/chemi-cal/65583.html
page 7
so-called entitlementspending, which included Medicaid.When President Obama took the
reins two years ago, the economy wasmired in astronomical deficits, relentlessly rising general health care costs, and states around the nation complaining of the enormous growth in Medi-caid that was strangling their economies. The writingwas on the wall as regards the changes in the Medicaid program that would be forthcoming.
Over the last twenty-five years, New York StateOPWDD brought in sufficient Medicaid dollarsthrough its developmental disabilities programs tofund the vast array of services for this population currently in existence, and to additionally add funds tothe state’s general coffers. This has been a knownfact for a long time, as has been the fact that peoplewith developmental disabilities represent a relatively
small percentage of Medicaid enrollees but use alarge percentage of Medicaid dollars in New York.Nevertheless last year’s Poughkeepsie Journal Articles enumerating exactly how the federal Medicaidfunds for individuals with developmental disabilities inNew York were calculated — even though the federalCenter on Medicaid Services (CMS) was aware ofand had agreed on the formula – motivated a re-examination of New York State’s Medicaid situation.
To read the rest of the article, which covers The 1115
Waiver in New York State: How to Manage Care
and Manage Costs?, and Advocacy: What We
Really Need to Do to Build a Stronger System for
People with Developmental Disabilities, pleasevisit our website at www.ahrcsuffolk.org and view the
“Special Announcements” box on our home page.
cont. from pg. 2
cont. from pg. 1
AHRC Suffolk e-Works
E-Waste Processing Center &
Drop-off Location
AHRC Bohemia Annex
2900 Veterans Mem. Hwy
Bohemia, NY 11716
9am-4pm
631.585.0100 x 585
stay in
the Know!
NEWS AROUND AHRC
page 8
Senior-aged individuals withdevelopmental disabilitieshave worked, participated in,and live in AHRC’s surrounding community.Having always been treatedwith kindness and respect,they feel very strongly about giving back.
To support local causes—especially those for childrenin need, individuals served inAHRC’s Senior Day HabProgram joined in with localschools to collect aluminumtabs from cans for charity.
The recycled tabs are turnedinto cash and given to theStony Brook University Medical Center’s SunriseFund, which aids childrenwith cancer. Participants ofthe drive also urged AHRCSuffolk employees to join in.
A success for both AHRCand Stony Brook UniversityHospital, the program hasbound staff and individualsserved together through acommon cause, whileadding to the total donation
amount.
Lakeland Fire Department visited
AHRC’s Lakeland Day Habilitation
Program and the Seiff Educare Center!
The crew reviewed fire safety and
prevention, and allowed students and
adult-age individuals the opportunity to
explore the truck and learn the uses for
its different buttons and tools. As
always, the visits were very exciting and
educational for all involved!
FireSafety
SeniorsGivingBack
IN-KIND AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
they are donations that are
provided in goods an services rather
than monetary
AHRC Suffolk is currently looking
for donations of materials and
contractors for:
1. our dix Hills Residence kitchen
Please contact donna Borrill at
631-585-0100 ext.548 or email
[email protected] to see how you
can help!
In-KindDonations
thanks to in-kind donations, our
lincoln Street Residence has been
fully restored to comply with
Riverhead’s Historical Society’s
codes!
Special thanks to the kogel family
and Riverhead Building Supply for
their generous in-kind donations.
What are In-KindDonations?
How Can You Help?
page 9
AHRC’s new sports slab will
allow individuals served in
our day Hab programs the
opportunity to play games
right outside of the Bohemia
facility!
thanks to Reliable Garden
and fence and Pereira
Concrete for their in-kind
donations! thanks to Pilot
employee Benefits Group for
their generous donation to
make this project a reality!
In November, eight computers and two color printers were setup in AHRC’s Bohemia Day Habilitation Program. Thanks to St.John’s High School for their donation of the computers, and especially to Len Krebs, the school’s Technical Director.
AHRC would also like to thank Gerty DeLuca from HornellBrewing Company-Arizona Beverages, for her donation of thelarge laser jet printer. With the help of Ann Lehuta, AHRC’s Network Administrator, and Russell Patterson, technical consultant, the agency purchased two more inkjet printers andfour computer tables.
A special thanks to Russell for reworking the computers, and
his sons, Ryan and Andy, along with Ann, for the testing and
setup of all the equipment!
NewComputerLab
AHRC’s Shoreham Day Habilitation Program held abig party for program participant’s family members this Fall!
Family members and caretakers of individuals servedin the program were asked to bring in past pictures oftheir loved ones. Visitors shared stories and got toknow one another. The gathering was a great success!
NEWS AROUND AHRC
page 10
FamilyDay
John Jorg, an artist who also has a developmental disability, displayed his beautiful paintings atNYSARC’s 62nd Annual Convention. (Pictured rightwith AHRC staff member, Laura Musselwhite)
NYSARC Display
DBATransportation
SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR
For over 25 years, AHRC andPaul Johnston, FoundationBoard Member and owner ofDBA Transportation, havemaintained a successful working relationship. ThoughPaul has no direct connectionto the developmentally disabled population, he strongly supports our agencyand its mission.
An advocate of many causes,Paul feels strongly about thefuture of our environment.Having attended a recent conference on the cost and“green” benefits of propane-operated vehicles, he decidedto look further into the topic.
Listed as an approved cleanfuel by U.S. Government energy policy makers and energy administrative bodies,numerous studies on propaneemissions have determinedthat using propane cuts smogproducing exhaust by as muchas 70 percent.
DBA Transportation, located inBohemia, NY, operates 23diesel-powered vehicles—16vans and seven buses. Serving only AHRC, the company provides transportation for individualswith developmental disabilitiesto and from their Adult Day Habilitation Programs at ourBohemia and WesthamptonBeach facilities.
With such high travel frequency, Paul began toweigh fuel options. In 1998,diesel fuel cost 75 cents per
gallon. Today, a gallon ofdiesel fuel prices at $4.29.Though propane gas gets lessmiles per gallon, the cost permile is cheaper, along with themaintenance fees.
Propane’s “green” benefits andlower costs, compared to thatof diesel fuel, eased Paul’s decision. To date, two of DBA’sseven buses are completelyoperated on propane.
As part of a trial period, thecompany is “testing the twobuses for around six months. Ifall goes smoothly, they’ll gradually switch all of the vansand buses to propane,” hesaid.
Paul is both a firm backer anddear friend of AHRC. He’smade it a point to make manyof DBA’s fleet wheel chair accessible. Drivers are also required to experience thewheelchair lift firsthand.
“It’s important for them to understand the anxiety ofsome of the individuals whenbeing transported from the busto the ground,” said Paul. “I’vegotten to know so many of theindividuals we transport—andthey have fears, just like us.”
During his time with AHRC,Paul has “learned how theagency takes care of peoplewho would otherwise havebeen misunderstood or neg-lected.” “It brings me great satisfaction to be part of theteam effort in accomplishingthis goal.”
page 11
For more propane information
visit www.propane101.com
DBA Transportation
65 DaVinci DriveBohemia, NY 11716
Turn Your Pumpkin into Something!
AHRC's Annual Day Habilitation pumpkindecorating contest was more creative thanever this year. Individuals served at our Bohemia Facility, along with staff, enjoyeddisplaying their works for all to see!
Celebratingthe Season
NEWS AROUND AHRC
page 12
Everyone got festive this year at AHRC’sSeiff Educare Center’s Fall Family Festival!The day began with a costume paradewhere students (and most visitors) showedoff their latest Halloween getups.
Students and family members then work on“spooky” projects together, and visitors attend a dance party in the Center’s multipurpose room, or play outside in the“pumpkin patch.”
Grand-parents DayAHRC Seiff Educare Center’s Grandparents and Special Friends Day hadthe greatest turnout ever! Over 78 visitorscame to share the school day with students.
Held on November 16th, Ken Grau, an Educare Center speech language pathologist, also made a presentationabout new technologies in the classroom.
HAPPENINGS
page 13
AHRC Suffolk will partner up with Autism Speaks LongIsland to host their first Polar Plunge on Saturday,March 3rd at the Bay Shore Marina, S. Clinton Street,Bay Shore.
Polar Plunge registration will start at 8:30am and the plunge will begin at 10:00 amsharp. Registration is $20.00 and all agesare welcome. Ages twelve and under arefree and students can receive community service hours! Come out, plunge and help make a difference in the lives of children and adults. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 631-585-0100 x 583.
IronMan/Woman Golf
Will You Take the Plunge?
REGISTER ONLINE!REGISTER ONLINE!www.walknowforautism
speaks.com/PolarBearPlunge
AHRC’s Ironman / Woman Golf Event was held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Great Rock Golf Club inWading River.
Despite the rainy weather, eight golfers played up to 73holes from sunrise to sunset!
Marc Blitstein, AHRC Foundation Board President, andMichael Busch, played the most holes, with AHRC’s CEO,Bill Leonardi finished close behind at 72 holes. Thanks to
all supporters, the AHRC Foundation made nearly
$14,000 to benefit children and adults with
developmental disabilities.
page 14
51st AnnualCandlelight Ball
HAPPENINGS
Once again, the 51st Annual Candlelight Ballwas a great success! With nearly 500 guestsin attendance, all funds raised by the gala’sraffle contest and silent auction will go towards AHRC’s programs, services, andsupports for individuals with developmentaldisabilities.
AHRC honored Foundation Board Member,Filomena Lombardi, and the entire LombardiFamily for their continuous support of ouragency and its fundraising events.
To strengthen the already positive relationship between AHRC and the Lom-bardi family, J. Andreassi, Director of Development, along with Lisa Bochner, COOof AHRC, and Bill Leonardi, CEO of AHRC,invited all family members to tour our Bohemia Workshop, Annex, and Day Habilitation Programs prior to the event. The Lombardi’s also visited AHRC’s Seiff Educare Center, where Vicky Sheilds, Director of Children’s Services, and AndreaNickdow, Assistant Director of Children’s
Services, escorted guests through the
different classrooms.
The Lombardi’s, especially “Mamma,” whocelebrated her 80th birthday at the gala,were very moved by our agency’s dedicationto those we serve.
With the outstanding food, the festive musicperformed by the Edwin Vasquez band, andthe company of friends, family members,employees, politicians, and individualsserved by AHRC, the night turned out to beone to remember!
page 15
Gerry Sweeney and wife, Dolores, havebeen tireless advocates for children and adults with developmentaldisabilities. Their passion to stay in-volved and share information with otherparents and caretakers stems from arare incidence that happened to Denise,their 46-year old daughter, in 1966.
Born a typical functioning child,Denise’s disability developed after suffering from Post Vaccinal Encephali-tis—a direct result of the Small Pox vac-cine. Odds of reacting to the vaccineare one in a million. Denise happenedto be that one.
Though she is very high functioning, herlife, and that of her parents, has neverbeen the same.
In the 27 years Denise has spent withAHRC, “she’s always excelled at herjobs in the workshop and Annex,” saidDolores. “My daughter is excellent withnumbers—she will remember thingsthat I just simply cannot. Doctors havesaid that if she hadn’t suffered from thePost Vaccinal Encephalitis, shewould’ve done something great withmath. But I say, ‘don’t go there’—welove Denise just the way she is.”
The family first got involved with AHRCthrough the Sachem Special EducationProgram. Having lived in Queens, NYprior to Denise’s diagnosis, Gerry, a re-tired MetLife executive, moved the fam-ily to Holbrook--part of the SachemSchool District.
Though Sachem’s Special Ed Programwas highly respected, the world was adifferent place in 1971.
“I remember feeling very alone at thattime,” said Dolores. “There were onlyfour Special Ed classes from kindergarten to 12th grade available.
‘Mainstreaming’ was thebuzz word in education, but there werea lot of ignorant people. The Special Edteachers were amazing, but there wasdefinitely a level of discrimination against them from otherfaculty.”
Dolores and Gerry are not exactly the“sit back and wait” types. Lack of programs and supports for children withspecial needs only propelled them further into the educational advocacymovement.
As the first Special Education Coordina-tor on Sachem’s PTA, Dolores felt herposition was “not enough.” “We neededa stronger voice.” She then joined otherparents to create one of the first SpecialEducation PTA (SEPTA) on the Island.And though SEPTA’s establishment wasan uphill battle, new legislation from Al-bany, called “Project Re-Entry,” helpedbeef up the school’s Special Ed pro-gram. “That one change made all of the difference—schools were getting double from the State for each child with special needs that they took in.Sachem’s Special Ed program just ex-ploded,” said Dolores.
As graduation approached, theSweeney’s once again found themselves researching services thatwould meet their daughter’s specialneeds. Having first looked at BOCES,AHRC’s person-centered planningseemed like a better fit.
“The interaction with friends and staffhas been a very positive experience forher,” said Dolores. “I know that it takesa tremendous amount of patience andtolerance to do this job. Yet the Pro-gram Supervisors and other staff mem-bers have always treated Denise with ahigh level of kindness and respect.”As parents, “you often worry about theway your child is being treated,” said
Dolores, a member of AHRC’s Auxiliary.“But AHRC staff members have listened to me. They’ve taken care ofthings when I expressed concern—thatmakes me feel good as a mother.”
Though Denise has grown up, Gerryand Dolores are still heavily involvedwith advocating for people with developmental disabilities.
“Other parents look forward to their kidsgrowing up and living their own lives,but our kids are different. We can’t justlet them go. We have to be there forthem, we have to be their voice,” saidGerry.
Dolores, who now works as an officeaid in the Sachem School District, canempathize with other “tired” parents, but having pioneered her way through many barriers, she refusesto forget the importance of advocacy.“We’re all tired—we’ve all done a lot for our children. But you have to stay involved. You have to attend meetingsand learn all of the necessary information.”
Denise still resides at home, but she recently considered moving into one ofAHRC’s residences, where she attendsthe Weekend Respite Program.
“If she was happy, I’d be OK with it,”said Dolores. “It’d be great for the fu-ture—to know that she was in goodhands,” added Gerry.
To Dolores and Gerry—
a sincere thanks for all ofyour support!
We just simply couldn’t do it without you.
A Family’s Perspective
THE AHRC FAMILY
page 16
A puzzle piece is the sign for autism, which is a disorder that causesone to think in a different way than others, gives some the inability totalk, and gives seizures to some with a more severe case.
My brother, Michael, happens to have a more severe case of this syndrome. Michael represents a single puzzle piece. When making apuzzle each piece is needed, each piece is special, just like my
brother. Our family would not be complete without him, just as a puzzle would not becomplete with a missing piece.
He inspires me just by the way he struggles through each day. Michael is the strongestperson I have ever met, and it is an honor to have a brother as wonderful as him. WhenI feel defeated or I am facing rough times, I think to myself, if my brother is strongenough to overcome autism, I can overcome my problem. One glance into his eyeschanges your outlook on the world. Just waking up in the morning and seeing his face reminds me how lucky I am to have a brother like Michael. EverythingI do, I do for him.
Never is there a day that his face lacks a smile. On July 30, 2011, Michael went toStony Brook Hospital, so they could track his seizures. He had 30 electrodes attachedto his head with gauze, and he stayed at the hospital for three days. Every time I visited him he had a tremendous smile on his face. That is what had the greatest impacton my life. I know that I wouldn’t be able to endure that pain, the fact that he did itwith a smile on his face forever changed my heart.
When I become older I have to take custody of my brother when my parents are unableto take care of him. This entails that I must have a husband who appreciates mybrother and friends too. Years ago a good friend of mine would not enter my brother’s room to get something with me, because he was in there. I was so appalled; Ididn’t know what to say. I just stood there, staring at her blankly. Most people feelbad for those like my brother. I don’t. I feel bad for people like my friend. It’s unfortunate when someone cannot appreciate autistic children. I know it can seem scary to some people who aren’tused to it but if you enable yourself to give them a chance,you will see how warm-hearted they are.
I attend all of the events they have at my brother’s schooland watch him overcome his disability by achieving goals.I’ve watched him participate in things such as: walking inhis Halloween parade, throwing a soccer ball, riding apony, and throwing beanbags. I admire how he climbsover all the obstacles in his life and never gives up. Iwatch over him, as I know he watches over me. I lovemy brother more than anyone or anything; he is thepuzzle piece I hold close to my heart.
A Single
Puzzle Piece
By Faith Pelle
page 17
SPOTLIGHT STAFF
“Weare one bigfamily”
Three years ago, Lisa Hart, Housepar-ent of AHRC’s Oakdale residence, had no prior experience withthe developmentally disabled popula-tion. Fast forward to January 2012, andeven a perfect stranger could see justhow much AHRC has changed her life.
Along with close friends, family, and theeight residents of our Oakdale IRA, Lisaand her husband, Harry Schenkel, celebrated their wedding at Sylvia’s inHarlem on January 2nd.
“They really are my family,” said Lisawhen describing her roleas Houseparent. “Like every family,
each person has their own schedule,
but we support one another. We eat din-
ner together every night.”
And like all families living under oneroof, personalities sometimes do clash.“There are times when we all love each
other and times when we disagree—but
that’s just part of being a family. And it’s
my favorite part of what I do for a
living.”
Lisa discovered AHRC through a friend,who told her about our Residential Pro-gram. She interviewed and was hired asDirect Care for Oakdale and AHRC’sother residences. With time on her side,Lisa began working just as the Housep-arent of the Oakdale IRA was preparingfor retirement.
At first, she admitted to being “totally i
ntimidated” by the position. “It is a really big job,” said Lisa. But the House-parent took her “under her wing” andprepared Lisa for the task at hand.
After much training, she moved herselfand McKenzie, Lisa’s 14-year-olddaughter, into the house’s apartmentfull-time. Her then finance, Harry, whoworks in Finance, recently became aPastor at the Transfiguration Church inHarlem. So Lisa, McKenzie, Harry andhis three children, Harrison, 19, Saman-tha, 16, and Hunter, 13, spend
Friday through Sunday in their newbrownstone, located on 126th street.
With such a hectic schedule, Lisa credits her “amazing staff,” which includes a Houseparent Relief employee and several Direct Careworkers, for keeping the householdpleasant and orderly.
“There’s no way that anybody could do
this without a staff—it’s the kind of job
that is your entire life. You’re running
the household, but no matter how great
the Houseparent is, it’s the staff that set
the mood and tone. It’s such a
combined team effort.”
Working for AHRC has “been such a
great gift,” said Lisa. “My Director, the
staff—everyone has been so amazing.
They all go above and beyond.”
Lisa, though quite modest, has added apersonal touch to AHRC’s Oakdale IRA.With religion being such a prominent part of her life, Oakdale’seight residents attend services at eitherSt. Johns in Bohemia and St. Anne’s inOakdale once per week. The household also celebrated Christmas bylistening to Harry’s sermons in Harlem’sTransfiguration Church.
Going forward, Lisa would like to bringresidents to the church in Harlem moreoften. With the generous donation of aminivan from one of the resident’s families, the group can now split up fordifferent themed day trips.
Having never worked with the disabledpopulation prior to AHRC, Lisa sure hasembraced our agency’s mission.
“From working with people with
developmental disabilities, I’ve learned
to really be in the moment. I used to
always be thinking about the future and
get hung up on the past—those little
things in life that get out of hand. But
our residents don’t do this. They live
for now.”
Transfiguration Church
74 West 126th Street
Harlem, NY
Sunday service at
10:30am
Herb Gold
passed away the
day after
thanksgiving at
the age of 96. A generous
benefactor to organizations and
individuals throughout the world,
Herb supported many causes
including AHRC Suffolk.
Born in Brooklyn, Herb joined his fa-
ther's business building homes and
apartment buildings in Rockville Cen-
tre and Hewlett Harbor. He
continued to build on long island as
a partner of the firm Stackler, frank
and Gold.
in 1941 he met Rita weinstein and
when he asked which street he
should take to drive her home, she
told him to take the long way, and
they did: He was married to Rita for
67 years before her passing in 2008.
together, they raised their son
Richard, who passed at 35.
“Herb and Rita were the most
devoted couple i’ve ever known,”
said ken walker, AHRC Board Mem-
ber and dear friend of Herb. “i feel
lucky to have had them in my life and
will miss my friendship with Herb. we
played tennis until he was just shy of
90, and sailed the Sea Bird up until a
couple of years ago.”
Aside from his support for AHRC,
Herb established the Rita Gold early
Childhood Centers at Columbia uni-
versity's teachers College and in tel
Aviv. He funded many
scholarships for young opera
singers, as well as for
underprivileged students making it
possible for them to go on to higher
education. Herb was also a
generous donor to the nYC opera,
Julliard, and the Sarasota opera.
Herb lived life to the fullest, inspiring
those around him to strive to fulfill
their highest potential. with such a
lifelong commitment to service, Herb
left quite an extraordinary legacy.
“He really was an inspiration to me,”
said ken. “i feel lucky to have known
him.”
In Memoriam...
Jim lehane, AHRC Suffolk Honorary
Board Member, passed away on october
20, 2011.
Jim joined the Board of directors in october
of 1970. He then served as President from
1978-1979, 1979-1980 and 1981-1982.
throughout the years, Jim also served on
AHRC’s Budget & finance Committee,
Community Residence Committee,
Guardianship Committee, Personnel Pol-
icy/By-laws Committee, Public information
Committee, Program evaluation Committee
and the nominating Committee. Jim was
voted in by the Board of di-
rectors at the January 2006
Board of directors meeting
as an Honorary Board
member and continued to
serve as an advocate, as
well as on the Guardian-
ship Committee until 2011.
Always a committed supporter of AHRC, Jim
rarely missed a Guardianship
meeting—in fact, he was usually the first
member to arrive. those who were
lucky enough to encounter Jim knew
that he was a gentle soul—one who was ad-
mired by all.
HerbertZ. Gold
James D. Lehane
page 18
irving Silverman passed away
on June 3, 2011. irving and his
wife, Rose, were active mem-
bers of AHRC for many years.
their son, dennis, was institu-
tionalized at the willowbrook School when he was
around 10 years old. Rose was instrumental in
helping news reporter, Geraldo Rivera, expose the
horrific conditions of the facility to the world.
for over 25 years, dennis lived happily in AHRC’s
Shoreham iCf until he passed away
earlier this year.
irving was a wonderful man. He loved helping
others and learning new things. following retire-
ment from his cleaning supply business, irving
and Rose moved to florida, where they lived in
willow Bend, a vibrant retirement community.
irving quickly became popular with fellow
seniors--he helped organize the Senior Computer
Club and served as the club’s instructor.
“He never turned anyone down that asked for his
help,” said a friend.
A truly honorable member of AHRC, irving left a
large bequest to our agency upon his passing.
Irving Silverman
News from AHRC’s Foundation Office
page 19
We’re Social like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com
/AHRCSuffolk, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ahrcsuffolk and view
us on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/AHRCSuffolk
to receive the latest on AHRC and the developmental disabilities
community’s events, news, legislative issues, videos, and much much more!
Membership Matters!
AHRC Suffolk has enormous challenges ahead of us.We are in the midst of a difficult economic climate andare inevitably facing budget cuts that can affect the programs and services we offer.
For only $15, your membership includes:
• Involvement in legislative agendas to address the needs of people with intellectual and other disabilities and their families
• Discounts to Baskets For All Occasions. Visit www.ahrcstore.com or call 631.585.0100 ext. 535 or email at [email protected]
• Discounts to Flowerfield Gardens, our 2.1 acre nurseryand retail garden shop located at 1210 Portion Road,Holtsville NY. Call 631.696.5953 or email [email protected].
• Discounts to AHRC’s Gift Shop.
• Our quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, E-News,and access to NYSARC, Inc. publications and white
papers
Together, we have strength in numbers.Become a member of AHRC and
make your voice count.
Become a member today!Contact J. Andreassi,AHRC Director of Development at631.585.0100 x597or email [email protected].
Follow Us!
www.ahrcsuffolk.org
Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDBohemia, NYPermit No. 54
AHRC Suffolk
2900 Veterans Memorial Highway
Bohemia, nY 11716-1193
(631) 585-0100
www.ahrcsuffolk.org
Dates to Remember
March 3, 2012 AHRC and Autism Speaks Long Island’s Polar Bear Plunge
April 2012 Chinese Auction, AHRC, Bohemia Cafeteria
April 15, 2012 Car Show, Seiff Educare Center Parking Lot
April 18, 2012 Staff Appreciation Day
April 27, 2012 Arbor Day Ceremony, AHRC
April 2012 Ironman/Student Golf Event with Marty Lyons Foundation, Great Rock Golf
Course, Wading River
May 9, 2012 Seiff Sports Day, Southampton Youth Services, Southampton
May 2012 Invitational Golf Event
June 2012 Blood Drive, AHRC, Bohemia Cafeteria
June 7, 201221st Annual Golf Classic, Port Jefferson Country Club, Port Jefferson
June 19, 2012 Annual Membership Meeting/Fashion Show, AHRC, Bohemia
July 20, 2012 AHRC Auxiliary Cake Sale, AHRC, Bohemia
July 14, 2012 AHRC Family Fun Day & BBQ, PAL, Holtsville
July 28, 2012 AHRC Suffolk 5K Run, Southampton Village
October 23, 2012 Ironman/Woman Golf Event, Great Rock Golf
Course, Wading River
November 2, 2012 Candlelight Ball, Villa Lombardi’s, Holbrook
December 2012 Holiday Craft Fair, AHRC, Bohemia
Follow Us!
Have an event or story that you
would like to share with our AHRC
community?
How about being featured?
Call kate Mammolito at
631-585-0100 x 263 or email