Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Westchester Arc Hosted National Leadership Conference
Westchester Arc, in partnership with the National Conference of Executives of The Arc, hosted a leadership and training summit from July 30 to August 3 at the Crowne Plaza, White Plains. The conference—entitled Change, Challenge and Opportunity on the Horizon—brought together 150 executives from Arc’s throughout the nation to share strategies for helping individuals with developmental disabilities lead productive lives consistent with personal desires.
“We are honored that Westchester was selected to be this year’s location for this meeting. We use this opportunity to compare our organizations, share innovative ideas and work to strengthen internal communications around our common mission,” said Ric Swierat, executive director, Westchester Arc.
The conference covered a variety of issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities, including:
- Employment opportunities
- Transitioning from a day-program to the community
- Identifying residential options
- Becoming a self-advocate (expressing one’s own wants, needs and desires)
In addition, a number of Westchester Arc staff and consultants were among the presenters to the national leadership. Lawrence Faulkner, Westchester Arc’s general counsel and director of quality insurance, moderated a session on “Auditing the Corporate Compliance Policy Manual.” A dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Lawrence works closely with the New York State Bar Association to keep fellow attorneys updated on legislative developments. He recently taught a session on guardianship and often lectures on topics ranging from healthcare decision-making and proxies to elder law and estate planning. Mr. Faulkner is also a contributing editor of the association’s guidebook, Representing People with Disabilities.
“Westchester Arc continues to support individuals with developmental disabilities in broad and important ways,” says Faulkner. “Corporate compliance is critical to our agency. Sharing our expertise with other agencies looking to build these procedures helps to ensure best practices.”
Westchester Arc welcomed guests with a pre-conference reception at its new Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne, during which attendees toured the building’s theater, art gallery and state-of-the art meeting facilities.