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mlang@westchesterarc.org
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Press Release
Developmental Disability Conference Guides Families
Though Life’s Transitions
Westchester Arc Outlines Opportunities for All Ages
WHITE PLAINS, NY – February 4, 2008—Over 150 families and social service professionals received practical advice on a broad range of issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities during Westchester Arc’s Family Resource Day, held on February 2 at White Plains High School.
Representatives from over 20 state and local agencies (click here for list) participated in a resource fair providing information on healthcare, financial and legal planning, job opportunities and recreational programs. Recognized experts conducted workshops on special education, supporting young adults moving toward independence and on the self-advocacy movement— individuals with developmental disabilities voicing their opinions and directing their own lives.
Westchester Arc is the largest agency in the county serving children and adults who have disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.
Accessible HealthCare and Proposed Medicaid Cuts
A keynote panel of national and state representatives discussed how current legislative initiatives and the state budget are affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Ben Craig, district representative for Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) outlined new legislation that would enhance healthcare services for individuals with disabilities.
Reading a statement from Congresswoman Lowey, he indicated:
“More than 37% of individuals with disabilities have fair to poor health compared to 8.2% of individuals without disabilities. In order to eliminate the barriers faced by people with disabilities when accessing health care services, I—Nita Lowey—am proposing legislation that would establish accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment, create a national wellness grant program and improve the competency and clinical skills of physicians and dentists in providing care to patients with disabilities.”
Ben Golden, assistant executive director for government affairs for NYSARC, Inc. (the largest not-for-profit agency in the nation serving persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities) stressed the importance of preserving Medicaid funding.
“Medicaid is everything,” he said. “New York State has the biggest Medicaid program in the country, which accounts for 95% of services for individuals with disabilities. For the first time that I can recall, the federal Medicaid supply is no longer predictable, so it’s extremely important that we advocate against budget cuts.”
From Pre-school to High school
One panel discussion—“From Early Intervention to Pre-School”—talked about the process for obtaining pre-school services for children with developmental disabilities. The session explained how to complete the necessary evaluations and work with the Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) to find a suitable pre-school provider.
“To ensure all options, you must talk to your school district before your child’s third birthday,” stressed Marci Roth, an intake coordinator at Westchester Arc’s Children’s School for Early Development.
In “Ages Five to 15: Yearly Transitions,” attorneys, education professionals and parents offered tips for developing an appropriate education plan for students with disabilities. A mock high school Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting dramatized the real-life conflict of a mother trying to obtain services for her teenage son--despite resistance from her school system. Panelists advised parents to think of the process as “working with the school system, not against it.” They urged families to stay calm, keep detailed records and enter meetings with a set agenda.
Life as an Adult
A third workshop, for teens and young adults, discussed how to prepare a loved one for life after high school. Parents and siblings shared personal stories about relating to a family member with developmental disabilities. “My sister has affected my life from the time she was born,” commented sibling Hallie Solarsh, a school psychologist in Dobbs Ferry. “It wasn’t always easy to make my decisions based on how she would feel, but then I realized the best thing would be to treat her like everyone else. I love my sister, and I’m a better person with her in my life.”
Panelists also fielded questions relating to school-to-work programs, financial planning, guardianship services and residential choices.
“The most important thing you can do for someone with a disability is let them make their own choices,” advised Bernadette Carroll, a parent and Westchester Arc life planner.
Similarly, “Self-Advocacy and Planning for the Future” addressed the importance of respecting the personal choices of individuals with developmental disabilities. Self-advocate panelists and Westchester Arc staff discussed the roles of family members and professionals in facilitating that process.
“Westchester Arc staff worked very hard to find me a good job,” stated Chinika T. “They gave me a lot of options, from a law firm to working for Metro North. But I told staff that didn’t want to go to the law firm because it was too quiet and I didn’t want to be at Metro North because I’d have to clean—and I do enough cleaning at home. Then they found me a job in the cafeteria at Iona College. I loved that idea and I am very happy working there.”
In “Transitions to Middle Age and Beyond,” a panel of attorneys and special needs planners presented an overview of public programs designed to provide assistance to persons with disabilities, including Social Security Disability, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Medicaid and Medicare. Panelists counseled families on setting up guardianship services and creating supplemental needs trusts, which help fund a loved one’s daily needs without interrupting his Medicaid and other public supports.
Established over 55 years ago, Westchester Arc has long advocated community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities, consistent with personal wishes and capabilities. The agency is funded through both public and private means.
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