Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
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Mellissa Lang
Director of Marketing and Public Affairs
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4618
fax: 914.997.2985
or 914.428.0322
mlang@westchesterarc.org
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Press Release
Annual Meeting Addresses Growing Needs
of People with Disabilities
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, June 14, 2008 — Top experts—including Diana Jones-Ritter, commissioner of the New York State OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities)— joined Westchester Arc staff members to discuss the latest issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities at the agency’s 58th Annual Meeting, held on June 12 at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains.
“We need more residential opportunities and more jobs for people who deserve them,” said Ritter during her keynote speech. “The only way to do this is to step out of the box and rearrange the system to become more person-centered.”
Ritter addressed the growing needs of people with developmental disabilities who are aging and those on the autistic spectrum—calling for more state-funded support and services. She also discussed issues relating to federal Medicaid and other funding challenges.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey was presented with a Public Official Partner Award for her outstanding contributions to social inclusion for people with disabilities.
“I am thrilled to get this award because it has been a true partnership working with Westchester Arc,” commented Lowey. “We have come so far since the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act—but there is still so much more we must do. Westchester Arc’s passion, tenacity and leadership will continue to be a great help to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The agency also recognized a number of partners and community volunteers, including:
School Partnership Award
Sara Arnon, Weekday Nursery School
Katzenberg Award
Morton Steinberg, D.D.S.
Kingsley Family Partnership Award
Bob and Terri Hunt
Westchester Arc Foundation Award
Peter Herrero, Jr., New York Hospitality Group
Attendees also elected new officers and board members. Anne M. Majsak, of White Plains, was re-elected president; Timothy B. Sullivan, M.D., of Harrison, was re-elected first vice president; Sheryl Frishman, of White Plains, was elected second vice president; Mark S. Glucksman, of White Plains, was re-elected treasurer, and Sarah Phelan, Esq., of White Plains, was re-elected secretary.
Thirty individuals with developmental disabilities—also known as self-advocates—exercised their right to vote, electing new officers to their Customer Service Council, an increasingly powerful body that contributes to decisions on agency strategy and operations. Candidates addressed issues such as community employment, literacy and social inclusion. Elected officers were: Patsy G., president; Sharon M., vice president, and Carolyn H., secretary.
The event also showcased the creative accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities. An art show-- featuring over 50 unique creations--drew praise from attendees, while a spirited performance by the “Out of Order Players,” a theater troupe sponsored by JCC on the Hudson, dramatized the challenges that people with developmental disabilities face on a daily basis.
Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. The agency has long been committed to social inclusion because of the benefits to the entire community.
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