Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

For more information contact:
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

Journalist John Hockenberry Assails Stereotypes of People with Disabilities

Westchester Arc Hosts My Life, My Choice
for Disability Rights Activists

»Click here to see highlights
»Click here to read Journal News article

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK – March 8, 2006—Former Dateline NBC correspondent and four-time Emmy award-winner John Hockenberry analyzed the achievements and civil rights of individuals with disabilities during My Life, My Choice, a “public discussion” hosted by Westchester Arc on March 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains. “Self-proclaimed ‘normal’ people, I think, have bags over their heads,” said Hockenberry. “To truly embrace diversity and understand the meaning and value of inclusion, you have to abandon the idea of ‘normal.’ Only then can one see communities for what they really are, richly collaborative networks of all kinds of people.” The day’s events, attended by 200 people, featured workshops on how individuals with disabilities can take charge of their lives.

Westchester Arc is the 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.

Capping the day’s activities were presentations by Hockenberry and a number of “self-advocates,” individuals with developmental disabilities who are making their own life choices and championing the empowerment of others. Joey Lombardozzi, a legal assistant with the law firm of Pappalardo, Tombini & Wolff described his personal and professional growth since beginning to work full-time. Lois and Patsy Ginese, one of the first couples with developmental disabilities to marry in New York State, discussed their decision to wed 20 years ago despite the misgivings of many. They have since renewed their vows. And Bob Smith, a poet and entrepreneur, who lectures throughout New York with the aid of a voice synthesizer, shared his determination to express himself, build a business, and change attitudes towards people with cerebral palsy. Smith presented a copy of his book, Reflections of My Life, to Hockenberry.

A spirited panel discussion of “Changing Expectations for Community Participation” was chaired Thomas A. Maul, commissioner of New York State’s OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. He was joined by Chester Finn, chairperson of SABE (Self-Advocates Being Empowered); Bruce Campbell, father of a seven-year-old with developmental disabilities; and Michele Tombini, a longtime employer of individuals with disabilities. Their wide-ranging comments dealt with language as a shaper of perception and stereotypes, the importance of career to self-esteem and independence, the critical role of inclusive education, and the right to residential opportunities within the community at large.

Established over 55 years ago, Westchester Arc serves 1600 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The agency has long advocated community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, consistent with personal wishes and capabilities.

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