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From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Families and Friends,
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to come together, harness our collective strength, and take action.
Recently, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that sets the stage for potential Medicaid cuts, directing committees to find significant cost savings. If enacted, these cuts could jeopardize essential services that people with developmental disabilities rely on every day.
Medicaid is more than healthcare—it’s a lifeline that ensures inclusion, dignity, and the ability to live with independence and stability. It provides critical medical care, but just as importantly, it supports the social and emotional well-being of people with developmental disabilities so they can fully engage in and contribute to their communities.
Another way to recognize the importance of Medicaid is to understand its impact on home- and community-based services, which provide home care and personal care that enable people to live in their community rather than in large institutions. We have worked towards this for decades, and we cannot go back.
You can act today by calling on representatives and sharing a letter of support. Also consider sharing your story about how these essential services provide for you and your loved ones. I urge you to regularly and consistently share your concerns to amplify the importance of these issues.
Advocating for the safety and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities is an ongoing effort. We must ensure that the supports and services they rely on are strengthened—not diminished—so they can live with dignity, independence, and full participation in our communities.
Best regards, |
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Advocates Rally for Disability Funding and Inclusion
on Long Island |
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Hundreds of self-advocates gathered in Hauppauge on March 7 to rally in support of essential services, community inclusion, and disability rights. The rally took place inside the New York State Office Building and featured speeches from Assembly Member Jodi Giglio and Senator Monica Martinez. The engaging crowd included people who depend on essential disability services from agencies across the state, their support staff, and community advocates, all banding together in support of sustainable funding. |
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The bipartisan call to action for disability support services highlighted that funding has been on the decline for several years and has not matched economic trends. At a time when the future of Medicaid funding hangs in the balance, people in the disability community took steps to make themselves heard. |
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Donna Nowakoski Showcases Diamond Art at
Franklin Square Public Library |
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Donna Nowakoski loves art, and was fortunate enough to join a Day Services location where she can indulge in her favorite pastime. At the East Meadow Art Gallery, Donna spends her weekdays painting, drawing, sewing, or working on the very intricate craft of diamond art.
The popularity of diamond art has grown in popularity in recent years, to the point where many kits with a variety of designs are available online. Donna stumbled onto the craft in 2021 and has been hooked ever since. In the evenings she browses Amazon with her mom to find the next piece to work on. Each one takes her anywhere from several days to weeks to complete.
Her dedication quickly paid off. In her first year, she entered one of her finished pieces into The Arc New York Art Competition. |
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Kathleen Fritz Credits Job Coaches
for Long Employment History |
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For over twenty years, Kathleen has been working in the food service industry. In the early 2000’s she worked for Nathan’s Famous, the long-standing hot dog restaurant chain, until her location closed.
Throughout her time working at Nathan’s, she received Supported Employment (SEMP) services from the agency. With SEMP, Kathleen always had access to an Employment Training Specialist (ETS), or job coach, to assist her in her job search, onboarding, and training. Job coaches offer continued support throughout employment. |
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Together We Can Make A Difference |
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Stay informed and get involved with AHRC Nassau and fellow advocates to further promote disability rights. Visit our Advocacy Center to stay connected and updated on critical issues and help defend disability rights. |
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AHRC Nassau & Prep Academy Artists Present Pieces at
“Art of Winter” Show |
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Artists from Day Services joined Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (CHSD) Prep Academy students in creating art pieces for a winter showcase. In total, 20 pieces were created by AHRC artists. The artwork ranged from large paintings to abstractly decorated glass bottles, unified under a winter wonderland theme.
“We have marvelously talented artists across our agency and our goal was to work on a collaborative project that celebrated everyone’s talents,” said Assistant Director Patrick Sherrard. “It also enhances our partnership with the Prep Academy.” |
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| Don't miss your chance to apply! The Blanche Fierstein Memorial Scholarship seeks to award an exceptional candidate pursuing an advanced degree in the field of special education.
Applications for this $5,000 grant are due by April 1, 2025. Learn More |
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| Stay Informed! The Board of Governors Meeting with The Arc of the United States will focus on critical updates and strategies for advancing the advocacy work related to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the federal level.
March 19, 2025, 6:00 PM EST. Join online.
Meeting ID: 853 9885 7481
Passcode: 493751 |
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