|
From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Families and Friends,
This Autism Acceptance Month gives us the opportunity to strengthen our ties with the disability community, foster connections, and deepen our advocacy.
The road ahead sees the potential for extensive cuts to Medicaid, which will affect the services millions depend on to lead healthy, meaningful lives.
As you think about the ways you can act in support of essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ask yourself, what does it mean to lead a fulfilling life? For many, having a safe place to live, support to perform activities of daily living, and assistance to be a part of one’s community, are all made possible through home- and community-based services.
By showing your support today, you remind representatives what is at stake for every constituent. With consistent effort, we can create change and preserve the essential services that people in our community depend on.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Disability rights developed over the course of more than 75 years. Together, we must work to advance the independence and inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Only by continuing this important work can we bring about a world where everyone is seen and valued.
Best Regards, |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Acts of Kindness,
Powered by Purpose |
|
|---|
|
Whether it’s volunteering, advocating or partnerships with local organizations, people supported by AHRC Nassau find joy and pride from giving back – and last month was no exception. People supported in Day and Residential Services chose to raise funds for those experiencing hardship throughout the United States and around the world. |
| |
|---|
|
As part of Day Services, people have the option to participate in Community Hub Site Council.They meet once a month and discuss the activities in their locations, their goals, and accomplishments.
Sue Limiti, an Activities Specialist, facilitates the meetings with her colleagues Carolyn Clarke and Amy Yeung, and regularly discusses current events with the council. When significant events occur, she asks the members to brainstorm how they can help. Such was the case in February when she touched on the California wildfires that left hundreds of people dealing with housing and financial insecurity. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Portledge School Students Join People Supported by Day Services in Community Service Projects |
|
|---|
|
|
For the second year in a row, 80 Portledge Upper School students joined 40 men and women from Day Services to work on inclusive volunteering projects benefiting the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center and local nonprofit organizations. The daylong event took place on March 12 and welcomed Portledge students to activities throughout the campus.
Beginning this day of teamwork, students were split into four groups to begin projects at workstations in the ballroom, dining room, Wheatley Farms and Arts Center, and greenhouse. All the projects were collaborative and included representation from Day Service sites, including Hicksville, Oceanside, Motts, and Wheatley Farms. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
AHRC Nassau and NYIT Partner for
Accessible Design Competition |
|
|---|
|
| AHRC Nassau partnered with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) engineering students to develop a workplace tool that makes work tasks more accessible for people with different abilities for NYSID’s 11th Annual CREATE Symposium, April 9 in Albany. The student’s final product, a Transport Ready Assisting Machine (T.R.A.M), was one of three winning designs earning the agency and students $5,000.
|
|
|---|
|
For the project, student teams are given $1,000 to create a product that tackles challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace. To accomplish this, NYIT students visited AHRC Nassau in Freeport to meet with people supported with Pre-vocational (Pre-Voc) Services and Supported Employment. During the students’ initial tour, they interviewed people supported about their work and the difficulties they encounter while on task. |
| |
|---|
|
“At the initial meeting we talked about some of our barriers. We show them around, and let them talk to our different teams,” Assistant Director of Social Enterprises Pamela Curtiss said. “Then they come back to tell us their ideas and show us a prototype.” |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Together We Can Make A Difference |
|
|---|
|
|
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. |
|
|---|
|
|
Wheatley Farms and Arts Center Meditation Garden Unveiled at
Spring Reception |
|
|---|
|
|
The Wheatley Farms and Arts Center Meditation Garden was unveiled during a Spring Reception on Friday, March 21. The outdoor space features a cascading fountain surrounded by rocks and inviting benches that entice passersby to rest a while or enjoy a moment of peace and reflection.
The construction of this dedicated relaxation and meditation space for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community was made possible due to a $250,000 grant from the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program. The event was attended by funds requestor, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, AHRC Nassau leadership and board members, along with dozens of AHRC Nassau community members. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|
| Virtual Siblings Group Meeting
We will follow a light agenda and invite each person to share on how their family member is doing, the challenges and successes!
April 17, 2025 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Zoom |
|
|---|
|
|
| AHRC Foundation Rose Ball
Join us at our Annual Rose Ball! A festive evening dedicated to raising funds for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 7pm-11pm | Oheka Castle Huntington, NY |
|
|---|
|
|
| AHRC Foundation Walk
Join us and an entire community of people committed to increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Long Island.
Sunday, November 2, 2025 | Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY |
|
|---|
|
|
