Dear Family and Friends,

It’s spring, the important time of year when our community re-doubles our collective advocacy efforts. This Developmental Disability Awareness Month has been an energetic one—when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring awareness to their experiences and foster a true sense of belonging. In this edition, we highlight the positive outcomes that result from people working toward a common goal, whether it be inclusive volunteerism, advocacy or engaging in charitable activities. There’s much work underway but also joyful accomplishment.

Another way to recognize this DD Awareness Month is by advocating for a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment and Direct Support Wage Enhancement in the NY State Budget. Your support is vital as the April 1 deadline for the New York State budget nears, as is the need to call on representatives by sharing a letter of support. Do so again and again to impress upon legislators the importance of investing in staffing but also our care infrastructure.

Everything we do is made possible because of your support. At AHRC we believe in bringing people together to share experiences, learn from one another, and make meaningful contributions to their community. This is possible because of state funding used to maintain the health and safety of our programs.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our shared vision—to bring forth a world where people of all abilities are valued.

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

From Shy to Shine: 
James Miklos' Journey in Day Services

Upon arriving at his AHRC Seaford Day Services site, James “Jimmy” Miklos, 41, can be found greeting his peers and staff members with a wide smile and high fives before making a beeline to his locker to put away his things and start the day.

However, this was not always the case. Jimmy’s comfort level and sense of familiarity with his program are the results of the collaborative effort of staff, family, and Jimmy’s willingness to work through challenges and seek the solutions that best fit his needs.

Previously, he lived in upstate New York where he received residential and day services at another agency. In January 2023, he began his journey at AHRC Nassau after his mother initiated his move to Long Island.

The change was fast and abrupt for Jimmy, who struggled adjusting to a new residence and day program.

These were two major life changes happening all at once—something that would overwhelm anyone in that situation. In day services he met site manager Aracely Baires, who set out to ensure Jimmy felt welcomed in his new program.

Aracely observed that Jimmy, who communicates without using speech and uses a wheelchair, was more than simply shy, he was closed off. 

“He was really quiet. We could tell that he was feeling us out, and we were getting to know him as well,” said Aracely.

Empowerment in Action: Self-Advocates and Supporters 
Demand Action for Disability Services Funding

The New York State budget is due April 1. Now is the time to let Gov. Hochul and state legislators know about the urgent funding needs of disability services.

With one click you can urge legislators to support:

- A Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) based on (S4127-A/A5268-A) 

- A 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that does not restrict how funds are to be allocated

On Friday March 8, Self-advocates, Direct Support Professionals, and agency staff united with disability advocates from multiple Long Island agencies at the NYS Department of Human Rights office in Hauppauge.

Together they called for sustainable investments in care services to benefit direct support professionals.

This was just one of a growing number of demonstrations taking place across the state to raise awareness of the current staffing crisis affecting voluntary service providers. 

After years of divestment in disability care services and high inflation, people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their staff are dealing with the repercussions.

Statewide, agency staff are overwhelmed, overworked, and even making the difficult decision to leave the skilled care industry in favor of better pay elsewhere. 

This cost is paid most heavily by the people who depend on support staff and the services they provide that preserve and increase their quality of life.

Christine Marra Uses Crafting and Card Making to Give Back

Christine Marra, 66, lives in Bethpage and attends Day Services in Freeport, a program she has been a part of for over five years. 

On March 13, during her Easter-themed sale of handmade cards and bracelets, Christine successfully raised $66, which she generously donated to Shriners Hospital for Children. 

Her hobby turned charitable event sprang from an experience she had in 2022.

She learned of a family with a sick daughter seeking treatment at Shriners. Christina found their story deeply moving and donated $50 to their cause. 

What she received in return led her on the path to using her hobby to give back.

“They sent her a thank you letter, and we read it together. It was very sweet,” said Aprilyn Ratley, Assistant Manager Day Services, Freeport. 

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Portledge School's 
Inclusive Volunteering at AHRC Nassau

Students, teachers, and administrative staff from the Portledge School visited AHRC’s Brookville on March 7, for a full day of inclusive volunteering projects.

The group of 80 consisted of the school’s entire eleventh-grade class, excited and eager to learn and lend a hand.

Students started the day in the Brookville mansion, where AHRC Nassau CEO Stanfort J. Perry, Volunteer Coordinator Jerri Walker, and Community relations Liaison Lynne Brewer greeted them with welcoming speeches.

All three emphasized the importance of community engagement efforts and what is possible when people work toward common goals. 

From Volunteer to Program Leader:  
How Justine Bokun is Shaping Lives at AHRC

After nearly five years in her role, Justine Bokun, a Lindenhurst resident, was promoted to Program Coordinator of Day Services. In this role, she will take on a supervisory position covering duties for three day services locations—two in Farmingdale and one in Plainview.

AHRC Nassau prides itself on the deep partnerships formed with volunteers in the community. For some, the impact the agency has on them is so profound that they embrace the opportunity to build a career here.

Three Cheers for 75 Years! 
Become a Member Today and Celebrate With Us

For a Limited Time, Enjoy a $75 Lifetime Membership

This anniversary year, we are honored to offer you a unique opportunity to deepen your involvement with AHRC Nassau. Your lifetime membership is not just a commitment to our cause; it’s an investment in a future where our loved ones receive the respect, opportunities, and support they deserve.

Now is the perfect opportunity to join us in celebrating 75 years of fulfilling the promise made to children, adults, and their families.

Why Your Membership is Vital Now

- Direct Impact: Your vote will guide the decisions we make and the direction we take.
- Exclusive Resources: Gain access to Nassau News, and join The Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S. for a wider perspective on our collective advocacy.
- Active Participation: Engage in advocacy and volunteer opportunities that directly support our mission and your loved one.

The Latest From Our Reading Center

AHRC Nassau CEO provides testimony to NYS Senate regarding disability funding need. CEO Testifies

People with disabilities demand funds in NY budget to permanently raise staff pay. Calls for Funding

Disability service orgs push Hochul for investment in direct support staff. Pushing Hochul to Act

How to be more inclusive of people with disabilities in the workplace. Workplace Inclusion Efforts

Xbox leader for inclusive gaming opens up about her own hidden disability. Inclusion News

The Power of TV: Ensuring Authentic Disability Inclusion. Watch it Here

Coming Up

Session 7. What does Cultural and Linguistic Competence mean for Direct Support Professionals? 
April 9, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
This session will focus on: 1) cultural competence and linguistic competence and how these concepts and practices relate to the everyday responsibilities of DSPs and the people across racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups that they support and their families; and 2) the unique issues that DSPs face due to their multiple cultural identities and experiences attributed intersectionality, social location, discrimination and the "isms.”

NGT Family Webinar Series
April 9, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Register Here
Topic: Behavioral Changes that Occur with Aging & Dementia 
Presenter: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

AHRC Foundation Rose Ball
June 13, 2024 | 7: 00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Tickets Available Now
Join us for an evening of celebration as the Nassau County AHRC Foundation renews and celebrates its commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities at its Rose Ball.