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Will speaks out on issues affecting people with developmental disabilities.

Will H.—Board Member and Beyond

This year, Will H. celebrated his 40th anniversary with Westchester Arc, having first come to the agency in 1967 at the age of 20. “I really wanted a job, but there weren’t very many opportunities for people with disabilities,” he recalls. “Westchester Arc gave me a job in its Yonkers workshop. I helped stuff envelopes. I got a paycheck and good job training. It was a nice place to be.” Today, Will works in the agency’s micrographics department, where he preps documents for scanning.

Will’s initial positive experience inspired him to pursue other agency resources. When he grew older and desired more independence, he moved away from his family and into a Westchester Arc residence, a transition he describes as “easy, thanks to helpful staff.” After exploring various residential options, he found a home at the agency’s Park Circle house in White Plains.

Will celebrates the groundbreaking for Westchester Arc's Gateway to the Community with friends, Eddie C. and Jason K. Said Will, "The new building is going to be a great place for all of us."

“I like living in Park Circle. I have made a lot of friends there. The staff is always very nice. They encourage me to do things on my own but are always there if I need something.”

Since becoming involved with Westchester Arc, Will has become a strong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, encouraging others to voice their opinions and collectively demand their rights. He has been a Westchester Arc board member since 2004 and is an outspoken participant on the agency’s customer service council, a board-level self-advocacy group that contributes to decisions on Westchester Arc’s strategy and operations. Also a board member of SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State), he helped to found the group’s local chapter. SANYS is a non-profit, grassroots organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities.

Obtaining jobs in the community remains a top priority. Will often travels to state and national conferences, where he meets with employers, policymakers and government officials to discuss employment, equality, inclusion and other key issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Will attends a self-advocacy conference in Albany. Pictured with him are Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director; Clive Anderson, residence counselor, and Carolyn H., Westchester Arc board member.

“Everyone should be able to get jobs—regardless of a disability,” stresses Will. “I like being a part of Westchester Arc because it gives me a chance to say what’s on my mind and make decisions that will be helpful to others.”

Over the last 40 years, Will has also noticed a lot of important changes within Westchester Arc. “The agency has done a lot of different things to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Today, it is more focused on helping us get jobs and be out in the community. And now it’s building a new Gateway to the Community! I think the new building is one of Westchester Arc’s most important projects. I will be very happy to visit once it is done.”