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Westchester Arc
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Westchester Arc and the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS Develop Volunteer Initiative
HAWTHORNE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 30, 2009 - Westchester Arc and the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS, Inc. joined together to sponsor a National Day of Service on January 19th at Westchester Arc’s Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne, NY. The focus of the event was to create a sustainable volunteer presence in the community for individuals with developmental disabilities. The initiative will match volunteer opportunities with the skill set and interests of people with disabilities and provide necessary supports for success.
The event brought together nearly 50 individuals comprised of self-advocates (individuals with developmental disabilities who advocate on their own behalves), state and voluntary providers of services, experts on community inclusion and key community partners, including the local office of the Hudson Valley Developmental Disabilities Services Office and The Volunteer Center of United Way.
“This initiative is a major step towards full community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. These experiences become a very important part of their lives,” said Ric Swierat, executive director, Westchester Arc. Self-advocate Lois Ginese adds, “I love volunteering, it makes me feel like I’m part of the community.”
Self-advocates shared their experiences volunteering in the community and those that desire volunteer experiences expressed the type of volunteer opportunities they would like to pursue. The group focused on what types of supports are needed, assessment tools for skills and interests, and the accessibility of volunteer sites.
Next Steps include creating a taskforce, comprised of professionals in the volunteer industry, community leaders and self-advocates, that will guide and manage this effort. Further discussions will focus on conducting research and strategies for addressing barriers to this Community Volunteer Network including, transportation, lack of one-on-one supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, and financial challenges. The initiative will kick-off in April with plans for a one–year report to the community to be presented in April, 2010 with a volunteer and employer recognition event.
Jill Gentile, director of the Hudson Valley DDSO, ended by speaking about the need for all those around the table to work together during these tough economic times to create sustainable volunteer activities that both address the advocates’ wants and needs while benefiting employers.
Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. The agency has long been committed to social inclusion because of the benefits to the entire community.
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. (SANYS) is a not-for profit, grassroots organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities. The goal is to help create a person-centered and person-directed system of supports. To further this goal, the SANYS executive board supports self-advocates and self-advocacy groups regionally and statewide.
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