Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

For more information about our Early Childhood Services please contact:

Fran Porcaro
Assistant Executive Director
Educational Services,
phone
(914) 327-3227,
ext. 106,
fporcaro@
westchesterarc.org

The Children's School for Early Development
40 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200

Información en EspañolInformación en Español


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Progress and Persisting Stereotypes

A Parent’s Perspective:
Sheryl Frishman, Westchester Arc Board of Directors

I feel very lucky to have a child with a disability in this day and age. When my son was diagnosed at the age of two, I was devastated. However, I was referred to an early intervention program that provided options, different therapies and hope for a good prognosis.


I had a non-verbal son who was completely unrelated. Now, although I have a seven-year-old who is far from “typical”—he will require services for the rest of his life—he is speaking, looks me in the eye and tells me that he loves me. I know that my child has potential and will be happy. He has opportunities for school, employment, recreation and acceptance in the community. This is far different from even 10 years ago. We have come a long way and I am thankful.


Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go before people with developmental disabilities are fully included in society, have a voice and are not discriminated against in education, employment and housing. In my opinion, it should be as common to have a child with a disability in your class as it is to have an ESL (English as a Second Language) student in your class. I hope to see a world where people do not oppose a residence moving next door. In addition, I wish for a society where one is as comfortable working with someone who has a disability as they are with a typical person.


We have a long way to go, but with agencies such as Westchester Arc leading the way, we are all truly lucky indeed.