Cuomo Vetoes Reprieve for Center

Interesting developments and understand that some individuals and families are familiar only with developmental centers, it's the only environment they know. Proud that we are partnering with NYS and providing a home (very soon) for individuals from the Brooklyn Developmental Center. Check out the bill itself, interesting read.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed bipartisan legislation this past weekend that would have given a reprieve to the embattled Broome Developmental Center.

The bill would have required the state to keep its residences for people with severe developmental disabilities open if group homes and other facilities can’t provide the services requested by 

NYS Families Seek More Residences

Change is indeed difficult and the uncertainty of what to expect in our field is making it more difficult for organizations, individuals and families alike. We know that change is not optional. 

Ilion resident Kyle Gay, 25, is ready to spread his wings and leave home.

His mother, Robin, wants him to live his dreams.

“I am capable to live on my own and do own my own stuff, like I could go grocery shopping,” said Kyle, who has Down syndrome.

But state policy is getting in their way. Kyle wants to move into a house with people with developmental disabilities. He wants to learn to be more independent. But local advocates say that right now, group homes are so full that only people in emergency situations get in.

25 Years Later, Some See Real Progress

Read on. This is not just about physical limitations - but all individuals.

NEW YORK — When New York City announced 30 years ago that it was spending more than $50 million for buses with wheelchair lifts, Ronnie Raymond rolled her eyes. The founder of a reinsurance brokerage firm, she commuted by bus “and I never saw anyone in a wheelchair, anywhere,” she says. “So why spend all that money?” 

The city had already invested in 1,362 accessible buses, and only 10 to 20 people citywide a day boarded in a wheelchair. 

“The reason I didn’t see anyone in wheelchairs,” Ms. Raymond later realized when she herself developed multiple sclerosis and had to use a wheelchair, “was because they couldn’t get anywhere.” Most could not even get to the bus stop. 

Best States for Disability Services Ranked

An annual ranking of states offering the best services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reveals a familiar but evolving landscape.The analysis of disability services in all 50 states and the District of Columbia being released Thursday by United Cerebral Palsy finds top performers spanning the map. In previous years, the best services were largely clustered in the Northeast and West.Arizona claimed the number one slot in the ranking for the third year in a row. Also rounding out the 10 best on this year’s list are Michigan, Hawaii, Georgia, New York, South Carolina, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Missouri.

Teen Couple Humiliated at Movie Theater Plan New Date Courtesy of Phillies

OK, even as a Mets fan, I have to post this and tip my cap to Philadelphia Phillies and their fans.

What first seemed like a humiliating date night for a teenage couple has set off a flood of support larger than even FOX 29 expected.

On Wednesday night, we introduced you to 17-year-old Annarose and 18-year-old Stephan. Both live with Down Syndrome and both are inseparable.

This past weekend, Stephan planned to take Annarose to an AMC movie theater in Marlton, New Jersey. The theater had assigned seating and the couple accidentally sat in the wrong row.

A movie theater worker told them to move to different seats that were separate from each other.

With Support System and Determination, Autistic Man Leads Full Life

Seventy million people - 1 percent of the world’s population - have some form of autism, a neurologic disorder that affects their ability to interact with other people and to care for themselves. Although treatment is available in developed nations, advocates say the outlook for those with severe autism is poor, and many spend their lives in sheltered environments. Those with milder forms of the disorder, however, can have more success integrating into society.
26-year-old Kevin Gibson is one of those success stories. He loves living in his own apartment. “It’s a great feeling, to like, be able to live on your own,” he said.

Administration on Community Living Formed to Support Seniors with Disabilities

A doctor makes a house call.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced Monday that it has established a new Administration on Community Living under HHS, which will be dedicated to “enhancing and improving the broad range of supports that individuals with disabilities and seniors may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities” — rather than in nursing homes or other institutions.

Group Home Raises Concerns

This home on Salisbury Street
will be razed.

This story is just a sad reflection that the public's view of individuals with disabilities really hasn't changed at all. Read the comments when you link to the story. It's time people start seeing beyond disability and embrace diversity.

WORCESTER, Mass. --  A Brockton-based human services agency intends to operate a residential program for people with developmental disabilities at a Salisbury Street property where the existing home will be razed and replaced with a new building.

Autism, Parents and Teachers: Bridging the Communication Gap

SFGate.com autism advocate blogger Laura Shumaker touches another critical issue.

I was talking to a group of teachers last week, something I do frequently, about my experience raising a child with autism. My favorite part of these talks is the Q and A. “You can ask me anything,” I say, “and I will answer to the best of my ability.”
I get a lot of juicy questions, but there is one that I am asked most frequently:

I could do a better job if I could communicate more with parents. How can I get them to talk to me?

I flash back to the year that I was that parent, and how his teacher bridged the communication gap.

Studies Show Community Care Is Viable

Case studies across the country have shown that residents of institutions can be successfully moved into smaller settings in the community in most states, according to a court brief filed last week on behalf of national and international academic and advocacy organizations. They include American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Romance and Disabilities

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, which is hard to miss this time of year, thought this would be appropriate. Regardless of your religion or where you reside, hope you'll consider signing this inclusion pledge from the story, as it will send an important message of support and inclusion to all individuals with disabilities, their families and the Direct Service Professionals who support them.

With chocolate hearts and annoying radio ads for pajama-grams (can’t think of a worse present) vying for our attention this week, it’s easy to forget about what love is really all about, and that all of us humans have a strong drive to find love, even when we might least expect it.

Children with Down Syndrome Find Balance at Camp

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Worthington Kilbourne High School students attended school an extra week to run alongside bicycles and lend a steady hand to help disabled students "lose the training wheels."

"It was incredible to witness the immense patience, understanding and love between the campers and volunteers," said Assistant Principal Kevin Johnson. "It was a tremendous example of our extended community coming together to help each other."

Ruling Expected on Illinois Settlement

CHICAGO -- A federal judge is expected to rule on a settlement in a civil rights lawsuit that could give thousands of Illinois adults with developmental disabilities more housing choices.
U.S. District Judge James Holderman will hold a hearing Wednesday.

Teen with Down syndrome earns Eagle Scout rank

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- More than 70 people gathered last week at Dixon Elementary School to celebrate the promotion of Brookfield teenager Jonathan Schmit, who has Down syndrome, to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jonathan, 16, began scouting with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout when he was 8. The troop was led by Jonathan's father, Brian Schmit, in the family's house.

"Lesson One was don't jump on the couch," Jonathan's mother, Michelle Schmit, said in a phone interview before the ceremony.

Community-Bound and Breaking Isolation

WOODSTOCK, Ore. -- A year ago Kerry Pinney, a Woodstock resident and Development Coordinator for UCP, was meeting with colleagues at the UCP office near the airport. They began to discuss ways that UCP participants could reduce their isolation, and get out into the community.
How could people with developmental disabilities explore different neighborhoods, and connect with businesses? Slowly the idea for a program evolved. The program would be called "Neighborhood Waves" — the name implying friendliness between businesses and people with disabilities.

Vermont Ranks No. 1 in Medicaid Services

Vermont offers the best Medicaid services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while Mississippi provides the worst, according to an annual ranking released Thursday.
The 50-state analysis from United Cerebral Palsy compares services offered across the country, giving preference to states where more individuals are served in the community as opposed to institutions.