Jackie Yingling Gives Testimony For Senate Finance Committee Budget Hearing

Good Afternoon,

Thank you, Senator Kruger, and members of the Senate Finance Committee for the opportunity to speak today regarding the Governor’s proposed deficit reduction plan. My name is Jackie Yingling. I live in Rochester, NY. I am the parent of a charming and engaging 25 year-old daughter, Rachel, who happens to have a developmental disability.

I am concerned about the proposed cuts to OMRDD Family Support Services and Local Assistance funding. These cuts would have a tremendous adverse effect on individuals with disabilities and on agencies such as The Advocacy Center in Rochester, NY. The subsequent negative effect on families will be devastating.

For over 5 years, my daughter was able to continue to live in our home only because of the supports provided by OMRDD Family Support Services and The Advocacy Center. If we did not receive those services, she would have had to have been removed from our home and placed in a residential setting. This would have been terribly traumatic for Rachel and our family. This would have also cost the State of New York many tens of thousands of dollars more.

Many families are in the same situation today. These people (voting citizens) are surviving with their family unit intact because of the supports and services they receive. Julie Buick, a fellow parent, asked me to tell you this: New York State cannot afford to cut services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Cutting funding for OMRDD will affect programs such as Family Support, Respite, Family Reimbursement, Individualized Funding, and Home of Your Own, as well as OMRDD financial support to provider and advocacy agencies. Every one of these programs allows individuals with disabilities to live with their families or in their own homes with supports they choose. The current situation is bad enough, with thousands of people on waiting lists for residential services. Cutting these programs will result in significant cost to the state of New York by forcing people with disabilities into institutional and restrictive settings.

Providing individuals with disabilities and their family members with advocacy and OMRDD support services makes good fiscal sense. These efforts promote solid, productive citizens who become contributing members of their communities.
Everyone benefits.

Our lives, and that of our daughter’s, have been significantly improved because of the services we received. Please ensure
that now, and in the future, all New York residents have the
same opportunities.


Jackie Yingling

(Jackie's daughter Rachel signed with Jackie and her picture was on Jackie's written testimony, but I can't transfer it here.... grrr!)

Pat Muir Gives Testimony Before the DDSO

Commissioner Ritter, and members of the forum, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on behalf of my son and other adults with autism about the need to develop a state wide training curriculum in autism, which should be mandated for all direct service providers. My name is Pat Muir, and my son, Nathan, is a twenty six year old young man with autism. This issue is the one that most profoundly impacts Nathan’s ability to live the adult life he wants.

In high school, Nathan was included in regular classes, helped manage the boys basketball team, participated in recreational activities, and had a summer job at a local day camp. He cooked meals for the family and his regular chores included mowing the grass each week. Support from trained educational staff was critical to help him accomplish his goals in preparation for his self determined future.

A reaction to a prescribed medication caused a significant behavioral regression. Over the next several years, Nathan’s world shrunk to the size of a small bedroom in a certified group home. But his dreams remained the same: to take care of his own home, to work and to be part of his community.

In order to regain the skills he had lost, support and accommodations provided by trained staff persons would be critical. We assumed that voluntary and state agencies would provide support staff having a solid basic understanding of autism, how it can impact learning and behavior and best practices for supporting individuals in their communities. After all, OMRDD agencies are in the business of providing supports, accommodations, and training to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. However, we learned that individuals who provide direct care are not required to have education or background in human services or developmental disability. And while OMRDD regulations set general categories for instruction of providers, it is left to each individual agency to decide on the extent of trainings, so there is no established standard.

Today, Nathan lives in his own home with support from residential habilitators. New employees must attend two full weeks of training before they can begin to deliver any direct service. But out of those two weeks, only 30 minutes are spent learning about autism.

When Nathan was first included in a regular classroom, the school psychologist gathered the team and told us that for inclusion to work, we must all agree that Nathan could NOT FAIL. Any failures would be ours, because it was up the team to provide needed supports.

Musical Minds on NOVA Features Partner' Son

Submitted by Kathy Giordano, Class of O4.

June 30 at 8pm on PBS (in Rochester), NOVA will be showing the Oliver Sack's documentary, Musical Minds, that features Matt. (See the brief news article below.)

I hope that this show will bring more awareness to large numbers of people (NOVA is the most watched PBS show.) You may want to encourage people you know (relatives, neighbors, teachers, Dr's, therapists, etc) to watch. It's a fascinating show about how brains work and the impact that music has on people with disabilities.

To find your local schedule click here.

Check out this promo video.

Here is the item that is on The Advocacy Center Website:

Local Percussionist Matt Giordano to appear on NOVA

by Pam Merkle

Musicophilia, a book by Oliver Sacks, is the inspiration for an upcoming episode of the PBS series NOVA. On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8 pm, NOVA will feature "Musical Minds - Oliver Sacks explores how the power of music can make the brain come alive."

In this show, Dr. Sacks explores how the power of music can make the brain come alive, how music affects the brain and how it can impact some neurological disorders.

Rochester area percussionist, Matt Giordano, and his mother, Kathy, appear in the show. Matt, who has Tourette syndrome, talks about the impact of music on his life. Matt, pictured here, recently performed at The Advocacy Center's Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art.

Dr. Sacks is also scheduled to appear on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Monday, June 29, 2009 to discuss his book.

Matt runs a music business and holds drum circles as team-building for businesses and also for people with disabilities. To learn more visit Drum Echoes.

Partners Gathering

Some of the Rochester area Partners Grads who attended the Night of Hot Art and Cool Jazz for The Advocacy Center this June.

Ann Kurz, Class of '05

People from the Partners classes of '06, '07, '08, and the regional splinter class in Long Island in 2008 will recognize Ann as one of the speakers at their Partners sessions. Ann and Kathy McCarthy-Proulx (fellow Partners grad--1994--and full-time advocate from The Advocacy Center, pictured above)have presented on the importance (necessity) of a compelling personal vision in creating quality lives for people with disabilities.

Over the past couple of years Ann has shared in those sessions that life in her condominium in a highrise was quite isolating. She shared her vision of living in a home in a neighborhood with things like greater access to the outdoors, and more contact with neighbors.

You will all be happy to know that Ann closed on her "house in a neighborhood" last fall and after renovating it for accessibility she and her cat, Tia moved in this spring--and the parties have already begun. (The photo is from a dinner she hosted for high school friends recently.)




Ann continues working on the new house, a most impressive--and accessible--ramp to the front porch were added this week.

Everything begins with VISION!

Jennifer Machucki, Buffalo, Class of '03

I learned about the Partners in Policymaking program while I was a social work intern from the University at Buffalo completing my second year internship at the Self Advocacy Association of New York State. In May of 2001, I graduated from UB with my MSW and was hired by the Self Advocacy Association as an AmeriCorps Member. After completed my term of service with AmeriCorps, I applied and was accepted into the 2003 Partners in Policymaking class.

Since graduating from Partners I worked for the WNYDDSO as a social worker from April 2004 to February 2005. Also in 2005,I bought a condominium in Williamsville NY. I used some of skills I learned in Partners to obtain a Community Development Block Grant from HUD which I use to improve the accessibility of my Condominium. The skills I learned in Partners also helped me find a way to have my cat Candy declared an emotional support animal so we could remain together despite the condominium's no pet policy. My experience in Partners gave my the confidence I needed to take the social work licensure exam which I took and passed with flying colors in April of 2005. I finished the test in less time and got a better score than my sister which was a pleasant surprise to both of us.

In June of 2007, I got a job as a Transportation Coordinator at People Incorporated and became an aunt for the first time. My niece \ god daughter Claire loves music, dancing, cats and being spoiled rotten my her aunt "Denny" I am looking forward to becoming an aunt again in August.

I've been a member of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day planning committee since October of 2000. When I first became a member of the committee, I didn't know anyone on the committee nor had I ever been to the conference. For these reasons, I sent my first year on the committee listening to what was said at meetings and doing what I was asked to do. Over the past nine years, I have developed good working relationships with the other members of the committee, I actively participate in meetings, have a clear understanding of my role on the committee and regularly volunteer to participate in television interviews that publicize the conference. Next year I will be the chairperson for the tee-shirt committee.
In April of this year I lost my job at People Incorporated. I am currently job searching and considering my career options. I am thinking about writing a book, becoming a Life Coach or learning to train service dogs.

Picture: Jennifer Machucki '03 (bottom L), Terri Abrams '02 with Speaker, Kathie Snow (bottom R) at Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Buffalo 5/09.

Tina Gabel, Class of '03

Tina Gabel, an experienced project manager, works closely with families to develop innovative transition plans for youth with disabilities. In her transtion practice, Tina helps families navigate the complex NYS disability and benefits systems in order to create meaningful life plans. Tina provides assistance with strategic planning, project management and service coordination of comprehensive family directed plans.

As a highly competent and caring professional, Tina uses a person centered approach to empower individuals to reach their potential. Tina works in close collaboration with agencies, state departments and local community resources to identify and obtain personalized supports and services for individuals and their families.


Tina is a married, mother of two children with a strong background in disability advocacy, self determination, person centered planning, self employment for persons with disabilities, transition services and personalized service development and planning. Tina is also experienced in corporate project management and innovative assistive technology.

Tina has trained with Dr. Beth Mount in person centered planning techniques and is trained in Medicaid Service Coordination and individualized budget startup/support brokerage in NYS. Tina has attended NY Medical College for a graduate program in Developmental Disabilities and also received training in IRS Pass Plan development. Tina is also trained in conducting assistive technology evaluations for students with disabilities.

In her free time, Tina enjoys beading, knitting and yoga. You may have seen her at Bead & Purl in Rhinebeck, NY a retail store she owned and operated in 2006-2007. Bead & Purl was a small business designed to “host” the embroidery business run by her daughter who has a disability.

Tina says,"My husband and I spent last year developing a not for profit Medicaid Service Provider agency to work with the niche population of youth in transition. We wanted to specialize in helping youth who "fall through the cracks" in the systems. Unfortunately, last fall, Medicaid funding was frozen for new OMRDD related projects and we put the provider agency on hold.

So, I began to work with families to assist them with the complicated and frustrating process of moving from the school system which is entitlement based; to the adult systems which are eligibility based with long wait20lists. We are now considering "evolving" the not for profit concept into something more directed at comprehensive person centered planning along with information/referrals and service brokerage rather than providing actual Medicaid services and supports."

Check out Tina's new blog here.

Joe Gerardi, Class of '93: Self Determination

This video is all about Joe's son Joey and Self-Determination. His son is living a life anyone would want!!!

Jason Belicove, Class of '02

Jason lives in the Fingerlakes Region of NYS and agreed to interview with me yesterday.

Partners in Policymaking was valuable for me because I learned a lot of interesting stuff. I learned about public speaking--that the 'microphone is my friend!' I learned about it and I got to practice it. A lot!

I met new people that I didn't know from around the state and I keep in touch with local people and people from Buffalo. Sometimes I get to see people from other areas at conferences or meetings.

I recommend Partners because it teaches you a lot and makes you grow. It made me grow.

After Partners I became a member of Self Advocacy Americorps and then was hired by them Then I worked as part of the Speakers Bureau and went places to teach people about disability awareness. I did it as a job for my term, and now as a volunteer.

I also volunteer at the Jewish Home. I had a contact there because my mother works there and I am a transporter for dental services.

I am active in the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS and I have advocated in many ways: with our regional transit authority about transportation, about Tropic Thunder, and more.

I am active in SOAR--the self-advocacy association through the Arc and I helped another agency set up their SA group as well. I have attended conferences in Batavia and Albany and SALT (Self-Advocacy Leadership Training) as well.

I am very interested in photography, I have recently joined a photography club and I want to take some courses and find a job using photography in the future.

(You will see many of his pictures on this blog!)

Colleen Brown, Class of '02

Before being a partners graduate, I thought I was pretty good at facilitating and leading support groups. I thought I could pretty much start anything that was a passion and follow through on it. Now as time has passed and maturity has begun to set in, I realize how much Partners helped me become the person I am today. The broad span of knowledge and speakers we experienced has never been met again by any conference or workshop I have attended. The ability to practice our public speaking skills on topics we felt compassionate about in a supportive atmosphere was something each partner needed.

I was not employed when I graduated from Partners. For the last 5 years I have been employed by The Advocacy Center as the Public Education Coordinator, providing presentations to the community on disability awareness along with the speakers bureau I coordinate. I would not have had the skill base needed for this job if not for the Partners program. Through my current position with the support of the speakers bureau, we are able to reach approximately 3,000 people a year in our community, hopefully promoting change in attitudes toward people with disabilities.

I thank the DDPC for having such a wonderful program that reaches far and wide in many ways I am sure they are not aware of.



Colleen Brown,

Parent of a child with a disability

About Partners in Policymaking

Partners in Policymaking, an advocacy training program for adults with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities was started in 1987 by Colleen Wieck and the folks she worked with in Minnesota. This extraordinary group of people felt that if parents and self advocates had the appropriate skills and information, they could improve the lives of people with disabilities in their communities, in their states and the nation.

In the US Partners in Policymaking is federally funded through the Developmental Disability Act and administered through each states DD Council. In NY it is funded byt the Developmental Disability Planning Council and directed by Joyce Steel of The Advocacy Center.

I applied to be in Partners in 2002 and was accepted so one weekend a month for 8 months I made the 4 hour trek to the state capitol (Albany) to take my course. There were lessons on public speaking (“the microphone is your friend!”), person-first language, building life-visions, inclusive education, housing, community-building, the legislative process, rights, advocacy skills and more. We learned to speak publicly, to present testimony and to be attentive to each others strengths as well as accommodate each others' needs.

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership program and the presenters on each topic are top-of-the-line. My class heard Deborah Whitfield on person-first language and disability history, Al Condeluci on community inclusion, Lou Brown on transition and employment, Tom Harmon from the NYS Commission on Quality Care spoke about Willowbrook and taught us how to give public testimony, Pat Johnson from NYS CQC as well spoke about New York’s legislature, Jean Tellier spoke about housing issues, Curt Decker from NDRN taught us how a bill becomes a law and about working with legislators. And the list goes on: Rob Davies then at OMRDD spoke about housing issues and rights, Carol Blessing spoke about transitioning to adulthood and Sue Cullen presented on self-determination.

Cutting-edge ideas and principles are taught every year. Some classes have the opportunity to hear different speakers.

Being away once a month wasn't terrible either! It was always hard to disengage from my home life, but they were fine and so was I!

And as good as the presentations were, the relationship that was built between my classmates was by far the best part! I shared my Partners class with and extraordinary group of people. We were a diverse group—many races and religions were represented, there were people who came from the largest city in the country and from towns so small you can’t mapquest them, and we had a vast variety of ability levels.

At the first session, like most people, we circulated the room looking for people just like us to hang with, but as the sessions went on common ground was built and all of us expanded our definition of “just like us” to include everyone else. That diverse group of folks became a support system—-I can’t tell you how many times an issue would come up at home that I would tag to discuss when I got to Albany (and I can’t tell you how much I missed that when it was over!)

We learned to talk so that all of us could understand and we supported each other so we all shone—I helped one of my Partners remember to take his meds and he kept me on time schedules (He still does today. Thank you Jason!)

And those relationships continue today—with our own class and with the other graduates from across the state. In NY we have a graduate website and list-serv and when I am taking up a new project the phone line from here practically burns up with calls to the Partners I know who have experience with my situation in their town. We frequently unite on common issues as well. Among other things we have rallied for IDEA, in support of a family who lost their son who had autism to abuse, and we took part in a phone/fax campaign on burden of proof last year.

Let’s see, have I said it all? Great speakers, awesome content, leadership skill practice, full-immersion diversity training, ongoing friendships and a dynamic statewide network…

And do I have to say that all of this experience is an asset in your whole life?

The only thing left to say is: Find the program in your state, apply, attend, and learn to conquer the world!

I invite other Partners grads to share additional information and thoughts--just click on the comments button below!

Julie Buick: Last Year--Autism Awareness Month

During Autism Awareness Month I have invited some of my friends who know autism far better than I do to post on my blog. The following is an interview with my friend and fellow Partners in Policymaking graduate, Julie Buick. Julie graciously spent a couple of hours this week regaling me with stories about herself, her family, her thoughts on Autism and the importance of community.

Tell us about yourself and your family:

I'm a mom. A wife, a mom and an advocate. I have 3 children: a 13 year old daughter, and 2 sons who are 9 and nearly 6 years old.

And we can't forget my husband, Bill. He's my rock! We have been together for 19 years!

My 2 boys both have Fragile X and Autism. Though they have the same diagnosis, they are completely different. One of them has issues with OCD, stimming, sensory processing disorder and lots of allergies--the other has different symptoms and needs.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability with--as yet--no known cause or cure. It affects 1 in 150 children. A new case is diagnosed every 20 minutes. This year there will be more children diagnosed with autism than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

What do you want folks to know about?

I think the most important thing is the community and belonging. We want a community that will accept and welcome our boys and treat them like we do. We aren't going to be around forever--the community needs to be ready.

We work toward inclusion for both of our boys. They go to different schools and they are progressing toward inclusion. Last year my older son was in a situation where his classroom was "in" a school, but not part of it at all. This year is different. This year his classroom "belongs" to the school--kids say "hi" and spend time with him. He is so much more excited to be there--he walks taller. His team and their faith in him make all the difference.

I do a lot to help get the community ready--for my kids, and for all kids with all disabilities. I give talks to teachers and schools and at local colleges about disability awareness and autism. I talk about individualizing, having a can-do attitude. If I can just educate people I can take the fear out of the unknown.

I tell them that for us autism is just a label for services. We don't deal with autism at home. We just accept our kids for who they are.

I think accepting them is key. People always ask me how I cope and I tell them I don't. It's not "coping" if you accept your children. We definitely do different things for our kids than we would if they didn't have autism but it's because 'Bobby needs this' or 'Billy likes that,' or ' Katherine wants something else.' Every parent and every child wants or needs different things in any family. That isn't "coping," it's parenting!

I don't have trouble with "coping." I do have trouble finding enough time to do all the things I want to, but everyone says that!

What is the role of advocacy?

Advocacy is crucial--and it isn't a coping skill either! Advocacy is not a choice--it is the way you get everything, change everything, and make things work.

All parents advocate for their kids at some point. It's just what you do,

I know you always have lots going on--what are you working on lately?

You have to understand that I do take on a lot because I CAN. Not everyone can or wants to do all this depending on their life and their child, what's going on at home, etc.

I have great support at home--my husband enjoys being at home with the kids and supports my efforts.

I worked overnights for years so I would be home during the days for meetings and such. I still work for the same agency, but now I work at the Pieters Family Life Center which is a community center (totally inclusive!) In my job I get to run SibShops, a Spectrum Family Support Group and more.

Outside of work, I am:
• a presenter with The Advocacy Center providing disAbility awareness presentations in our community through the speakers bureau,
• Vice President of Operations for UNYFEAT (Upstate New York for Effective Autism Treatment which is the largest not-for-profit-501(c)3 in the Rochester area) Right now we are working to bring the nationally known organization Lose the Training Wheels to Rochester for a clinic this summer.
• Autism Speaks Chapter Advocacy Chair for Upstate NY region is yet another hat that I wear and a very important one. My Autism Speaks hat is the one which helps get much needed money for research.
• Training for a 10k run!

Autism costs our nation 90 billion a year and that is expected to double within the next decade. Our communities and our nation cannot afford NOT to know about Autism.

We need to raise awareness, find answers through research and provide appropriate educational services to teach life skills so that our kids become productive, healthy, happy adults, working, playing and living in our communities.

Now is the time to make a difference!

Any closing words?

I love this quote:

Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Surfers Healing Montauk: A Chat with Helene Fallon

Helene graduated from NY Partners in Policymaking in 2006. She is a parent of children with disabilities. Helene has a background in social work and became interested in educational programs as she pursued the programs her children needed. She now works under two grants funded by the State Education Department as a trainer providing technical assistance to families and school districts about special education and transition.

This September Helene and a team of organizations such as East End Disabilities and others hosted a Surfers Healing surf event for kids with disabilities and a very successful fundraiser.

I was in the area that weekend and I got to attend the events. I was amazed! First of all, this was my first time on Long Island. I had no idea that there was a place to surf in New York State! Secondly, this was a BIG event from beginning to end, so I talked with Helene to ask how they did it.

So Helene, how did you even get started?

Well, a couple years ago we heard about Surfers Healing and it seemed like a perfect idea for our area. We contacted the Paskowitz family who run Surfers Healing in California to see if they would consider coming here. When we found out they would, we put together a committee and got started. Long Island really needs recreational opportunities for kids with disabilities and Surfers Healing seemed like a great place to start.

We started small 2 years ago with a few surfers and our fundraiser that year and last year raised about $1000. Our committee was from all over the island and we were united by the over-arching goal of eventual sustainable recreation for kids with disabilities ‘on the island.’

This year they kicked it into full gear:

They had more than 100 volunteers (organizers, lifeguards, surfers and more.) And their fundraiser featured Jimmy Buffett—he has a house on Long Island and he and his staff are very dedicated supporters of kids with disabilities.

Despite questionable weather—overcast through the surfing, POURING through the (outdoor) fundraiser—they had 120 surfers this year and the Jimmy Buffett concert and silent auction raised more than $100,000. (I nearly drowned, but couldn’t have had a better time!)

AND!!! The first meeting to plan an ongoing swimming-sailing-kayaking program including kids with disabilities on Long Island was held in October!

Helene’s advice:

Rely on partnerships, connections, networking and teamwork. Keep relationships going by staying focused on the team’s goal.

-Don’t accept barriers. Find partners that share your vision and keep going!

-Focus on staying organized.

-Keep at it—amazing things can happen.

Cross posted from here.

Graduation Class of 2008: Colleen Charsky

First I would like to thank my fellow Partners for allowing me the honor of representing them today. As usual we have so much to say with so little time.

We would like to thank the DDPC for funding such an incredible program. The quality of presenters cannot be matched. Additionally the sense of confidence and empowerment that this program gave to us is priceless. It is equally vital to mention the importance and gratitude for allowing us to travel and physically meet with one another at least once a month. It is this face-to-face interaction that has allowed us to forge the bonds and shape us as individuals that will impact the disability community, and us, for years to come.

One person described how Partners impacted her this way: ”It has provided me with the tools to take my journey to the next level. Partners has taught me that no matter what I thought I knew, I was lacking in one very important area--the human experience. Through this very valuable program I have come to know and love my Partners, individuals from all different regions with a variety of experiences. I have learned that as humans we all have preconceived notions or biases. With the Partners program you are forced to leave all that at the door, and engage in each activity, lesson and experience equally as colleagues. What I most learned from the program is friendship comes in many shapes and sizes. Our common thread is our humanity.”

We would like to believe that as a result of the tireless efforts of Partner’s graduates and other advocates, there would no longer be a need for disability awareness and advocacy. But until that time Partners in Policymaking always should be continued.

To the speakers- we appreciate your willingness to take precious time away from your families to come and share with us. The information you imparted to us is priceless. Additionally, your genuine concern for our growth and to listen to our individual stories has not gone unnoticed.

Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude to Joyce Steele for the countless hours she has invested in us. She has done an incredible job in continuing to put together a first-class program each month. Joyce was always available and embodied a warm, caring, welcoming atmosphere. She touched our hearts and nurtured our dreams.
Thank you Joyce.

As for our families we’d like to thank you for stepping up and carrying an extra burden while we were away doing our important business. Your sacrifices have been one of the key factors for us graduating today. We’ve had to micro manage and coordinate our schedules, miss important events, and handle crises over the phone. But through it all, you were there to support and encourage us.

I felt in order to represent the class as a whole I would read some of their comments as to how Partners impacted them:

• I found out that I could be away from my family and they can do just fine without me.
• I made new friends at a time in my life when new friends are hard to come by.
• I now appreciate my own perspective and to know that sometimes we have more questions than answers and this is o.k.
• I have grown to become part of a community that advocates inclusion in all areas.
• I know that I am not alone in a world that can be isolating.
• I have grown to appreciate all the diversity in humanity that God has created and that each person is a miracle and a gift.
• I feel that I am a much better person because of this course. It has opened not only my mind but my heart as well.
• I learned we are all human and made mistakes along the way… and continue to make mistakes, but we are here to support each other.
• You can do more than you think you can. Challenge yourself! When you do, you accomplish much and you feel wonderful.
• Partners affected me as a person by increasing my comfort and confidence level in speaking to and understanding people with disabilities.
• I realized that sometimes we are our own worse enemy. Sometimes we are afraid to dream too big for fear of being let down. Sometimes we don’t want to take that big step of letting go, for fear of us, or even worse, our loved one being hurt or disappointed. Now I dream big and expect results.
• Partners helped me make new friends with people from all backgrounds, with different pasts and different challenges. I am so much more comfortable with new people as a result of the friends I've made here. I'm much more likely to help strangers now, too.
• It is my hope and desire to take the tools and the knowledge I have obtained in this Partners program, along with my drive, to make an impact not only with my son, but with other families of children who may need additional support.

and finally….

• Never underestimate the power of cookies!!


Therefore, as we prepare to end our training, let us pause for a moment and remember that when we first arrived, we were individuals with stories, now we are a team with a purpose and a vision for the future.

We arrived less prepared to overcome the obstacles as individuals, but now, we are equipped and energized to face these obstacles together. As a team, we now have strength, encouragement, hope, and determination upon which to draw. We have grown through this experience and are compelled to go forth with competence and confidence. We no longer stand alone, but unified as a team to improve our community, in disability equality, accessibility, and acceptance.

Thank you for the privilege of being your partner.

NYS Partners In Policymaking Class of 2008!!!!!!!!!



Updated to add pictures. Note State Senator Breslin in the top left corner!

Photo by JB, PIP Class of 02.