2022 AHRC COMPASS Semi-Annual Report

AHRC Nassau COMPASS

2022 Semi-Annual

Recognized by CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership with Person Centered Excellence Accreditation | With Distinction Working toward a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people

CQL Accreditation!

AHRC Nassau Receives Highest Distinction from CQL

Dear Families, Friends and Staff,

As always, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. So much of our success and strength as a community comes from our shared mission. I’m so pleased to share with you that AHRC Nassau and affiliate agency, Citizens Options Unlimited, were re accredited and again hold the Person Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. Such accreditation reflects our high standards of operation, but also our commitment to evolving toward the most inclusive, person centered practices possible. Of the 11 agencies that hold this international accreditation, two are from our family of organizations.

Such distinctions are possible because of your continued partnership in advancing inclusion and person centered outcomes. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are valued and fulfilling the promise of our founding families, seventy three years ago. As you read our summer newsletter, I hope you will share our pride in the development of our fully inclusive community center Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, community news, and thought leadership.

We are realizing our agency’s vision and more importantly doing so as a community.

Best Regards, Stanfort J. Perry

We are proud to have received the Person Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. This four year accreditation recognizes that the organization embraces person centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

When AHRC Nassau first partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, eight years ago, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve supports and services. The efforts of AHRC Nassau were focused on empowering the people who receive supports to pursue what really matters in their lives, and achieve personally defined outcomes.

This accreditation is a testament to our exceptional staff and culture of empowering people with developmental disabilities t active stakeholders in every aspect of this organization.

Mission Statement and Management Plan

Each year, AHRC Nassau reviews the agency’s Mission Statement and Management Plan. It begins with the council and Compass committee reviews in the fall. Recommendations are forwarded to the agency Board of Directors for the January review.

Current Mission Statement:

AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives

Together with….

Family - Friends - Community

Guiding Principles

Work together to achieve excellence by promoting opportunities and supporting dreams.

\ Demonstrate courtesy, respect and compassion in every interaction.

Foster a unified culture that celebrates diverse talents, ideas and potential.

40th Birthday party

Over the summer during a session of Camp Connections we were making invitations with Paloma Contreras, and I knew I was turning 40 years old in April of 2022, and I wanted to have a nice party in the Brookville Mansion since I couldn’t celebrate my birthday in 2020 and 2021. So, I emailed Stanfort to ask how long in advance do I need to book the mansion. So, after he forwarded the email to Linda Rosen, and I set up the date and time I started saving up the money for the party. I worked week after week month after month planning the menu with Todd Borom with emails back and forth working in a budget.

I arranged with Todd to have a Zoom link set up so that all my international brothers and sisters (Camp Counselors) and my relatives from out of state and others that can’t make it or I couldn’t invite in person can still celebrate my birthday with me.

I was so excited that my cousin Robin who I have not seen since I was a kid logged on and I also got to see her daughter my second cousin Hope for the first time and have a little dance with her.

I also went out with Jerri Walker who helped me shop for party decorations for the party and making little bags of pop corn with tags that said thanks for popping into Michelle’s 40th birthday. Since my staff was unavailable, I arranged for Samantha Rodonis to transport my brother and I to my birthday along with her daughter Emma.

Everything was so beautiful, and I enjoyed spending time with my coworkers Coleen, Matt, Kate, and Sam, Sam’s daughter Emma and one of my bosses Karen, Virtual connection family Kelly, Jeri Lynn, and Noah along with Katie, Michelle B, Anthony and Zach on Zoom, my boyfriend Steven, along with a former coach of ours Bill and my adopted little sister Allison, Michael and Melanie 2 others from my hub site and their group home staff. My music teacher from Elementary school Dr. Elise Sobol and a former Volunteer John Naclerio. I also got to video chat with my favorite musical director Nyle Mohan on Noah and Jeri Walker’s phone.

It was so great to finally after 2 years to be able to celebrate my birthday with all my friends and family. I am also so proud of myself for saving up a lot of money and making the arrangements for my party on my own.

IN

Take One! We’re Still Standing

By Susan Gill Orange

Lights! Action! Camera! Such was the atmosphere at Plainview for both Meredith Shear and Chris Ledour as they made their acting debut to the short film, “We’re Still Standing”. The video, directed and filmed by veteran movie maker, Assistant Director of Day Hab, Patrick Sherrard, recounts the success of AHRC during the last 4 years in providing the support and enthusiasm to meet the hopes and dreams of people who receive services through the agency.

Meredith and Chris played news anchor persons who introduce a series of interviews conducted by self advocates at different locations. The idea was to have people reveal how they were able to continue their pursuits with minimum disruption and maximum creativity during the past several years. Much of the conversation included what was done to provide a sense of productivity and continuity during the years of the pandemic The news anchors heard stories of how technology increased their ability to connect and maintain the social capital they had established prior to the lock downs. Zoom meetings for business and for socialization were a predominant topic and the field reporters were told how well they continued to be supported through virtual programming and the creative use of staff support.

The filming was a total success and both Chris and Meredith were wildly enthusiastic about their roles in it. Chris expressed his feelings by saying” I am so happy you reached out to me, this was a blast” and Meredith was proud of her performance and hoped she “made a difference.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Eye Opening! By Sue Limiti

In support of March being Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, three of the people supported by the day hab program went to Adelphi University to talk with a group of education students about their life experiences. They shared their experiences in school and the struggles they encountered. They also spoke of their successes and how they got to where they are today. Many of their stories were heart felt and the students were very impressed by their honesty and willingness to discuss their personal experiences.

A question and answer period followed, and the students were left with a better understanding of the obstacles they had faced in their life. The students also became aware that people with a developmental disability have all the same needs as they do and aspire for similar things in life.

Helping Local Elementary Schools

The men and women from the Freeport Pre Vocational Services put together supply boxes to help local schools get a head start on the “Back to School” rush, as part of a project with Colony Cards and Gifts in Merrick and had a great time doing it!

Summer reading can be a fun way to spend time outside and for some Nassau County neighbors their books may have come by way of AHRC Nassau! This #throwbackthursday is dedicated to the men and women of AHRC’s Pre Voc Program who made sure 11 cartons of donated books from East Lake Elementary School in Massapequa Park were delivered to the Book Fairies sorted and categorized

This spring, men and women from AHRC delivered 350 bags of crayons (24 in a bag), a total of 8,400 crayons, to Washington Rose School located in Roosevelt NY. It was a great project that required months of col-

VALIDATION VISIT

Compass Validation Visit 2022

The annual OPWDD COMPASS recertification validation visit was held the week of May 9, 2022. COMPASS related activities were completed throughout the week. This included interviews with staff, advocates, families and Board members, in addition to standard COMPASS related activities, (house and family meetings, Council meetings, empowerment training etc.).

The validation visit was completed remotely and documentation (COMPASS minutes, Board minutes, Councils minutes, IRC/HRC minutes, survey results etc.) was provided and reviewed by DQI in advance.

The validation visit was a great success with much, much praise offered and no formal citations given. These results are a testament to the daily dedication, hard work and efforts of all. Congratulations everyone!

Executive Council Welcomed OPWDD to their Council Meeting

The Executive Council was thrilled to welcome Erynne from OPWDD to their Council Meeting. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share the Council’s efforts over the past year and focus for the future. Jim Stock, Assistant Director of Human Resources, shared staff recruitment efforts and retention with Council members. Staff recruitment and retention remains a focus and hig

2022! It’s All About You! POM Rally 2022 By Susan Gill Orange

The official motto for this year has been 2022! It’s All About You!! This was our anthem as we held our Second Annual POM Rally Day on May 11, 2022. This virtual event was just what was needed to get everyone in gear for a year full of creative fun and new directions.

The rally began with our keynote speaker, Executive Director Stanfort Perry, introducing the mission and the importance of the Personal Outcome Measures process as it relates to our dedication to person centered planning. He emphasized that with the focus on meeting the outcomes on some very specific indicator areas, we, as an organization, are in a position to provide the most effective supports possible. The rally then featured four people, Eric Ross, Donna Nowakoski, Andrew Deely and Cheryl Cohen, who personally shared their stories ,through video discussion and photographs, of how their personal goals were met beginning with the personal outcome measures process. We called this segment “Show Us Your POMS” and it was so popular that it has become a regular department feature. What was so impressive about it was the way it showed how powerful the personal outcome interview process can be. Because of the methodology behind what matters most to people receiving services, a plan of action can be developed dedicated to achieving desired outcomes.

Our rally was fortunate to include our friends, Elizabeth Sites and Lucy Klym from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) who provided an opportunity for viewers to share how they fill valued social roles in life. To highlight this presentation, people had sent posters and photographs supporting the dreams they each have. We also were happy to have the participation of Marisol Getchius and Michelle Flood of SANYS (Self Advocacy New York State) who talked about the importance of advocacy in the private and political sphere.

The POM Rally contained some of the most important pathways we at AHRC are forging to support people on their journey to realize dreams but it also had quite an infusion of entertainment. Chester Finn, NYS Disability Rights advocate and Special Assistant to OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) showed his musical talents by performing for us on the keyboard. And of course a rally is always more exciting with a “dance out” as viewers enjoyed music by DJ Justin who gave us a dynamic interlude.

The POM Rally of 2022 was a successful, fun and informative presentation of what the personal outcome interview can achieve for people we support. It was a terrific way our organization was able to declare that we had emerged from two years of pandemic urgencies into a new journey filled with hope, light and limi

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meetings were held monthly, except

December and a summer break, consistent with the Management Plan.

OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld

AHRC Nassau was pleased to host New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld for a visit and town hall style discussion with self advocates, parents, and staff.

On May 17, 2022 Commissioner Neifeld first toured the Brookville campus, Wheatley Farms & Arts Center (in development), as well as the AHRC Greenhouse. Commissioner Neifeld then connected with the AHRC Nassau community on a number of topics from how OPWDD is working toward increased economic justice for DSPs to how her previous work as a social worker informs her current role. Following the discussion, Commissioner Neifeld was presented with a portrait painted by resident artist and self advocate, Richard Infante.

Board COMPASS Annual Council Presentation

On May 16, 2022 Michael Costa, a member of the Day Council and a member of the Executive Council, joined the Board of Directors meeting virtually to share the Councils’ accomplishments with AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors. The accomplishments were highlighted in a video.

The annual presentation continues to provide a vital link between the Board of Directors and the Councils, Board of Directors to learn of the Councils’ endeavors and share in their goals

COMPASS PROVIDERS MEETING—MEET THE COMMISSIONER

At the State compass providers meeting on March 8, 2022 Executive Director, Stanfort Perry provided Commissioner Neifeld with an introduction to AHRC Nassau through a PowerPoint presentation.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the Commissioner and also for the Compass Agencies to share how the state Compass program has benefited people and our organizations.

We look forward to seeing the Commissioner at future Compass provider meetings.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SIBLING GROUP

The annual Sibling BBQ was held on September 7, 2022. It was wonderful to be together again in person for the first time since 2019!

In 2022, the Sibling Group met quarterly and more frequently as needed. Sandy Gumerove, President of the AHRC Nassau Board of Directors, joined to discuss current agency endeavors and hear from the siblings.

2022 SIBLING GROUP

Please join us!

Next meeting date TBD

Sibling Group Virtual Meetings at 5:00pm. Contact Colleen Tapia at ctapia@ahrc.org for details on how to connect.

Crain’s New York Names

AHRC Nassau

“Diversity Champion” Finalist

AHRC Nassau was recognized as a “Diversity Champion” finalist at the Crain’s New York Business 2022 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards. The agency was recognized alongside exceptional “large” organizations with more than 250 employees, including Horizon Media, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, and Hackensack Meridian Health.

Board of Directors Physical Plant Inspections

The annual Physical Plant Inspection meeting was held virtually in March of 2022.

It was agreed that the Board Inspectors could assume in person inspection if desired if the site was Covid free. Some Board inspectors have continued with virtual inspections. Whether in person or virtual, the Compass criterion remains an invaluable tool.

Sue Dowling has coordinated this initiative since it started. Her oversight and management has been nothing short of outstanding. Sue will retire this fall and be sorely missed by this committee. Thank you Sue for all your professionalism, talent and expertise.

AHRC Nassau - Councils

Executive Council Met Monthly (Except Summer Break and November)

A weekly Executive Council zoom meeting continues to be held every Wednesday at 10:00a.m. Farrah Paillant Richardson attended the Council meeting in July to discuss a possible BBQ event for people that would have gone to Camp for Session 2.

SANYS OPWDD Feedback session Coleen gave an update at the SANYS/OPWDD session held in July with the Commissioner of OPWDD.

The Long Island Regional conference was held July 21st and was virtual. Many advocates from AHRC Nassau were in attendance.

Monthly Rights training was completed and included, Dignity of Risk, Complaints and Grievances, Money, Sexuality, Advocacy.

A list of Pride activities was developed for the month of June so people could celebrate and support each other.

The Council reviewed the Governor’s plain language budget and discuss advocacy opportunities. Goals for 2022 were established and are as follows: DEI and Self Advocacy

Advocate for solutions to DSP crisis (Rise Up campaign)

Supported Decision Making as a legal option for people with I/DD

Transportation (Right2Ride) and housing options for people with I/DD

Self-advocates ending police violence Health and Wellness

Anne Miller attended a Council meeting to review incident trends and held a discussion on recommendations to address.

AHRC Executive Staff attends Executive Council Meetings

The opening of the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center was an incredible success thanks to our engaged community of self advocates, families, staff, friends in government, neighboring nonprofits, companies and volunteers. Thank you for an incredible day and we look forward to welcoming you all to Wheatley Farms.

Wheatley Farms and Art’s Center is Open!

Councils

AHRC

Council

The AHRC Residential Council held a clothing drive for people in need. The drive collected 12 large bags of clothing that was donated to Harlem Public Hospital in New York City, to give to patients in need.

The AHRC Residential Council team continues to work hard and advocate for themselves and its staff. In May, members of the council got together to write a letter to the governor of New York requesting more funding be added for services.

The AHRC Residential Council is working hard with different agency departments to ensure the safety of everyone. We have lead nurses offer updates and training in regard to Covid 19 updates and maintaining safety.

The AHRC Residential Council is looking forward to putting together the Halloween Fundraiser in person again this year in Brookville. More details on where the donation will go, and tickets information to follow.

The AHRC Residential Council continues to hold strong throughout the pandemic. We currently meet virtually and promote for more people to attend the meeting, please join us. Together we are strong!!!

AHRC Day Hab Council Update

February:

A Souper Bowl contest was held where the hub sites collected canned goods to donate to a food pantry. One of the Council members made throws for the seniors in the hub sites and distributed them to the people that needed them. A black history project was completed where hub sites picked a person in black history and wrote a biography about them. Elections were held for officers of the Council and the results were revealed. Woman’s History Month was celebrated by people writing a biography about a famous woman in history.

March:

Mike Rogers from SANYS gave a presentation on technology and showed how people can stay better connected when they are unable to gather in the usual way. Spirit week was celebrated where people wore different themed clothing on each day of the week. Disability awareness month was celebrated by the hub sites making chains to display people’s unique talents. Council members held a relief drive for the people of the Ukraine. Many much needed items were collected and donated to a Ukrainian Church who forwarded them to the Ukraine. A virtual talent show was held where people were able to display their musical talents.

April:

Autism Awareness month was celebrated by people completing packets and displaying them in their hub sites. Guest speaker Kate Zimmerman spoke to the Council about supported decision making and guardianship. In honor of Occupational Therapists month, gift cards and letters of thanks were given to those that work for the State. Earth Day was celebrated by people going out to local parks and enjoying nature.

May: Council vice president Max advocated for partitions in the men’s restrooms in Freeport and a letter was written to the head of maintenance. Council members participated in a POM rally where they displayed posters of what is important to them. Nurse’s week was celebrated by the hub sites making thank you cards for the nurses and participating in a video that was shown to the nurses.

June:

Pride Day was celebrated by people watching a video of the history of Pride day and how it is celebrated all over the country. Council members talked about having a key to their homes and bedrooms and how they can advocate for it if this is what they want. African American Music month was celebrated by people participating in a virtual event.

July: The LI SANYS conference was attended by many of our Council members. Thanks to advocating by Max, dividers were placed in the men’s rest rooms in Freeport to provide some privacy. Some of the Council members applied for a position at the One Stop Gift Shop. It will give them the opportunity to get retail experience which could lead to future employment. A Council member created bracelets with the help of his hub site and sold them to people in day hab. The proceeds were donated to ALS.

Advocacy and Councils

Community Connections

People continue to make a difference and build strong connections with the community and support people! John Buley Neumar, Maria Cruz, Mike Costa, Reggie Israel, Matt Blackler, and assistant site manager Laura Becker recently supported a Stand Down for Veterans event, distributing cleaning supplies, Covid tests and food.

DEI Conference

By Michelle Rudoff

On May 18th AHRC hosted the first ever DEI conference which was broadcasted Nationwide. Over 3,000 people attended the conference. The conference started at 8:45am and ended about 5pm. Stanfort Perry, AHRC Nassau Executive Director, opened the conference by welcoming everyone and then he held a Q.A session with OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld. Coleen Mackin and I along with Jerri Walker and Colleen Tapia presented on Combined Breakout Session: "DEI Advocacy Ambassadors (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Self Advocates Leading the Way;" with Winston Thompson keeping track of the Q.A and asking the questions that came in on the Q and A board. It was a joint session with Mike Rogers who presented on "TechKnowledge Me: Learning How Technology Can Help You Find Your Voice".

I really liked the conference but it certainly was different then presenting in Zoom. For those attending it was like watching a Facebook live broadcast. The people attending the conference were able to chat and network with others from across the U.S. However when presenters logged into Zoom they couldn’t see who was watching them. Which I guess, with 3,0000 people viewing, was a good thing for nervousness and stage fright in a way.

It was exciting being one of the speakers at the DEI conference.

Freeport Workforce Council

This past spring, campaigns were held to nominate candidates for the new Freeport Workforce Council. Nominees running for different ‘offices’ were elected by majority vote by their peers. The new Freeport WFC Committee Members are:

President: Robert Callari

Vice President: Hanna Pollack

Secretary: Erika Morales

Treasurer: Audrey Headen

Sargent at Arms: James Sardiello

In July the Freeport WFC met every Wednesday to discuss and prepare for the upcoming CQL recertification virtual tour, as well as the WFC Focus Group for CQL recertification.

Wheatley Farms and Arts Center

Opening Fall 2022!

It was a beautiful morning to celebrate the dedication and opening of the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. This wonderful success was thanks in large part to our engaged community of self advocates, families, staff, friends in government, neighboring nonprofits, companies, volunteers and generous donors.

Opening Fall 2022, Wheatley Farms is a place where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, can connect with members of the local community through recreational, social and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for an incredible day and we look forward to sharing more about the Wheatley Farms and Art Center over the coming weeks and months!

In an op ed for Long Island Business News, Stanfort Perry, CEO of AHRC Nassau, shares insight on “Advancing disability employment and inclusion through farm, arts and shared interests.”

With the opening of the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, Perry explains the power of the community center to change perceptions of disability in the workforce: “Creating authentic connections and spaces where preconceived notions and labels fall away where people enthusiastically share ideas and goals is where I’ve seen transformative change occur. It’s business, but it also becomes deeply personal.

Always good things happening at AHRC Nassau Pre-Vocational Services in Freeport!

People participating in the eWorks projects do an excellent job disassembling computers for recycling, as well as sorting materials, such as wires, plastic, metal, and motherboards.

DJ Justin Abramowitz!

Meet Justin!! During Justin’s Personal Outcome Measures® interview, he spoke a lot about his love of music, dancing, and how he’d like to be a DJ someday. Justin shared how he leads Zumba workout classes and DJs the holiday party at the organization where he receives services. Justin is excited to learn about new opportunities to explore his talents to a virtual platform to share his passion with more people. Justin, with assistance from his family, friends and support team, was encouraged to reach out to Caffeine Academy for DJ classes. In order to build his resume of performances and further his experiences on a virtual platform, we assisted Justin to make his debut. Justin shared his passion and performed during a University of Personal Growth (UPG) session facilitated by Helene Ramer of the POM department.

By Kate Zimmerman

DJ Justin was featured during the University of Personal Growth in the beginning of April. Approximately 20 differing agency locations joined in virtually. People got up and danced to party favorites. Justin played all the classics from “YMCA” by The Village People, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees, “The Macarena” by Los Del Rio, to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Justin sang, danced, and encouraged everyone to join in for a full hour with the energy and excitement of someone who truly loved what he was doing. Justin wrapped up the party with the classic song “Last Dance” by Donna Summer. Justin took requests made by attendees in the chat box and was asked if he would be willing to DJ parties in the future. By sharing his interests during his POM interview Justin was able to gain support and expand his opportunities to DJ within the organization and at community events. His staff provided the necessary supports to make it happen. Justin’s family and colleagues served as natural supports to help publicize these events. By the end of the UPG class, Justin shared how he intends to sign up for classes at Caffeine Academy to build on his skills. With summer just around the corner, be sure to look for DJ Justin and get your dancing shoes ready as we have it on good authority that his next event is just around the corner!!

To learn more how to take your POM interview and incorporate your passions into your life plan, feel free to connect with interviewer Kate Zimmerman at kzimmerman@ahrc.org.

Oceanside Road’s Waterfront Picnic

On Friday July 8th the Oceanside Rd hub site gathered at the Baldwin waterfront park for a lovely picnic. The weather was wonderful. There were cooked hamburgers on the grill, and we had potato salad. We sang and danced to some music and played cornhole. We also did “Simon says” and “Would you rather.”

We are planning to do a few more picnics before the summer is done!

Michelle ARC NY Mission Speech

Michelle Rudoff, AHRC Nassau’s 2021 Self Advocate of the Year nominee for ARC NY, provided the ARC NY mission moment speech at the beginning of the virtual Board of Governor’s Meeting held on Thursday, April 28th @ 6 pm. She described herself and her involvement with the ARC Nassau Chapter and what being a part of The Arc means to her.

The below is from Michelle on her ARC Board of Governor presentation

By Michelle Rudoff

On April 28th I was asked to attend the ARC Board of Governors meeting to talk about my AHRC Nassau advocacy journey. The Board of Governors meeting had about over 100 people attending.

I am used to speaking to a group of about 100 or more people as I have done it before and I am not nervous about speaking. I worked for the past couple of months preparing for this presentation. I typed up a nice 2 to 3 page presentation about my AHRC journey.

Fun and Fitness!

Over 1500 people completed a Personal Interest Survey for a piloted Match Program. The goal of this program is to increase social capital for people. The Personal Interest Survey is an essential facet of increasing social capital as it aligns the mutual interest of people supported and community partners.

By Jerri Walker

In response to the high number of people who want to improve their physical and emotional wellness, a Fitness Fair was held on the Brookville campus. Mary Jo was one of many attendees who had the opportunity to try four different health and fitness activities. Community members led classes on ZUMBA, Body Sculpting, Bliss Yoga, and the practice of Japanese Nature Meditation known as Forest Bathing, Shinrin yoku. As someone who never tried Zumba before, Mary Jo was surprised by how much she enjoyed experiencing it and shared she wanted to do it again! Future events that center around areas of great interest such as music, creative arts, and recreational arts as well as are being planned.

AHRC DEI Ambassadors & Self-Advocates Share

"

Because everyone must be understood."

Jessica Campbell, AHRC Nassau Board Member, DEI Ambassador & Speaker at the DEI Virtual Conference

"(The) DEI conference is important to me because you meet others who want to improve the lives (of) the divers(e) community."

Noah Probert, AHRC Nassau DEI Ambassador

“I think that the DEI Conference is important to me because people need to be educated on the LGBTQ+ and the other groups and the importance of respecting each other and being there for each other."

Michelle Rudoff, AHRC Nassau Quality Assurance Trainer & DEI Ambassador

Love Conquers All on Empowering You

by Kate Zimmerman

In honor of Love Conquers All day, John Buley Neumar presented on his lived experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Like many others, John grew up feeling like he didn’t belong anywhere and had yet to identify why. John spent much of his childhood being bullied at school only to return to a home that wasn’t any better. Eventually John would end up in foster care waiting for a safe home. As John got older, his hopes for adoption dwindled. He had just about given up when he learned that there was a family out there that not only wanted to adopt a child, they wanted John. John’s case file had made it to the desk of one of the staff at the adoption agency and after reading through it, he knew that he and his husband could provide the perfect home for John. At the age of 18, John finally had the safe home and loving family he deserved.

John spoke openly and candidly about his experiences and answered questions from the audience. He cleared up misconceptions people had about the LGBTQ+ community. He helped people understand the different ways people in the community identify and the correct terms to use when talking with people who identify as LGBTQ+. He spoke about how his dads have supported him throughout his journey, and how coming to AHRC helped him to live a life where he feels accepted, supported, and a sense of belonging.

John plans to continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ community inclusion stating, “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot of work to be done”. John concluded “The LGBTQ+ community is all about love and respecting how people choose to express love”.

What are you passionate about? What makes you feel EMPOWERED? You can tell your story on Empowering You during Virtual Friday just like John did! Contact hosts Kate Zimmerman at KZimmerman@ahrc.org or Susan Gill-Orange at SGill@ahrc.org

Supported Decision Making Update

July 26th was the 32nd anniversary of the ratification of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), extensively considered the civil rights act for people with disabilities. There is no doubt that this is a milestone worth celebrating. The ADA has resulted in game changing advances for many people with disabilities. We celebrate this.

Also on July 26th, 2022 we celebrated ground-breaking legislation that ensures the self-determination, autonomy and dignity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s Supported Decision Making Agreement Act at a ceremony in New York City attended by many disability advocates, elected officials and a proud and enthusiastic group of SDMNY Decision Makers and their families and supporters. AHRC Nassau is proud to be a part of this legislation and the pilot for SDMNY through facilitation, supported decision making agreements and hosting numerous trainings.

AHRC Nassau will continue to support Supported Decision Making, now a legal alternative to guardianship.

Advocacy Works! Investments In Direct Support Workforce Coming Soon

SOS held a Virtual Rally for our Senators and Assembly Members on February 3, 2022 and February 4, 2022.

We were thankful for the opportunity to lobby on behalf of higher DSP salaries Ending the DSP workforce crisis is a main focus for all advocates

We hope that legislator’s partner in protecting and help us to improve DSP salaries.

Systems Advocacy!

Please join our systems advocacy movement and make your voice heard. You can go to https://www.thearcny.org for the most up to date advocacy initiatives and how to get involved.

DEI Advocacy Ambassadors Council

This Council was very busy during the spring, making its conference debut on May 18, 2022 at “Beyond the Comfort Zone”, presenting the DEI handbook developed for people with intellectual and development disabilities. Finishing touches are underway for the handbook, and video creative development to reinforce and enhance the handbook has started. Plans to begin presentin to other community organizations has also begun. This group of advocates is so pleased with their work on this!

SHOW US YOUR POMS! Enjoy the Magic of the Day!

“Show Us Your POMS” is the newest initiative from the AHRC Nassau/Citizens POM Department designed to celebrate peoples’ amazing accomplishments, both big and small. Each quarter, the department recognizes people supported working towards and achieving their dreams by sharing the person’s story from POM interview to success. Since success is all about teamwork, the staff members the person identified as avid supporters on their journey are then given the spotlight. The team is recognized for their dedication during each step of the journey. Honorees are all presented with a certificate and gift in recognition of their hard work. Each “Show Us Your POMs” is hosted by a self advocate. The first “Show Us Your POMs” aired in March of 2022 and was hosted by Michael Costa. Eric Ross, Andrew Deely, Donna Nowakoski, Cheryl Cohen, Blosom Cole, Sharita Moore Wills, Karim Sims, Lisa Moosemueller, Roseann Vaia, Anthony Kinsey, Deb Morrocu, and Megan Seligman were all recognized for their part in making dreams take flight.

Being

By Christian Hamlet

My name is Christian Hamlet and I am 28 years old. I moved into the apartment program at AHRC Nassau in April 2015. I first lived in Jericho for a short time. While living there, I met my first roommate who not only became my roommate but also became my best friend. I considered him to be like a brother. A while later he moved to AHRC’s Rockville Centre apartments, wanting to be closer to his family, which I understood. That was a hard time for me because he and I had gotten so close but I respected his decision. In 2017, I left my Jericho apartment as an opening was available in Rockville Centre and William and I were able to be roommates once again.

I work full time for a collection agency called AG Adjustments I have been employed at the company for seven years now, I am very proud of my employment because there was a time in my life when I felt lost and sadly I felt like I had no purpose in life. But I worked hard with job coaches and training programs and got to where I am today,

I am a gay man who always was afraid of coming out. I always had a fear of rejection about being gay. Will friends leave me? Will my family disown me? I was overcome by all this self doubt and fear. I couldn’t live as my authentic self. One day I approached my apartment manager Jillian Policastro, just to sit and talk

about life, something we had often done. I finally felt comfortable enough to stop keeping my secret. It was time to come out to her. This was a huge step for me., Was I afraid? Yes. I trusted Jill completely but there was still the fear of rejection. I just came out and said, “Jill I’m gay.” She turned to me and said, “You are?”. I said, “Yes.” Her response was what I hoped all individuals who are gay could experience. She simply said, “Okay.” The relief I felt after that was amazing. Jill is a person who I hold very close to my heart for many reasons, but that one in particular.

Since then, Jill has always been there for me. She has always taken the time to talk about anything. Jill is a huge asset in my life. COVID has impacted us all and unfortunately Jill lost her father to COVID in the pandemic. I mention this because in such a rough time Jill has been able to put her personal hurdles aside and run an amazing site here in Rockville Centre. I am very grateful for Jill. She is an amazing woman, manager and mother.

In becoming more confident with my sexual identity, I have joined many social and advocacy groups including the local PrideAbility (Long Island Queens) and also the Statewide effort. I get to meet so many amazing people also who also identify as LGBTQIA+. I also work with the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Autism Self-advocacy Network and the Burton-Blatt Institute on a grant that educates direct support professionals on how to work better with clients who identify LGBTQIA+. I love the work I am doing because everyone needs a voice. I look forward to the future and hope to do many more great things.

Meredith Shear Always Ready To Share The Love…. Of Dance that is!

As told to Susan Gill-Orange, AHRC Nassau 2022

Since she was a young girl, Meredith Shear has loved to dance. At three years of age, she enrolled at the Hannah Kroner Dance Studios and her love affair with the dance began. Meredith did not get any special treatment at the studio; she learned the movements and performed before an audience with typical children in her community. Fast forward to 2008 and her move to the AHRC Nassau Cornwell house. It was there that Meredith and her friend, Alison, found themselves regular students of the dance at Jam Studios in Huntington. They attended this studio for years until the house manager at Cornwell at that time, discovered a studio in Lynbrook that was closer to Cornwell and offered an array of different styles and methods of dance discovery. This was exciting news for Meredith because it offered her a new venue in which to explore her love of dancing.

The Dance Workshop in Lynbrook has been in business, according to Meredith, for 35 years. Owner MaryAnn Grasso shares her passion for the art of dance with enthusiasm and drive and has always made Meredith feel welcome. Her encouragement has allowed Meredith to grow in skill and confiwas honored by COMPASS for their community partnership with people receiving services through AHRC. This year marks the eighth year Meredith has attended.

One of the thrilling aspects of dancing is being able to perform before an audience. This is probably what gives Meredith the drive to continue her craft. She told me she absolutely loves to perform before a large audience. She does not get nervous or have stage fright. Meredith finds the whole thing exhilarating. Every year, the Dance Workshop works diligently to rehearse for the moment when of all the hard work done by the dancers comes to the forefront; this is the end of year recital performed on stage at Hofstra University. This year was no different. Meredith and friends performed a jazz recital entitled, “Man, I feel like a Woman”, It was a huge success and when asked how she felt after her performance, she told me, “I feel just like a celebrity”, To Meredith, the dance has given her the opportunity to show the world that she too has the desire for creative expression and has watched this dream come true each year that she takes a bow before hundreds of people. To hear Meredith explain, “It is worth every bit of hard work to dance and feel free.” I think we can all appreciate the value in that.

Individual Questionnaire Results 2021

AHRC Nassau provided people who receive services with a questionnaire to obtain their individual feedback regarding program services. An agency wide trend is noted if more than ten percent of those surveyed identified a concern to a particular question. Individual advocates assisted people who requested or required support completing the questionnaire. No agency wide trends were identified. The results across programs were excellent, with each program scoring above 98.4 percent overall. An agency wide score of 99.1% satisfaction was reported.

VALUED OUTCOMES

“Best Man” by Barbara Fischkin

Daniel Mulvaney, a resident of the AHRC Francis Avenue House in Baldwin, was honored when his younger brother John Mulvaney asked him to be the best man at his March 2022 wedding.

The brothers are known, informally as “Dan” and “Jack.”

When Jack asked his brother to be the best man, he told him: “Dan you are the perfect best man!”

Dan responded with a big smile.

Left to right, Best Man Dan Mulvaney with his brother the Groom, Jack Mulvaney at the wedding of Sara Heegaard and Jack Mulvaney.

The groom Jack, who will be 32 in August is a high school special education social studies teacher and a track and field assistant coach in the Minnetonka school district in Minnesota. He previously taught for New York City public schools and is a dedicated, fast runner of marathons.

The best man Dan, 34 surfs the ocean three times a week in season in Long Beach, New York where the brothers grew up. He is also an organic farmer.

Left to right, Jeremy Feldschuh, Dan Mulvaney's surf coach, friend and helper. Jim Mulvaney, Dan's Dad and father of Groom Jack Mulvaney, Best man Dan Mulvaney

Jack married Sara Heegaard on March 26, 2022, in Minneapolis Minnesota. Sara works as a senior copywriter and is also known as a food writer and recipe editor. During a pre pandemic visit to the Francis Avenue House, the residents thanked Sara for a surprise she had sent earlier the fixings for a delicious pecan pie, which they baked.

Dan, who is nonspeaking, wrote his “best man speech,” over a few weeks in February and March during sessions with his long time speech therapist Tammy Neumann. Tammy provides sensory support for Dan’s typing. Dan also shopped for a suit and other best man attire, with support from his wonderful Group Home Manager Elizabeth Balay Ferolus. Francis Avenue staffer, Cardinal Valery, who has also supported Dan for years, took him shopping at Jos A. Bank in Garden City, where Shiraz Rasheed, a salesman, provided efficient, excellent advice on what the well dressed best man should wear. At the wedding Dan and Jack’s father, James Mulvaney, noted that both his sons looked quite handsome. As did Barbara Fischkin, Dan and Jack's mother.

The wedding began as the bride’s mother, Lucy Heegaard, officiated at a beautiful ceremony. Later the bride’s father, Kip Heegaard. introduced speakers, including Dan.

Dan played his speech with a text to talk app on his iPad. He was assisted by Jeremy Feldschuh, who is his surfing coach back home and also attended the wedding.

Dan’s speech demonstrated his deep familial feelings for the bride and groom. It also included good natured kidding and touches of the “Mulvaney wit.”

Here is a copy of Dan’s speech, exactly as he typed it on his iPad and, as he played it at the wedding.

Hi you probably know me. I’m Dan. Jack’s older and wiser brother. It just means Jack loves me A LOT. i have great stories about jack. We both lived many years having been raised like soldiers. We often heard mom call and say, “This is your mother the general speaking.”

Jack possesses many great qualities that really exemplify husbandly traits. Sara hopefully knows how to rob a bank (just kidding) or go out to eat. Luckily, she Is married to the joker Of the family. From the moment she heard him sing she groomed Him to be a groom. Sara is like the wife, sister, and daughter that we never had. Let’s give a hand to the happy life of jack and Sara.

Abovephotos credited to Alina Kay Photography. https://www.alinakayphotography.com

Family Seminars 2022 Series

2022 offered families the opportunity to attend the seminar on Respectful Interactions; DEI as they remain vital in helping us to share this message. A Technology Seminar is also planned based on our DDPC grant, and will be led by Bridget Cariello. The training department will also plan a seminar on Guardianship, Wills, and Trust. For more information, please contact Leigh Fanuzzi at lfanuzzi@ahrc.org.

Staff Recruitment and Retention Efforts By Kathleen Graham

The agency’s success is a direct result of our employees’ efforts. We hope you know how valuable and important you are to the agency’s mission! A big welcome to Shannon Gibson, our new HR Business partner for AHRC. We all look forward to working with her once her. Since our last update, we are excited to share that we held two Employee of the Quarter Events, one for the 4th quarter of 2021 & one for the 1st quarter of 2022. A delicious meal prepared by Wheatly Farms was enjoyed by all those in attendance. In addition to lunch, the honorees were praised by their directors &/or supervisors, received a framed certificate, had $100 deposited to their account and were permitted to leave for the rest of the day. In addition to the 14 winners agency wide, we are now recognizing the nominees as well. A notification is made to the director of each nominee, a certificate is provided and suggestions as to how to celebrate in some small way is made. This would include possibly being taken to lunch, a note to Stanfort, etc.

Please take time out of your busy schedule to recognize one of your fellow employees for this honor. The deadline for submission for the second quarter is July15th. For online submissions please go to ahrc.org/eoq. Any questions, please contact Kate Graham at Kgraham@ahrc.org or 516 293 2016 Ext 5385.

Our Diversity Committee has been busy! In addition to their monthly conversation hours and lunch and learns, they have hosted a contest about Black History; a Fourth of July contest will be released shortly. An ice cream social planned for Plainview on August 9th at 12:30, Brookville, August 3rd at 2:30 and at Freeport on August 16th at noon. Come hungry and ready to socialize! Want to submit a topic for discussion, please email the DEICommittee@ahrc.org

Length of Service Milestones, which were missed in 2020 & 2021 due to Covid, are in the planning stages for the fall. Stay tuned for more details, we can’t wait to see everyone in person again!

Celebrating Direct Support Professional Week

Chris O’Connor, Shaun Weathers and Deanna Allen of the AHRC Nassau administrative team stopped by sites to express their thanks and appreciation. Our DSPs are amazing! Thank you for all you do each and every day!

For More Information on Family Seminars Visit AHRC. org Hope You Join Us at a Seminar Soon!

Empowerment Series

& FAMILY SEMINARS

Integrated Seminar Series

and

Empowerment Training

There are several opportunities for empowerment training including a weekly training offered through virtual day services which include various topics. At least quarterly, an empowerment training is offered, primarily virtual this past year. Topics have included, Respectful Interactions DEI, Technology training and On line Etiquette. Several trainings have been offered during Council meetings such as “Understanding the Covid Virus, Safety and Vaccines.” A larger amount of people have enjoyed the Empowerment training due to the transportation barrier not present with on Such training will continue to be offered virtually in 2022. A Rep Payee: Informed Consent will also begin in November

tuned!

DEI Committee Hosts Ice Cream Social

VALUED OUTCOMES

The COMPASS Committee & The Quality Improvement Process

The COMPASS Committee continued to meet virtually each month. A quality enhancement review of a CQL Factor is completed at each meeting as well as a review of COMPASS management plan items. The fall means we begin the process of review of our Mission Statement and Management Plan. Our Compass status means that the plan is evolving and committed to continuous quality improvement.

As always, at our core, quality remains defined by the people supported by the agency. It is the driving principle and goal for the COMPASS Committee. In May, we welcomed our colleagues from OPWDD to review our Compass systems and practices and were validated.

In August, CQL four year accreditation occurred with the agency achieving the highest level of accreditation, that of Person Centered Excellence with Distinction. This means the bar on quality is once again raised and we will rise further to this challenge. We invite all interested to join in this endeavor. It takes all Stakeholders to make quality happen and the agency to thrive. If you would like to participate at a COMPASS meeting, please email us at ctapia@ahrc.org.

University of Personal Growth

We have had a very exciting spring semester of University of Personal Growth. Thank you to all of our community partners, AHRC staff and self advocates for presenting their areas of expertise. A common theme of all the UPG classes is to provide education, exposure and experience. We definitely succeeded.

We had classes in entertainment and music, starting with helpful ways to get reduced price tickets to Broadway, music of Irving Berlin, rock n roll ballads and love songs.

In a POM interview we learned of a person’s plan to become a DJ!! Our very own Justin Abramowitz from the Levittown Hubsite, hosted a great dance party for everyone to enjoy and is actively seeking new opportunities to build his business.

Safety is always emphasized in UPG. This semester we had Fall Prevention, Fire Safety, and Bicycle and Walking Safety. Mental and physical health were included by starting the year on a positive note with Pam Boyle. We experienced Reiki, 2 yoga classes and a return community partner presenter, of overcoming stress and anxiety thru meditation.

Travel is always an interest. This semester we had a presentation from New Mexico of Native American Cooking. Corn chowder was prepared with a red pepper paste. We also learned a little bit about Native American Culture. We had a guided tour with magnificent photos of Highlights of the Hudson Valley. Finally, we went underwater with Shipwrecks of Long Island. Our last class of the semester QA Trainer and Self Advocate Leader, Michelle Rudoff presented, How to Run Your Own Life Plan Meeting. Michelle gave valuable information that should be helpful to everyone when they have their Life Plan meeting two times a year.

University of Personal Growth will return again in September. We are currently planning to make some changes by providing classes in person and via Teams. A formal graduation for those attending the required number of UPG sessions will also be implemented. Please feel free to make suggestions for any type of class that you would like as we begin the process of reimagining University of Personal Growth! My email is hramer@ahrc.org. It has been my pleasure to organize and facilitate these classes. Thank you all for your continued support.

Appreciation Day

Was held on September 15, 2022. It was wonderful to be back in person. To have fun and celebrate our successes and all of the amazing AHRC Nassau staff!

Personal Outcome Measures Update

By Bridget Cariello

Personal Outcome Measures interviews continued to assist people to attain the outcomes they desire. To date, 300 interviews have been conducted by the three AHRC Citizen’s CQL Certified POMs interviewers (two full time and one part time). The number of people supported that were interviewed that have rights restrictions is 49.

In 2022, the POMS Department expanded the University of Personal Growth Series to provide weekly classes on health, safety, money management, choice, artistic expression and so much more! The Personal Outcome trainers/interviewers also continued to provide support to people at their Life Planning meetings as requested. They have also provided meaningful opportunities to celebrate people achieved outcomes at the “Show Us Your POMs,” event. This initiative celebrates both staff and people on their personal journey. Empowerment training also continued to be offered for people on various topics: voting, mask wearing, how to make a complaint, what happens if you get sick and social distancing.

In terms of POM data, Agency “supports” remained diligent with many outcomes met in 2022 and/or stable in most of the 21 related areas. There are however, downward trends in the following indicator areas:

Participate in the community: the percentage in 2021 was 45% outcomes met and 75% support shown. This declined in 2022 to 30% outcomes met and 40% support shown. This trend is indicative of have the shortage of staffing which in turn impacted the availability of supports needed to provide transportation and opportunity into the community. The residual restrictions in a post Covid 19 world may have also factored into this data. Many people have reported the type and frequency of community outings and visits with friends to be less than desired. There is a wish to return to the pre Covid frequency of these activities.

People choose where to work: In 2021, the percentage of outcomes met was nearly 50% and the support shown for the same indicator was slightly over 60%. This same indicator area saw a significant reduction in the first half of 2022 as outcomes met are just slightly over 20% and the support shown is at 25%. This trend is also representative of the statewide staffing crisis. This lack of adequate staffing and the backlash of COVID have impacted People’s opportunities. During the pandemic and its immediate aftermath, many opportunities for work vanished as did existing jobs. Mobility to volunteer and work were greatly affected by the COVID precautions existing then so it made a huge impact on where a person chose to work. While this trend is notable our teams continue to support education, choice and opportunity to engage in social enterprises. This included an increase in education related to day options.

People choose personal goals also saw a marked decline in outcome and supports met. In 2021, over 60% of outcomes were met and 60% of supports were shown. However, in 2022, outcomes met had gone to 45% and the supports shown declined to a 30% success rate. This could be the result of staffing and the slowing of community participation. There is a wish to return to the pre Covid frequency of community activities. Our organization continues to develop interest based opportunities based on a match related system that creates opportunity for People supported, their staff and community organizations that share similar interest to partner on event/experiences. It is our organizational belief that education, experience and exposure supports choice. Thank you to all for supporting people to achieve their personal outcomes!

House, Family Meetings and Summer Fun by Deanna Allen

Per the Compass Management Plan, House and Family meetings continued throughout the AHRC residential homes on an ongoing basis. However, summer time brought a lot of fun. Pictured below from left to right are photos from some of the events hosted by the folks living in East Norwich and West Seamans IRA.

On August 27, 2022, the annual East Norwich BBQ went off this year with a Bang! The theme this year was a” Luau” and everyone immersed themselves into this party by wearing their Hawaiian shirts, their Leis, enjoying the exotic animals, and participated in the fun and games as you will see in the pictures below. The party was well attended with families, friends and neighboring AHRC houses. A great time was had by all.

Regulatory Affairs By Eric Rosen

Due to the COVID based surveys were suspended in January ‘22 and February ’22. Upon resumption of site based surveys, the Regulatory Affairs Department completed twenty seven (27) surveys during the first half of calendar year of ’22 (through 6/30/22). Completed surveys include small IRAs, a large IRA and a Day Habilitation site. A modified version of the OPWDD Site Based Protocol continued to be utilized during these surveys.

Positive findings noted during these surveys included observed respectful / supportive interactions, nicely decorated houses, a high level of satisfaction with supports & services and the promotion of independence.

Wheatley Road

(Glen Head)

York, 11545

Please Rush Dated Material

Thank you to the One Stop Gift Shop from AHRC Nassau who donated $250 to the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island!

The online shop is run by people with developmental disabilities who are supported by AHRC, creating handmade items, taking online orders, answering the phone, shipping & more. To learn more go to AHRC Nassau website ahrc.org