Laura
09-25-2007, 07:20 PM
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Need a helping?
The Borough President's Advisory Committee for the Disabled offers a network of support
Monday, September 24, 2007
By ANDREA BOYARSKY
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When people with disabilities don't know where to turn for help, the Borough President's Advisory Committee for the Disabled is there to guide them.
The committee is made up of about 45 representatives from the disabled community and the borough, city and state organizations who work with them. Formed more than 20 years ago to advise the borough president about the needs of the disabled, it also offers the disabled a chance to network and find the help they need.
"People don't know there's a lot of help out there," said Mary Senk, director of the borough president's helpline and liaison to the advisory committee. "We're trying to reach those people."
The committee meets several times throughout the year and often features representatives from different service organizations. Representatives hail from organizations such as SafeHarbor Healthcare Services, which provides home health care to clients, and the Staten Island Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), a state agency that provides employment assistance to people with disabilities.
The following stories show how members of the advisory committee and their organizations have made a difference to those in the community.
VISIONS
Wearing a green smock and carrying art supplies, Christopher George was the perfect model of a camp counselor. A teen-ager heading off to college, he enjoyed his summer working with youngsters at the Staten Island Children's Museum in Livingston.
Like many 18-year-olds, Christopher used public transportation to get to and from his Eltingville home to his job. He worked four days a week and didn't mind staying late on Boogie Woogie Wednesdays, when there was dancing, singing and free pizza.
Christopher is legally blind and has congenital nystagmus, an involuntary shaking of the eyes. Two years ago, he was referred to VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which set him up with the museum internship and provided him with other services.
"It makes some of the things in life easier," Christopher said about VISIONS. "It stops the persecution of the disability of being blind."
The Manhattan-based non-profit organization serves the five boroughs. VISIONS features programs to assist the blind and visually impaired and help them lead independent and active lives. It also educates the public, so they understand their needs and capabilities.
"There are thousands of individuals on Staten Island who are blind or visually impaired," said Amanda Slattery of VISIONS during a recent advisory committee meeting. "I think we take a lot of activities of daily life for granted."
In addition to employment services, VISIONS staff work with clients at home to help them adapt to their vision loss, whether it's with cooking, cleaning, household organization skills or navigating their outside surroundings. Clients can also receive adaptive equipment such as a Braille calendar and a large print address book and phone.
"The key is for them to do it themselves," said Ms. Slattery, director of VISIONS at Selis Manor in Manhattan. "They can live a life that's 'normal.'"
For more information, call 888-625-1616 or visit www.blindline.org.
SENIOR CENTERS
At the Mount Loretto Friendship Club in Pleasant Plains, members catch up on each others' families and problems, play games and enjoy a healthy lunch.
For Jean Russo, Helen Trapasso and Mary Guarino, all members of the club's advisory committee, having a place to go every weekday means more than playing Bingo and cards. It keeps them active, alert and happy in their older years.
"If I sat there by myself, I'd go crazy," said Mrs. Guarino of Tottenville. "How much can you watch television? My mind is working all the time."
On Staten Island, there are 17 senior centers and friendships clubs, which are sponsored by the city Department for the Aging. Mrs. Trapasso of Huguenot said a big part of it is socialization, having a place to be around others and make friends. About 200 people come to their club each day.
There are theme parties throughout the year as well as trips to Atlantic City, luncheons, fund-raisers and special events. They hold stress-reduction and tai chi classes, watch movies and read in the club's library.
The senior centers and friendship clubs are just one aspect of the Department for the Aging's services. They also work to provide older adults with empowerment, independence, dignity and quality of life.
"These people were mobile and active in the community and suddenly, they're more frail, homebound and in need," said Josette O'Neil, the department's community outreach director for Staten Island. "You're frustration level is really high and you can no longer be the person you once were."
To make aging easier, a range of programs are available for seniors and their families. They include: help with fuel and utility costs; rent increase exemptions; information on housing options; assistance with health benefits; legal assistance; volunteer and employment opportunities; transportation; home-delivered meals, and advocacy.
"Most people don't know what's out there," Mrs. O'Neil said. "What we're talking about here is plain and simple -- a good life."
For more information, call 311.
HUMAN RIGHTS
When Pat Clark first had her leg amputated in February 2001, getting around was hard.
"Five steps might not seem like a lot, but when you have one leg and crutches, it's very dangerous," said Ms. Clark, who lost her leg to diabetes and complications of vascular disease.
As she began using a wheelchair, she found herself stuck inside unable to get down the steps outside her Oakwood apartment complex.
In 2004, a visiting nurse told her about another client who had a ramp installed with the help of the city Commission on Human Rights.
According to city Human Rights Law, a housing or service provider and employer are required "to make a reasonable accommodation to enable a person with a disability to... enjoy the right or rights in question." Reasonable accommodation means that it won't cause financial "undue hardship" to the owner of the property and is architecturally possible.
In 2005, the commission contacted Ms. Clark's landlord who installed a lift outside her building the following year.
"This has given me the freedom just to get out and onto the sidewalk," said Ms. Clark, who left her apartment only seven times in 2004.
Ted Finkelstein, director of the commission's Equal Access Program, said that most accessibility problems on Staten Island are with public accommodations, like restaurants, doctors' offices and drug stores. Housing, he noted, is less of a problem on the Island because there are more single-family homes than multiple dwellings.
"The purpose of the program is to resolve the issue quickly without litigation," Finkelstein explained, noting that more than 90 percent of cases are resolved without legal proceedings. Getting the needed amenities usually takes between three to six months.
Last year, the commission helped get between 175 to 200 accommodations throughout the city. On Staten Island, that includes an accessible unisex bathroom at doctors' offices at 11 Ralph Place, Concord; a new elevator at the ferry terminal in St. George; curb cuts in Mariners Harbor, and eight power-assisted doors installed throughout the Staten Island Mall in New Springville.
For more information, call 718-390-8506.
SIDDSO
As a young woman in her 20s, Bernarda Rivera wanted nothing more than to move out of her mother's house and be on her own. Like anyone her age, she wanted freedom and an independent lifestyle.
"I was getting older and wanted to do my own thing," said Bernarda, now 29.
But as a person with a developmental disability, she didn't know where to turn for the support and help she needed.
Several years ago, she came to the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office (SIDDSO). The agency, which is a branch of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, helped her with school, a job and an apartment.
Bernarda works as a bus matron on SIDDSO's Willowbrook grounds, and helps others with disabilities become self-advocates for their rights and needs. When she's not keeping up with her busy lifestyle, she enjoys hanging out in her Concord apartment, where she lives with two other SIDDSO consumers. Her goal is to eventually live by herself and attend college.
SIDDSO advocates for the empowerment of the developmentally disabled and helps them receive individualized services and lead fulfilling lives.
"It's all about community inclusion," said Dr. David Booth, director of SIDDSO. "It's all about not segregating people with developmental disabilities."
They also have residential services, providing clients with a place to live. Most reside in small homes that can't be discerned from other homes on the Island. Around 800 people across the Island live in group settings of three to six people, by themselves or with a roommate.
Dr. Booth said the main obstacles for people with developmental disabilities are the same as for everyone else -- jobs, housing and health care.
"We experience the same problems and same successes," he said. But things are progressing. "Forty years ago, it would have been unimaginable [for them] to be looking for jobs and apartments. It was a disempowered life."
And if you ask Bernarda, nothing is impossible.
"Don't discriminate against us, we are human like everyone in the community," she said. "We have needs, wants and we can do the job just as good as other people."
For more information, call 718-983-5200.
Andrea Boyarsky is a features reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at boyarsky@siadvance.com.
© 2007 Staten Island Advance© 2007 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.
Need a helping?
The Borough President's Advisory Committee for the Disabled offers a network of support
Monday, September 24, 2007
By ANDREA BOYARSKY
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When people with disabilities don't know where to turn for help, the Borough President's Advisory Committee for the Disabled is there to guide them.
The committee is made up of about 45 representatives from the disabled community and the borough, city and state organizations who work with them. Formed more than 20 years ago to advise the borough president about the needs of the disabled, it also offers the disabled a chance to network and find the help they need.
"People don't know there's a lot of help out there," said Mary Senk, director of the borough president's helpline and liaison to the advisory committee. "We're trying to reach those people."
The committee meets several times throughout the year and often features representatives from different service organizations. Representatives hail from organizations such as SafeHarbor Healthcare Services, which provides home health care to clients, and the Staten Island Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), a state agency that provides employment assistance to people with disabilities.
The following stories show how members of the advisory committee and their organizations have made a difference to those in the community.
VISIONS
Wearing a green smock and carrying art supplies, Christopher George was the perfect model of a camp counselor. A teen-ager heading off to college, he enjoyed his summer working with youngsters at the Staten Island Children's Museum in Livingston.
Like many 18-year-olds, Christopher used public transportation to get to and from his Eltingville home to his job. He worked four days a week and didn't mind staying late on Boogie Woogie Wednesdays, when there was dancing, singing and free pizza.
Christopher is legally blind and has congenital nystagmus, an involuntary shaking of the eyes. Two years ago, he was referred to VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which set him up with the museum internship and provided him with other services.
"It makes some of the things in life easier," Christopher said about VISIONS. "It stops the persecution of the disability of being blind."
The Manhattan-based non-profit organization serves the five boroughs. VISIONS features programs to assist the blind and visually impaired and help them lead independent and active lives. It also educates the public, so they understand their needs and capabilities.
"There are thousands of individuals on Staten Island who are blind or visually impaired," said Amanda Slattery of VISIONS during a recent advisory committee meeting. "I think we take a lot of activities of daily life for granted."
In addition to employment services, VISIONS staff work with clients at home to help them adapt to their vision loss, whether it's with cooking, cleaning, household organization skills or navigating their outside surroundings. Clients can also receive adaptive equipment such as a Braille calendar and a large print address book and phone.
"The key is for them to do it themselves," said Ms. Slattery, director of VISIONS at Selis Manor in Manhattan. "They can live a life that's 'normal.'"
For more information, call 888-625-1616 or visit www.blindline.org.
SENIOR CENTERS
At the Mount Loretto Friendship Club in Pleasant Plains, members catch up on each others' families and problems, play games and enjoy a healthy lunch.
For Jean Russo, Helen Trapasso and Mary Guarino, all members of the club's advisory committee, having a place to go every weekday means more than playing Bingo and cards. It keeps them active, alert and happy in their older years.
"If I sat there by myself, I'd go crazy," said Mrs. Guarino of Tottenville. "How much can you watch television? My mind is working all the time."
On Staten Island, there are 17 senior centers and friendships clubs, which are sponsored by the city Department for the Aging. Mrs. Trapasso of Huguenot said a big part of it is socialization, having a place to be around others and make friends. About 200 people come to their club each day.
There are theme parties throughout the year as well as trips to Atlantic City, luncheons, fund-raisers and special events. They hold stress-reduction and tai chi classes, watch movies and read in the club's library.
The senior centers and friendship clubs are just one aspect of the Department for the Aging's services. They also work to provide older adults with empowerment, independence, dignity and quality of life.
"These people were mobile and active in the community and suddenly, they're more frail, homebound and in need," said Josette O'Neil, the department's community outreach director for Staten Island. "You're frustration level is really high and you can no longer be the person you once were."
To make aging easier, a range of programs are available for seniors and their families. They include: help with fuel and utility costs; rent increase exemptions; information on housing options; assistance with health benefits; legal assistance; volunteer and employment opportunities; transportation; home-delivered meals, and advocacy.
"Most people don't know what's out there," Mrs. O'Neil said. "What we're talking about here is plain and simple -- a good life."
For more information, call 311.
HUMAN RIGHTS
When Pat Clark first had her leg amputated in February 2001, getting around was hard.
"Five steps might not seem like a lot, but when you have one leg and crutches, it's very dangerous," said Ms. Clark, who lost her leg to diabetes and complications of vascular disease.
As she began using a wheelchair, she found herself stuck inside unable to get down the steps outside her Oakwood apartment complex.
In 2004, a visiting nurse told her about another client who had a ramp installed with the help of the city Commission on Human Rights.
According to city Human Rights Law, a housing or service provider and employer are required "to make a reasonable accommodation to enable a person with a disability to... enjoy the right or rights in question." Reasonable accommodation means that it won't cause financial "undue hardship" to the owner of the property and is architecturally possible.
In 2005, the commission contacted Ms. Clark's landlord who installed a lift outside her building the following year.
"This has given me the freedom just to get out and onto the sidewalk," said Ms. Clark, who left her apartment only seven times in 2004.
Ted Finkelstein, director of the commission's Equal Access Program, said that most accessibility problems on Staten Island are with public accommodations, like restaurants, doctors' offices and drug stores. Housing, he noted, is less of a problem on the Island because there are more single-family homes than multiple dwellings.
"The purpose of the program is to resolve the issue quickly without litigation," Finkelstein explained, noting that more than 90 percent of cases are resolved without legal proceedings. Getting the needed amenities usually takes between three to six months.
Last year, the commission helped get between 175 to 200 accommodations throughout the city. On Staten Island, that includes an accessible unisex bathroom at doctors' offices at 11 Ralph Place, Concord; a new elevator at the ferry terminal in St. George; curb cuts in Mariners Harbor, and eight power-assisted doors installed throughout the Staten Island Mall in New Springville.
For more information, call 718-390-8506.
SIDDSO
As a young woman in her 20s, Bernarda Rivera wanted nothing more than to move out of her mother's house and be on her own. Like anyone her age, she wanted freedom and an independent lifestyle.
"I was getting older and wanted to do my own thing," said Bernarda, now 29.
But as a person with a developmental disability, she didn't know where to turn for the support and help she needed.
Several years ago, she came to the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office (SIDDSO). The agency, which is a branch of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, helped her with school, a job and an apartment.
Bernarda works as a bus matron on SIDDSO's Willowbrook grounds, and helps others with disabilities become self-advocates for their rights and needs. When she's not keeping up with her busy lifestyle, she enjoys hanging out in her Concord apartment, where she lives with two other SIDDSO consumers. Her goal is to eventually live by herself and attend college.
SIDDSO advocates for the empowerment of the developmentally disabled and helps them receive individualized services and lead fulfilling lives.
"It's all about community inclusion," said Dr. David Booth, director of SIDDSO. "It's all about not segregating people with developmental disabilities."
They also have residential services, providing clients with a place to live. Most reside in small homes that can't be discerned from other homes on the Island. Around 800 people across the Island live in group settings of three to six people, by themselves or with a roommate.
Dr. Booth said the main obstacles for people with developmental disabilities are the same as for everyone else -- jobs, housing and health care.
"We experience the same problems and same successes," he said. But things are progressing. "Forty years ago, it would have been unimaginable [for them] to be looking for jobs and apartments. It was a disempowered life."
And if you ask Bernarda, nothing is impossible.
"Don't discriminate against us, we are human like everyone in the community," she said. "We have needs, wants and we can do the job just as good as other people."
For more information, call 718-983-5200.
Andrea Boyarsky is a features reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at boyarsky@siadvance.com.
© 2007 Staten Island Advance© 2007 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.