You needn't look any further than the New York Times' series "Abused and Used" or the recent Justice Center legislation to understand that this has been a challenging year for our front line staff and the profession of direct support. Unfortunately, a few horrendous examples have served to define an entire field of workers, an injustice to be sure.

 

The vast majority of direct support professionals are hard-working, family-driven, caring individuals who routinely sacrifice their own free time to support people with disabilities. They are not the people you've read about in the New York Times and they are not the people the Justice Center legislation is targeting.

 

Thankfully, two new bills introduced by New York State Senator Roy McDonald serve to advance the direct support profession, recognize the tremendous contributions by the workforce, and move one step closer to cementing direct support as a career:

The Inclusive Workforce Stakeholder Group (of which NYSARC, Inc. is a member) presents the Employment Institute on July 17-18 at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Road in Albany where we will look at employment for people with disabilities, and strategize on positive outcomes for all. More information will be provided here in the coming months.

Nominations for the 2012 NYSARC, Inc. Media Awards are now being accepted. This award is given annually to media professionals/outlets in recognition of their contribution through documented journalism toward furthering the public's awareness and understanding of intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

New for 2012: In recognition of the changing newspaper industry, NYSARC has expanded eligibility for the Media Awards to news media websites and blogs.

Questions regarding the Media Awards should be directed to Susan Brandt, Assistant Executive Director for Public Information and Special Projects.

Help NYSARC, Inc. reach more people with Our Voice Today. Every new subscriber between May 14, 2012 and July 31, 2012 will be automatically entered into a drawing for one (1) Kindle Fire, generously provided by Bailey, Haskell, and LaLonde (BHL). One winner will be randomly selected on August 1st.

 

 

Contest Details: No purchase necessary; contest limited to residents of the U.S. ages 18 and over; void where prohibited. Eligible new subscribers to Our Voice Today between Tuesday, May 14, 2012 and July 31, 2012 will be automatically entered. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm EST on July 31, 2012 to be entered. The drawing for one (1) winner will be conducted on August 1st and the winner will be notified by email. 

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