The Latest News From Abilities First...

Five smiling faces of all ages, representing the children and adults supported by Abilities First.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Abilities First Recognizes Disability Awareness Month

Finding the Right Fit: Jacob's Story

AF's Noah Pomerselig Completes EyeHarp Professional Certification

Thank You, Adams Fairacre Farms, Walgreens & Perkins!

AF Students Show off Their Artistry at Art Show

FAFNY Board of Directors Welcomes James McIver

Give a Gift Today with PayPal

Autism Acceptance Month Campaign

Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic 2023

ThinkWealth Think Pickleball Classic

Abilities First is Coming to a Career Fair near YOU!

Support FAFNY

Abilities First Recognizes Disability Awareness Month

Disability Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities, while also raising awareness about the challenges they — and their families — face in their daily lives.

Abilities First dedicates this month’s newsletter to celebrate the diverse abilities and talents of people with disabilities, and to promote understanding and acceptance. This includes addressing misconceptions and stereotypes about disability, as well as advocating for equal opportunities and providing access to resources for people with disabilities.

Sharing stories of individuals with disabilities and the staff who support them is a powerful way to raise awareness and promote inclusion. We hope these stories can also inspire others to take action and create positive change.

Finding the Right Fit: Jacob’s Story

Choosing the right school to meet a child's needs is always challenging, but for families with a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it can be an even more complex and difficult decision. Raj and Suevanie Rampersaud had to make this huge decision for their 7-year-old son, Jacob, who is on the autism spectrum and has sensory processing issues. Raj and Suevanie made the choice to relocate to the Hudson Valley and pursue the Abilities First school programs in an effort to find the right fit, and find the right school to meet Jacob’s needs.

Jacob joined Abilities First for the 6-week summer session in 2022. When he began school, Jacob's vocabulary consisted of 5-10 words. Today, six months into the academic school year, Abilities First is thrilled to share that Jacob is thriving. Each day, he surprises his family with new words he’s learned and asks them to help identify new words while reading books at home, together as a family.

"Jacob receives the best possible services and therapies by compassionate and competent staff; his progression has exceeded our expectations,” said Suevanie. “We believe Jacob is where he is supposed to be—in an Abilities First classroom filled with amazing teachers who will help him find his unique strengths and differences."

Read more about Jacob's story HERE.

AF's Noah Pomerselig Completes EyeHarp Professional Certification

Abilities First proudly announces that Noah Pomerselig, Board-Certified Music Therapist, is the first person in the WORLD to complete the EyeHarp Professional Certification. The 6-hour training was funded by the ACM Lifting Lives 2022-2023 grant Abilities First received, and covered best practices in the utilization of the EyeHarp software, an accessible instrument that utilizes eye gaze to allow individuals with limited upper body mobility to play a musical instrument.

Noah and his students are seizing the opportunities that this innovative technology brings to all of his students, no matter their abilities. “I have been using the Eye Harp with our students for a few months. In that time, I have already seen it make a meaningful difference to the students by allowing them to engage in music creatively while also practicing their communication skills,” said Pomerselig. “I am very excited about how our students will be able to use this going forward.”

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thank You, Adams Fairacre Farms, Walgreens & Perkins!

AF individuals on the scene at their work assignments

Students of the Wappingers Central School District and Abilities First continue to work across the area!

Thank you to local businesses like Adams Fairacre Farms, Walgreens, and Perkins that help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for employees with disabilities, while also benefiting from the diverse perspectives and talents that they bring to the workforce.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Abilities First Students Show off Their Artistry at Art Show

Principal Sasha Silverman, Art Teacher Stephanie Dunn, and students of the Abilities First School at Straus Family Pavilion welcomed family and guests to the 2023 Abstract Art Show. Inspired by Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Joan Mitchell, our students proudly showcased their masterpieces.

“I love when families can come to events at the school – we all benefit!” said Silverman. “It provides an experience where families can support their child, allow us to connect as an extended family, and share this space together, which is so important in the student’s perspective of a home/school connection.”

OUR LEADERSHIP

FAFNY Board of Directors Welcomes James McIver

GIVE A GIFT TODAY WITH PAYPAL

Giving an online gift to Abilities First is easy with PayPal!

Scan the QR code.
Sign into your PayPal account.
Fill in the amount you’d like to give.
SEND!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Autism Acceptance Month Campaign

Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY invite you to recognize AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH by donating or creating your own fundraising campaign to honor a loved one, all while supporting Abilities First.

With your support, we can provide the best possible assistance to individuals who rely on our programs and services. You can be an AF CHAMPION by making a gift today at www.justgiving.com/campaign/autism2023.