George Suess, CEO of The Arc of
Delaware County said, “It takes time and reciprocity.” The Arc of Delaware
County has long advocated for ways in which people with disabilities can not
only become part of the community and accepted , but also develop true
friendships in which people delight in sharing each other’s company.
Warren Stelter became friends
with David Bailey, owner/operator of Hamden Auto about 7 years ago through Janet
Stoop a Life Coach at THRIVE. Janet had previously introduced Warren to
snowmobile racing and explained, “Warren likes anything that runs and is loud
so snowmobile racing was right up his alley.” She knew that her friend Dave
also loved snowmobiling so she introduced them to each other at a snowmobile event.
Dave relates how he immediately liked Warren because of “his phenomenal sense
of humor.” He related that Warren shares his love of practical jokes. At the garage, Warren and Dave demonstrated a
favorite prop used for one of their pranks- an old air horn from a truck. Both
Warren and Dave love to surprise people with the blast that happens when they
hook it to the air compressor. Warren
enjoys developing ideas for pranks and jokes that keeps the garage team
laughing and on their toes.
The sharing of mutual interests
and supporting each other is a large part of friendship. Warren always has his
friends at the garage in mind and brings items he thinks would be useful when
he visits. A stray cat adopted the
garage and Warren brought a jar in to collect donations for its care. “Garage
Kitty” has been a fixture at the garage for a long time.
When Warren participated in the
Lawn Tractor Pull at the Delaware County Fair this year, the entire Hamden Auto
Service business closed so that all of the employees could see him compete.
Dave related, “We were excited and proud of Warren. We are competitive
individuals and Warren was competing, and so we all wanted to see him at the
Tractor Pull.” They also had chipped in to buy Warren his own toolbox for his
tools he uses when helping with the many projects at the garage. Currently
Warren and Dave are working on restoring a ’69 Chevy truck. Dave said, “Warren
enjoys doing anything that needs doing around the shop.” This includes sanding,
painting, and helping with mechanical repairs.
Outside the shop they share time
together going to snowmobile races. And each year Dave takes Warren out for his
birthday.
Friendships are reciprocal and
enrich each other’s lives. “A friend is a gift you give yourself.”~ Rovert Louis Stevenson
If you would like to take the next step and
make a personal connection contact The Arc of Delaware County via email:
delarc@delarc.org or call our Community Relations department at (607) 865-7126.
View more about “Making Community Connections” on our YouTube site: http://youtu.be/WDx-hFGo9uo
In July, the National Conference of Executives (NEC) of the Arc held its 2012 Summer Leadership Institute in Indianapolis, IN. George Suess, CEO of The Arc of Delaware County (NY) led a Pre-Conference seminar where he shared what he learned about hiring and retaining the best staff members. He was also interviewed by Michelle Fischer, host of The Arc of Indiana's podcast, "A View from My Window" about how to build systems where abuse is NOT inevitable. George spoke about building these systems around the right set of core values that inevitably create the right culture where people with disabilities can thrive and not be subject to abuse. He shared that when you find employees that share the same values and train and support them, great things happen!
Listen to the full podcast here: "Is Abuse Inevitable?"
Follow Michelle Fischers "A View from My Window" podcast by liking her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AViewfromMyWindow
In
the wake of renewed efforts to improve the treatment of individuals with severe
developmental disabilities in the state of New York, The Arc of Delaware County
(Delarc) is experiencing a surge of interest in its training initiatives from
both government officials and industry professionals. The focus is primarily on
Delarc’s Vantage Point training
program, a unique exercise that puts able-bodied individuals into situations
where they experience first-hand what it’s like to go through life with a disability.
By
the end of the third quarter, more than 70 individuals will have gone through
the Vantage Point program, a 44%
increase over 2011, with the organization on track to reach close to 100
participants for this year alone.
“The
increased interest in Vantage Point
is testament to the commitment of those in our field who constantly seek ways
to improve care for those with developmental disabilities,” said George Suess,
CEO of Delarc. “After more than 30 years implementing a philosophy of positive reinforcement
without physical intervention, we are eager to have others experience our
approach in action and gain insights into how those with disabilities should be
served.”
As
part of the Vantage Point program,
participants are put through a series of exercises that simulate real-life
disabilities. Participants are required to negotiate the physical obstacles
encountered from a wheelchair; identify individuals and locations while
blindfolded to replicate visual impairments; and engage in a variety of mental
exercises that challenge memory and other cognitive functions. At the same
time, participants interact with Delarc staff who demonstrate their hands-on
approach to care and service, which blends proactive support, constant encouragement
and positive reinforcement to achieve desired behaviors, without ever resorting
to physical intervention or restraints.
Among those
participating most recently in Vantage
Point is a group of senior staff from the New York State’s Office for
People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Leading the way was
Commissioner Courtney Burke who went through Vantage Point in early August as part of her ongoing commitment to
learning about different ways to improve and enhance the quality of service
provided to disabled citizens in the state.
“During my experience I observed both constant positive
reinforcement and constant check-ins to see how people were doing,” said
Commissioner Burke. “I was particularly impressed by the respect and genuine
affection shown by Delarc staff to everyone.”
In addition to
OPWDD officials, professionals from across New York and other parts of the
country have visited this summer to learn from Delarc. Among them was a team of four staff from The
Arc of Fresno, California, two from the Arc of Westchester County, and three
from rehabilitation agencies in Connecticut.
“As the only organization in New York State with a Board of
Director’s policy prohibiting any physical intervention, mechanical or
pharmacologist restraints, we are very proud of the successes we’ve witnessed
among those in our care as a result of our positive approach,” said Suess. “We
are delighted to have an opportunity to work with state officials and other
professionals in our field to share our philosophy and training programs with
the ultimate goal of eliminating all instances of abuse among those caring for
people with developmental disabilities and improving their quality of service.”
For
more information about The Arc of Delaware County and its Vantage Point program, please visit www.delarc.org.
The first
annual “Art and Soul of the Catskills Film Festival" was held this past Friday
and Saturday. Submissions to the film festival were accepted from all levels of
filmmakers who were either residents of Delaware, Otsego, Ulster, Green,
Chenango, and Schoharie counties or whose films were produced in or made the
subject of these Counties. Over 42 films were entered and judged in 5
categories. The Arc of Delaware County’s
video, “Making the Shift to Community Connections” won first place in the short
documentary category.
This film
tells the story of Delarc and the connections being made by people with disabilities
in the communities in which they live. Sheri Hull, THRIVE Program Director shared “We
felt like we needed to do it in a meaningful way (make connections). Doing
things that were meaningful for them and that really had to do with their life
choices and goals.” This film consists
of a series of vignettes of people with disabilities engaged in their communities
with activities such as working at a local auto repair shop and vegetable crop
farm, taking classes at SUNY Delhi, taking horseback riding lessons, learning
skills and assisting at a day care center. And the ultimate outcome of community
connections in which real relationships and friendships are formed is
powerfully demonstrated by this video.
George Suess,
CEO of The Arc of Delaware County shared “ At the actual showing of the video,
Saturday afternoon, the audience was very small but their response when the
video ended was over the top. Loud and sustained applause with big smiles all
the way around.” You can view
this award winning video on our YouTube site or by clicking here: Making the Shift to Community Connections
 |
George Suess, CEO listens as The Arc of Delaware County's video
"Making the Shift To Community Connections"
wins a first prize at the 1st Annual Art and Soul of the Catskills Film Festival |
The ASCFF welcomes submissions from all levels of
filmmakers providing they are residents of Delaware, Otsego, Ulster, Green
Jessica and Janet were nominated for a Blesher Award by
Steve Finkel, Community Program Life Coach. In his nomination he stated,” They
both worked as a team to make the recently completed “Camp Work Program” a
success for our folks, despite staff shortages and some very hot weather!
They’re
the best!” Jessica and Janet supported people from Delarc as they assisted in readying
Camp Shankitunk for the summer season and also helped maintain the facilities while
the 4 H Camp and Day Camp programs were in session.
In order to qualify for a Blesher award, those nominated
must have exemplified the Unifying Principles of The Arc of Delaware County. In
using their, talents and abilities, these ladies have gone above and beyond job
expectations to provide a wonderful opportunity for those they support.
Steve wrote that Janet and Jessica exemplified the 6
Unifying Principles in the following ways:
Those We Serve Come First-“Regardless
of staffing issues, they were there to make this program happen.
Commit To Excellence-
“Great Outcomes, great feedback from camp staff.”
Be Dedicated- “They
really know how to overcome almost any obstacle or problem.”
Employee Satisfaction-
“You can see it in their (Janet and Jessica’s) faces. They are proud to support
those we serve to see rewarding outcomes.”
Communicate
Effectively-“Despite very busy schedules, you always knew “what’s up” and “what’s
happening”.
Be Innovative- “Overcoming
schedule changes and other obstacles never were barriers to their achieving
success!”
Congratulations Janet and Jessica!
The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) held its Staff Retreat
on July 20th at Scott’s Family Resort located on beautiful Oquaga Lake in
Deposit, NY. The Staff Retreat is eagerly looked forward to each year by Delarc’s
employees as a chance to interact together as well as have fun, relax, and take
part in a variety of learning activities.
The morning program included a presentation by guest
speakers, Polly and Dylan Emmons who gave their personal story about living
with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism. This mother and son team spoke
about how they discovered Dylan had Autism and how they navigated the obstacles
and solutions presented to them as Dylan grew up to the amazing young man he is
today. Dylan graduated from Ithaca College this Spring and will continue pursuing
his interest in writing while working on his Master’s Degree at Sarah Lawrence
College this Fall.
After their presentation, a variety of interactive activities
were centered around the 6 Unifying Principles of The Arc of Delaware County.
Employees were broken into teams as they took up the challenge of each activity
that represented a Unifying Principle –Those We Serve Come First, Commit to
Excellence, Be Dedicated, Employee Satisfaction, Communicate Effectively, and Be
Innovative.
After a delicious luncheon Delarc staff had an opportunity
to get to know each other better while participating in a variety of afternoon
activities including golf, boat rides, yoga, massage, horseshoes, volleyball,
and classes in art (Zentangles), mind exploration,volleyball, fly casting,
bicycling, and just plain relaxing around Scott’s Resort.
Several Departments had created gift baskets around the
Unifying Principle theme and these were raffled off at the end of the day.
What a great place to work! To find out more about how you
can become part of the Delarc Team visit our Career Page at www.delarc.org.
The Arc of
Delaware County (Delarc) is one of the country’s most progressive and unique
organizations serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Each year, Delarc awards
scholarships to high school students that will be attending college to further
their studies in the field of Human Services.
The recipients selected by their schools should not only have
demonstrated scholastic ability but also been active providing service to their
communities and/or school. The scholarships were sent to each school for presentation at commencement
or awards ceremonies.
The 2012
recipients of The Arc Delaware County Scholarship are:
- Jasmine Jester of Charlotte Valley Central School,
attending the College of St. Rose majoring in Clinical Psychology
- Katherine Bracci of Delaware Academy, attending
Mohawk Valley Community College, majoring in Health
- Jennifer Newman of Deposit Central School,
attending Elmira College, majoring in Nursing.
- Harley Rae Frey of Downsville Central School, attending
SUNY Cobleskill, majoring in Early Childhood Education.
- Sarah Gladding of Franklin Central School, SUNY
Delhi, majoring in Nursing.
- Tabitha Althiser of Hancock Central School,
attending Onondaga Community College, majoring in Human Services/Special
Education
- Daphne Ancona of Margaretville Central School,
attending Kutztown University, majoring in Psychology
- Sydney Peters of Roxbury Central School, majoring
in Human Social Services.
- Alaina Wagner of Sidney Central School, attending
SUNY Oneonta, majoring in Psychology
- Rebecca Johnson-Quigley of South Kortright Central
School, attending SUNY Delhi, majoring in Nursing
- Nicole Burgher of Stamford Central School,
attending SUNY Oneonta, majoring in Early Childhood Education.
- Elizabeth Patterson of Walton Central School, attending
St. Rose, majoring in Speech Pathology.
In a thank
you letter to the agency, scholarship recipient Tabitha Althiser wrote, “It
means everything that you gave me this scholarship. This scholarship is helping
me out paying for college. It has also been a pleasure working for the summer
at the Walton location (Delarc’s Community Living Skills- Walton facility)”.
Tabitha indicated that she applied for a summer job at CLS-W to obtain insight
and experience in the field of Human Services.
For more
information about The Arc of Delaware County, including career opportunities, visit
www.delarc.org or call (607) 865-7126.
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