WWARC previously operated respite centers in Greenwich and Queensbury, and recognized the higher service demands for the Queensbury location.   Seeking a larger site to accommodate more individuals, the new 3,100 square foot building was purchased in 2010.  The Greenwich location will no longer offer respite services, but will continue to be operated by the Agency as a full time residence.

Once a place of worship, the new center has undergone complete renovations.  New septic, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems have been installed, and the interior was completely remodeled to include five bedrooms, a laundry room, dining room, living room, kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a play room.   Contributions to the project include a $25,000 grant from The Wright Family Foundation, and a $15,000 grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation.  Other contributions include cabinetry donations from Curtis Lumber, landscaping design by Nims Outdoor Services, and paint contributions from Sherwin Williams.  WWARC also raised funds for the center at their first annual fall gala held at The Sagamore Resort on October 29^th.  Guests pledged support during the gala’s live auction, funding recreational equipment for the center including an adaptive tricycle, and wheelchair accessible paint station and swing.

The new center is named after the late Sidney Van Dusen and his wife, Gertrude, longtime advocates for individuals with disabilities and parents of a daughter with Down’s syndrome.  The Van Dusens advocated for families to access comfortable, safe, and fun opportunities for loved ones outside of their homes, and originally approached WWARC to develop a respite center in the 1980s, resulting in the Agency’s first Warren County respite site opening in 1988.  The Van Dusens’ son, Ralph, is scheduled to speak about his parents’ contributions at the ribbon cutting event.

WWARC has received numerous inquiries about the new center from families throughout the area.  To access the service, individuals need to have a Medicaid Service Coordinator.  To obtain further information about the service and eligibility process, families are encouraged to contact WWARC’s Dawn Bell, Family Support Services Coordinator, or Christine Utter, Director of Service Coordination at (518) 793-4204.

The first eight-week session began in March and is held in the aquatic center at the Oneida Y. It is a specially-designed aquatic program for children with sensory processing difficulties. Due to the success of the program, a second session is starting April 26.

Sensory Swim incorporates aquatic activities that promote motor and sensory development. The program serves children three to 12 years old who have varying diagnoses, including autism, developmental delays, pervasive developmental disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and hearing or visual deficits, and is delivered by trained therapists.

Socialization is fostered by interacting in group activities with other children, sing-alongs, and instruction in swimming skills.

“The children and staff are having a blast. This has been a successful program both as a Community Habilitation activity and as a collaboration effort between the “Y” and ARC to provide a program for a specific segment of children in the community,” says Joann Ostwald, Community Habilitation Services Manager at Madison Cortland ARC. “It’s going wonderfully so far. It’s a great opportunity for kids to get together,” says Katie Caraher, a program leader. Caraher is a Speech Therapist at Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School, and leads swim lessons at the Y twice a week.

From left: Katherine Cummings, directs Xander Brown on the balance platform as Alex Terrell (face not shown) and Courtney Bennett look on.

Katherine Cummings, who works with Caraher on the program, is a Physical Therapist at Oneida Healthcare and has also been teaching swimming at the Y.

“The children are picked up at their homes every week for class. They often have their bags packed and are waiting at their door or in their driveway, eager for class,” says Jean Perkins Dana, Field Coordinator for the ARC Community Habilitation program. Every week, the children don goggles and flotation devices, and use the four-foot depth section of the pool which is roped off for class. Each 45-minute session begins and ends with a welcome and goodbye song. Class activities include a pool noodle exercise to give them resistance exercise; the children place each hand on each end of the noodle and with guidance, push the noodle down into the water. The children are also working with colored flotation balls for eye-hand coordination, and spinning on or jumping off a floating platform to work on balance skills.

Typically the age range in class is eight to 12, but other ages are welcome as well. The program tailors itself to individuals needs. One mother noticed a big change in her son since taking the class. Her son exhibited more energy and tolerance and even felt comfortable enough to go under water for the first time during one class.

The Sensory Swim program is held Tuesdays from 6:30-7:15. For more information, please call Colleen Herzog, Aquatic Director at The Oneida Family YMCA, 315-363-7788 Ext. 230.

“Lyle is the real founder and force behind The Arc’s KidStart services,” said Chris Peterson, Executive Director of the Livingston-Wyoming chapter, which operates the school. “Lyle demonstrates the highest level of commitment. He is not a parent of a child with a disability, yet his drive and understanding is equal to the many fine parents who help encourage and lead us.”

A member of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming’s Board of Directors since 1975, Dr. Lehman is also past chairman of the Special Education department at SUNY Geneseo, a liberal arts college located in the Livingston County seat. While at SUNY Geneseo, Dr. Lehman worked tirelessly with campus officials to pave the way for an Arc-operated children’s services program. The program, known today as “KidStart,” was established in 1977, in the Holcomb building on the southwest corner of the campus.

Earlier this year, The Arc moved KidStart from the SUNY Geneseo campus into its new, $4.2 million home, in response to planned construction by the school that will result in Holcomb’s demolition.

KidStart provides special services, affordable day care for children with and without disabilities, and is the Livingston County grantee agency for Head Start, a federal program for low-income children and their families. It integrates with The Arc’s adult programs to provide comprehensive, cradle-to-grave services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

“In reality, Lyle Lehman is the godfather of our preschool program,” said Cheryl Englert, President of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Board of Directors. Mrs. Englert’s son, Matt, graduated from the KidStart program in 1980. Matt now lives independently in Dansville, supported by a 24-hour staff at an Arc-operated residence.

Mrs. Englert unveiled a plaque that bears Dr. Lehman’s likeness and the inscription, “Dedicated with greatest respect and admiration to Dr. Lyle C. Lehman: Distinguished educator, inexhaustible advocate, friend, mentor, trailblazer, and guiding force for KidStart and The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming. The scope of his perspective, depth of his understanding, his uninhibited energy, and his unblinking dedication will guide us for generations to come.”

Dr. Lehman, who is 80 years old and lives in Geneseo with his wife, Margaret, has long been a force for positive change for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, at both the state and local levels. He is an active member of NYSARC for almost 40 years, where he has held multiple executive-level volunteer positions and served in leadership roles on dozens of committees.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus. Dr. Lehman possesses that unique quality. He is a molder of consensus,” said NYSARC Executive Director Marc N. Brandt. Mr. Brandt traveled from Albany to support Dr. Lehman by participating in the ceremony. He was accompanied by NYSARC President Jack Schuppenhauer, Immediate Past President Katharine Wilson Conroy, and Assistant Executive Director for Public Information and Special Projects Susan Brandt.

The grand opening of the Lehman Building also included a formal ribbon cutting by past and present Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Board members, NYSARC representatives, and children of KidStart, and an announcement that the ongoing Opening Doors capital campaign has raised $215,000 toward its $800,000 goal to help fund the school.

The dedication came as a surprise to Dr. Lehman, who was not informed prior to the event that the building would bear his name. The intensity of the moment left the outspoken advocate emotionally touched, and uncharacteristically silent.

“I’m usually not at a loss for words. I am today,” Dr. Lehman gently said. “Thank you.”

The program offers families skills to re-direct unique behavior patterns in their children.

“Sometimes, parents have situations to deal with at home that they may feel uncomfortable talking about with anyone. This is a perfect opportunity to network with other parents and professionals,” explains Kim Powers, Behavior Specialist at Madison Cortland ARC, who leads the training sessions, “This is an exciting time to work with people who have Autism because there is so much information out there.”

The program is offered through Madison Cortland ARC’s clinic, and is open to all OPWDD eligible families. Families will receive six weekly 90-minute trainings lead by Madison Cortland ARC Behavior Specialists. After the six classes, families may opt to receive additional one-on-one counseling, or attend more training sessions.

For more information on these training sessions, contact Jackie Hoyt, Clinic Manager at (315) 363-9281.

The second program is Family Care in Cortland County. The program provides an opportunity for a family to open their home and make a difference in the life of a person with a developmental disability, whether they are a friend or a family member.

Do you already have a person with a developmental disability living with you who is not your child? Call the Family Care Coordinator to find out if you are eligible.

The program matches families with individuals who are unable to live independently. Family Care is a certified, State-operated program that provides a safe family atmosphere.

If you have space in your life and home for a new friend, please consider becoming a Family Care provider. The Family Care Program will offer you help with household expenses and support from trained staff.

For information and eligibility requirements, please call the Family Care Coordinator at (607) 756-2015.

The grant is being utilized to purchase books, develop curriculum, and to fund book-specific activities and field trips that relate to the themes and storylines of the books.

Susan Streeter, Herkimer ARC vice president of Day and Community Supports, said, “Target’s generous grant is particularly vital to our agency as we face potential cuts at the state and federal levels. Studies have shown a correlation between early reading to and with children and success in school. Target’s grant will help children with developmental disabilities to increase socialization and communication skills, and to improve coordination, language and listening skills. Our goal is to promote a true love of reading, both at home and at school.”

Target’s early childhood reading grants support school, library, and nonprofit programs that foster a love of reading and encourage children to read together with their families. Several of the popular books purchased to date by the Herkimer ARC include: Ten Apples Up On Top; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon; and We’re Different, We’re the Same. Field trips include a trip to the Fly Creek Cider Mill, shopping for coconuts, and playing in the snow at a local park.

For more information, visit www.herkimerarc.org or call Outreach Coordinator Monalisa Fermin at (315) 574-7822.

For the Hall brothers, meeting Santa up close and personal was a magical experience.

Approximately 40 children gathered at the Fulton Moose Lodge to play games, enjoy snacks, and do holiday craft projects. The afternoon was topped off by the arrival of Santa, who brought presents for all the children. Many of the presents were donated by staff at ARC of Oswego County and its sister agency, Oswego Industries, Inc., to assist families in need.

The Early Intervention program works with infants and toddlers who have been diagnosed with, or suspected of, developmental delays. Therapists and teachers in the program visit children in the family’s home and teach parents and siblings how to help their child learn and grow through play. If a child with a developmental disability is reached before the age of 3 with appropriate services, that child will need half the services over the course of their lifetime as a similar child who does not receive services. ARC of Oswego County is a private nonprofit agency which has been providing services to individuals with disabilities since 1955.

From left, HARC Day & Clinical Services Direct Support Professionals Cindy Dodson, Missy Douglas, and Laurie Kimbrell load a vehicle with gift boxes, which included a turkey or a ham and all the fixings for ten families who receive HARC services.

The project, conceived by Day & Clinical Services classroom staff, was supported throughout the agency by employees and consumers. Ten gift boxes were filled with a turkey or a ham for those “non-traditionalists” and “all the fixings” to make a holiday meal. The groceries were delivered on Friday, November 19, to ten homes throughout Herkimer County.

Cindy Dodson, an HARC support professional and one of the leaders of the project, said, “Last year I met a family who did not have a Thanksgiving meal because it did not fit in their budget. I shared this story with other staff, and this year we took it on as a classroom project. We wanted to help families to have a meaningful meal together. Both staff and consumers helped shop, pack and deliver the holiday boxes. We are thankful to everyone who donated their time and money, and the families are grateful to others who thought of them in such a special way.”

HARC’s mission is to enable people with disabilities and others in the community to achieve their full potential and to live enriched lives. For more information regarding HARC, visit www.herkimerarc.org or call (315) 574-7000.