For those involved in this field, 2011 was not an easy year to endure. A critical series of New York Times articles by Danny Hakim, “Abused and Used,” shook our very foundation to its core. The articles revealed incidents of abuse and neglect and of financial irresponsibility among certain providers in our field. These disturbing stories shocked us all.  Without question there is no more dedicated, devoted, and compassionate a group of people than the staff, volunteers, advocates, and family members that make up this field – and we were profoundly impacted by these disturbing revelations. No less disturbing was the significant budget cutbacks, accompanied by the portent of even more severe reductions.

We have weathered a storm, and there are undoubtedly others ahead.  From this storm has come an increased resolve and determination to chart the course of our field.  We have mustered our innermost strength, and,  going forward, our horizon is brighter.   Allow me to tell you why…

President Barack Obama addresses the crowd at the White House Community Leaders Briefing

On February 10, I was honored to attend a special community leaders briefing with my fellow presidents of The Arc at the White House. President Obama himself surprised us all with an appearance, letting us all know that he “had our back.” His appearance at the session underscores his commitment to the people we support and accentuates the importance of the partnership that NYSARC and The Arc have with Federal and State government as we move forward.

This I say to you:  when the President of our country is telling you that he has your back, we know that the horizon is brighter.

Download the "NYSARC Gives Back" Publication

Earlier this year, we sent out the NYSARC Gives Back publication to all New York State Assembly members and Senators. We also sent it to NYSARC staff and volunteers, board members, and to all chapters of The Arc. It was so well received, far and wide, that it inspired other chapters of The Arc to share our stories of giving back. On Facebook, The Arc of New Jersey commented:

“Loving the new publication, “NYSARC Gives Back”, that showcases the generosity and community spirit of New York State residents with developmental disabilities! THUMBS UP! to our neighbors and fellow advocates at NYSARC, Inc.”

This I also say to you:  when our fellow Arc chapters are going out of their way to recognize and respect the difference we are making, we know that the horizon is brighter.

Toward the end of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, NYSARC Chapters will participate in volunteer activities across the state as part of President’s Project Week. This Project highlights the role that our staff, volunteers, participants, and family members have in their communities and across New York State.

This I also say to you:  when 55 Chapters, 87,000 loyal members, 30,000 dedicated employees and 60,000 participants coalesce behind a single project in a time when their cause is under attack, it is clear that our horizon is brighter.

Without question we will face enormous challenges this year. We must continue to move ahead together, as a single organization, fortified by our sheer determination.  While we cannot forget what is behind us, we must continue to look ahead. Belief in our cause and confidence in our capability continues to grow on the National, State, and Local levels. As we forge ahead together toward a brighter horizon for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families, we are not alone.

John A. Schuppenhauer
President, NYSARC, Inc. 

NYSARC Gives Back is a statewide community support campaign designed to increase awareness of and bring attention to the ways all of our Chapters are giving back to the community. I have had the pleasure of working on this project with our Public Information Committee and NYSARC State Office Staff, and have been looking forward to the opportunity to get it started.

Throughout the rest of 2011 and 2012, NYSARC, Inc. will be sharing stories about volunteer programs and public outreach efforts. The theme of the project is: “We Are NYSARC. We Make a Difference.” Each news item will focus on one individual or a group of individuals and share a story about volunteerism.

A key highlight of the program will be the President’s Project, set for the last week of March (March 25th – 31st) and coinciding with National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, leading into National Volunteer Month (April).

The President’s Project will be a consolidated effort to perform community volunteer activities across the state. NYSARC will be partnering with the Food Bank Association of New York State and other State organizations to make available volunteer opportunities for staff and the individuals we support to get involved. While participation in the President’s Project is voluntary, I encourage all of you to get involved in some way and give back to the local communities who give so much to us throughout the year.

Stay tuned for more information about the NYSARC Gives Back project and volunteer opportunities during President’s Project week.

John A. Schuppenhauer
President, NYSARC, Inc.

In a time of significant challenges, it is now more important than ever that we reach out to families and provide them with information and support. This website represents one aspect of our renewed effort to strengthen our lines of communication and, more importantly, create an online community in which everyone has a voice.

Upon taking office as President this past October, I established several clear goals and objectives, including a priority of embracing and expanding upon emerging technology. I believe we have taken a strong step forward by launching this website. However, I also recognize that relevant and user friendly content is a key component of successful use of technology. Toward that end, I will be writing a regular series for the NYSARC News blog entitled, “From the President’s Desk.”

“From the President’s Desk” will provide you a glimpse of what I hear and see developing on the National, State, and Local Levels – a Captain’s view from the bridge of the ship, as it were.   It has been said that the seas ahead are likely to be rough; it is therefore important that we all prepare to navigate them in the days ahead. “From the President’s Desk” will share with you valuable and timely information and allow you the opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and participate in a discussion by using this new website’s commenting system. It is important that the voice of participants, families, and advocates be heard.  Dialogue leads to the exchange of ideas; ideas lead to creative solutions.

Thank you for visiting!  Please explore our website and visit us again soon!

John A. Schuppenhauer
President, NYSARC, Inc.