Self Advocates In-Action - YAI NYC Self

Self Advocates In-Action
NEWSLETTER
YAI NYC Self Advocacy
Newsletter Committee:
Writers
Alem Blount, Terry Bryson, Robert
Cardona, Allan Fraser, Car'Melo
Grau, Michael Gunther, Jerry Lipsky,
Alicia Melendez, Ismael Nunez,
Photographers
Ismael Nunez, Alem Blount
Editors
Tom Ott, Jared Morgenstern & Allen
Rosen
The 2010-2012 Self Advocacy
Board Members:
Greta Horn - President
Michael Gunther - Vice-President
Penny Nash - Secretary
Jerry Lipsky - Treasurer
Steven Stancil - Peacekeeper
Paul Gussow - Hospitality Co-Chair
Lee Rhodes - Hospitality Co-Chair
YAI Network Leadership:
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen E. Freeman, L.C.S.W.
Chief Operating Officer
Thomas A. Dern, L.C.S.W.
ISSUE 15
SUMMER 2013
Editors Note: This issue focuses on the agency wide mission:
Living Loving & Working. For the purposes of this issue we’ve
teased these three domains apart and focused on each
through the lens of a YAI self advocate. What has emerged is
a picture not unlike anyone else’s, which includes wanting to
live in a dignified and respected way, the act of loving/the
desire to be loved, and the experience of, or hope for,
meaningful employment. Our aim in writing this issue is to
highlight that this philosophy should continue to permeate to all
members of the YAI community.
I have had the pleasure of serving as co-editor of the
YAI Self Advocacy Newsletter for the past year. I have learned
so much from these amazing people applying their lens of
experience to stories large and small, and have been so
impressed by their efforts to write a story well and get their
facts right. I am sad to be leaving these extraordinary
individuals, but I have been so deeply informed by this
experience that I don’t feel anything other than grateful.
-Jared Morgenstern
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
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Write your comments and e-mail them to
[email protected] We will publish some in our next
Newsletter.
LIVING
Do’s and Don’t for
Overprotective Parents
By Ismael Nunez
HBO Documentary
Follows Beauty Queens
With Special Needs
By Michelle Diament, June 17, 2013
A beauty pageant just for girls with disabilities
is the subject of a new documentary set to
premiere on HBO. The documentary “Miss
You Can Do It” premieres on HBO June 24.
(Courtesy: HBO)
The film focuses on the Miss You Can Do It
pageant held annually in Kewanee, Ill. The
unique event brings together girls with mental
and physical disabilities from across the
country who are judged on “what is in their
heart and not by how their outfits look.”
Abbey Curran — who has cerebral palsy and
represented Iowa in the 2008 Miss USA
pageant — started the event in 2004.
The documentary, which is also called “Miss
You Can Do It,” follows Curran and highlights
the experiences of eight girls with disabilities
ranging from spina bifida and cerebral palsy to
Down syndrome as they compete in the
pageant where everyone leaves with a trophy
and a crown.
“I hope that my Miss You Can Do It girls leave
this pageant knowing that, okay, we might fall
down, or someone might stare at us, but I just
did something amazing. Something that not
very many people get to experience,” Curran
said in a statement. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
Is this a great opportunity to enhance selfesteem for girls with disabilities?
OR
Is this “Separate BUT Equal” + encouraging
sympathy rather than empathy?
What’s it like having an overprotective parent?
I know because I have been in this situation for
years! What was told at the Latino Conference this
past March 2013, “We have to encourage, believe,
in our children, if we don’t who knows how they
will do in the future!” I look at myself, what I have
strived for and what I have achieved, at yet there
is so much more I would loveeeeeeeee toooo
dooo! I remember when I got my driver’s license,
boy I was happy! Yet every time I mention to my
mom I want to drive, she gets so angry. I still hear
her back seat driving, “Look to right, Did you see
the car?” Yet some members of my family have
noticed this fear is one of the reasons why I’m not
given an opportunity!
Here’s what Latin Parents should do/not do:
DO
Work with them, don’t tell them they can’t do
something.
Let them make mistakes!
Be their friend not anti-supporter.
DON’T
Worry so much if they go out to have fun!
“Living” - having a say in where you live,
with whom you live and how you live. If you
want to go to bed later -- why do you have
to turn the lights out because of a house
rule. If you're not hungry at the usual dinner
time, why can't you eat a little later or a bit
earlier if you're very hungry. If you want to
have a friend come and visit, why does it
have to be within certain hours and on
certain days. Why should the people YAI
supports have to follow rules that most of
us don't have to abide by. Maybe we did
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
when we lived under our parents' roofs.
If the goal is independence, shouldn't
we be allowing people to be more
independent even in a supervised
setting.”
- Lynn U. Berman
Senior Media Relations Manager,
Communications Dept.
My Experience at SANYS
University
By Alicia Crystal Melendez
My experience at SANYS University was very
fun and informative. I learned that it’s a
program that teaches people with disabilities
how to be self-advocates and leaders. Selfadvocacy is all about learning about yourself
and how to speak up for yourself and others;
knowing your needs, wants, and dreams; and
making choices. I also learned about rights
and responsibilities. Some of the rights and
responsibilities are as follows:
1. The right to speak up and the responsibility
to be involved.
2. The right to be treated with dignity and
respect and the responsibility to treat others
how you would like to be treated.
3. The right to live wherever you want and the
responsibility to make it your home.
4. The right to be free from being taken
advantage of in every aspect and the
responsibility to report it.
3
that I learned was about community. The
following applies:
1. Being a neighbor in your community.
2. Traveling around in your community.
3. Shopping in your community.
4. Working in your community.
5. Volunteering in your community.
6. Worshipping in your community.
I have learned all of this and more just so I can be
a better self-advocate and leader. On the last day,
I learned about managed care. Evan Yankey who
taught SANYS U said that managed care should
have the People First Waiver inside but we’re a
little worried about it. There are certain items that
concern us. The first item of concern is that we
don’t want profit-making organizations to manage
DISCOs. We want life-sharing to happen but it
won’t. I really didn’t find much of a problem with
moving OPWDD into the Department of Health
besides the fact that the DOH doesn’t recognize
people with disabilities and OPWDD does. The
“Me to We” attitude should be encouraged
between organizations, the Government,
agencies, and people who are committed to speak
up for themselves and others. The elimination of
spousal and parental refusal shouldn’t be
included.
Governor Andrew Cuomo should understand this.
People who really have disabilities including me
are NOT cheating the system. In conclusion, I
enjoyed learning a lot at SANYS U. My graduation
from SANYS U came and went. I hope that
SANYS U comes to YAI Central Office soon. I
always look forward to learning more and to letting
others learn as well. "Having people who we care
about and who care about us in
our day to day lives at home and
at work....what a gift!"
5. The right to make mistakes and the
responsibility to learn from those mistakes.
6. The right to privacy and the responsibility to
respect the privacy of others.
I even learned that you can ask for what you
want. You don’t have to be afraid to ask for it.
If you get a “no” answer, keep advocating for it
until you get a “yes” answer. The last thing
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Tom Ott SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
Eight of Us Make a Moth
By Ismael Nunez
May 7th 2013 at 10:30am at the NY Hilton
at 53rdStreet at the Avenue of the Americas,
was the YAI International Conference. Usually
the In My Shoes groups would give an
example of our Pre-service staff training and
perform skits. This day was different.
No standard In My Shoes presentation, instead
we presented our Moth Stories, gave a short
presentation on sex, and read an open letter to
YAI on the reason to change the word
“consumers” to “individuals”.
What is the Moth? Bonnie Levison has
worked as a marketing executive at Young and
Rubicam and NBC. She Co-founded the
Nantucket Comedy Festival in 2008 and is one
of the directors of the Moth. She stated
proudly her inspiration for reaching/working
with the Self Advocacy Organization and the
Mission for the organization.
“The Moth is dedicated to promoting the art of
storytelling. We celebrate the ability of stories
to honor the diversity and commonality of
human experience, and to satisfy a vital human
need for connection. One goal of The Moth is
to present the finest storytellers among
established and emerging writers, performers
and artists; another is to encourage storytelling
among populations whose stories often go
unheard.”
The Moth website includes a Company
Overview that Bonnie shared with us at the
conference.
Company Overview
The Moth is a non-profit storytelling
organization dedicated to the art and craft of
storytelling. We produce curated storytelling
shows, host regular StorySLAMs in 7 cities
around the country, we also have a Moth Radio
Hour Broadcast! My inspiration for working with
this group was when seeing them perform
doing a rap at the YAI Central Park Challenge
and seeing them do “The In My Shoes
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Presentation” I knew there was something good!
That day as we presented our stories; most
of us did stutter, made little mistakes, yet we all
helped each other. The audience put their 5 cents
in. We all knew what we had to say, we were a
little scared, yet once we were on the groove there
was no stopping us! The pre service training, past
presentations, practicing with the Moth/YAI staff
Emily Hall, Jared, helped us a lot! After the
presentation, we read a letter asking the YAI staff
to change the name of consumers to individuals.
As we read it people listened, and one can be sure
the name will be changed! Our stories that day
show despite obstacles we can overcome, we can
accomplish our goals, and we hope we inspired
those in the audience to accomplish their goals as
well! How I Got My Apartment
By Robert Cordona with Terry Bryson Jr.
The first apartment I lived in was in the
Bronx on Seton Avenue. I had a roommate I lived
with for two years. I got this apartment by working
with Job Path. After two years in the Bronx I
decided to move out on my own to Flatbush,
Brooklyn. That was 9 years ago. The waiting
period wasn’t as long as I thought it would be. It
only took 1 year for me to not only move to
Brooklyn, but adjust to the neighborhood as well.
Anyone who wants to get their own apartment
should not only be patient in terms of waiting but
anybody who wants their own apartment needs
say to themselves “I can achieve my goals by
thinking I can do it. I can advocate for my rights
and needs.” Long Island City Bombers
Vs New Jersey Lightning!
HEAR THE BALL, HEAR
THE JOY!
By Ismael Nunez
This reporter entered through the east side
at 97 Street and 5th Avenue, crossed over the
th
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
East Park Drive straight to North Meadow/Field
12. I had arrived for a Baseball exhibition
Beep Baseball Game Between “The Long
Island Bombers against The New Jersey
Lightning”. Mother Nature served the people
well that day, as we had pleasant temperatures
between 60 to 70 degrees. The Bombers
dressed in their Black/White uniforms, the
Lighting wearing their Red, White, Blue
Uniform both teams looked like they come from
the cleaners.
The press release/flyer described the day
perfectly: “New York City Hear the Ball will
provide components of education and
awareness about a sport that benefits those
with vision disabilities. Beep Baseball is a sport
that allows individuals with vision disabilities
the opportunity to interact socially while
providing an excellent opportunity for physical
activity. This sport is an adapted version of our
national pastime, and with the beep of a ball
and buzz of a Base it enables athletes with
vision disabilities to enjoy team competition!”
The game would go 6 innings with the
Bombers winning 8-4 against the Lightning. Yet
in reality both teams, families, and Beep
Baseball that day were victorious! Guy
Esposito a coach/representative from the
Bombers stated, “Here there is good
sportsmanship, here everyone respects each
other, here everyone looks out for each other.”
Matthew Puvogel who plays for the Bombers
added “For the first time we’ll be doing a clinic
at the Fan Festival for the All Star Game at the
Jacob Javits Center. It shows that Major
League Baseball realizes that we are people,
most importantly we can be an inspiration to
not just people with disabilities but to all
people!” Here is the information for the festival
like the title says Hear The Ball, Hear The Joy!
T-Mobile All-Star FanFest at the Javits Center
Friday, July 12 - Tuesday, July 16
1-888-FanFest (326-3378)
Their website: www.nbba.org
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MY CELEBRATING
SUCCESS AWARD
By Lorie Nemoga
I just received the Celebrating Success Award,
from the Queens Council on Developmental
Disabilities. It was presented to me on April 23,
2013 at the Queens Center for Progress. I had
mixed emotions. At first I did not expect to get it.
Then I was so nervous about getting up to accept
the award. I started to cry, because I was so
happy to get it, and so happy my friend, my sister
and YAI staff were there to support me. My
residence nominated me because of some of the
following accomplishments. I just graduated from
the Queens Residential Independent Living Group,
and am at the top of a waiting list for getting my
own supported apartment. I am also a paid
employee of Panera Bread two days a week. I was
also elected secretary of the Astoria Has Heart
Self-Advocacy Group. I am very happy to share
my news with other self-advocates. I hope it
inspires people to reach their dreams.
Kevin Barrett
2nd Vice President, National
Beep Baseball Association
By Ismael Nunez
1-Long Story Short; How did Beep Baseball come
about?
Who's idea, invention?
In 1964 an apparent solution to the frustration of
not being able to play baseball because of being
blind or visually impaired was discovered. Charley
Fairbanks, an engineer with Mountain Bell
Telephone, presented the blind community with a
momentous gift, the first beep baseball. He
implanted a small beeping sound module inside a
normal sized softball. Some basic playing rules
were devised by a group of service oriented
telephone employees headed by Ralph Rock.
These employees were all members of a
nationwide organization known as the Telephone
Pioneers of America. The Pioneers also devised a
set of knee high cone shaped, rubber bases that
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
contained electrically powered sounding units
that emitted a high pitched whistle. That laid
the foundation for the initial experimentations
with beep baseball. Various schools for the
blind introduced this newest form of baseball
for the unsighted to their students.
Unfortunately, the Telephone Pioneers well
intentioned game of beep baseball did not
receive the anticipated response and adoption.
2-When this came about did one hear "This will
not work, Who will want to play?
There were several reasons why baseball for
those who are sight challenged did not flourish.
The equipment frequently did not function
properly. Blind youngsters had a difficult time
sorting out the conflicting sound of the beeping
ball and the whistling base. Additionally, the
playing rules were restrictive and protective
equipment including face masks and chest
protectors were mandatory. Also, running was
prohibited whether fielding or batting. Also,
hitting the ball was most difficult because
pitching styles had not yet been perfected.
Recreational rehab instructors soon found out
that the children were not responding to the
game because it moved too slow and provided
little challenge. However, the Telephone
Pioneers did have some success providing
beep baseball activities for sight and physically
challenged children in some cities across the
country in the late 1960’s and into 1970’s.
With the sport being introduced in several
countries and with new growth here in the US
the sport of Beep Baseball and the NBBA have
a bright future doing its part to improve the
lives of those who are blind and visually
impaired.
3-Does this get the support from MLB?
No, Major League Baseball has not been
supportive. On occasion Major League teams
have supported an NBBA team in their city but,
even then it is off and on.
4-Does the organization do Baseball Clinics for
the visually impaired?
Our member teams and when feasible, the
NBBA, will make every effort to do clinics or
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support clinics to introduce the sport to those who
are blind and visually impaired. Also, many of our
teams do educational and disability awareness
events in their communities. The NBBA website
has information for new team start up, where and
how to attain the necessary equipment and where
to locate existing teams and attain information
about upcoming weekend tournaments and the
NBBA World Series. Just have folks check out
www.nbba.org and please contact any of us on the
NBBA board or one of our teams near you for
information.
5-I've noticed that there are many
divisions/chapters in other cities true? How is a
championship decided, go about?
The NBBA has 28 teams registered for 2013. To
register, a team must send in their team
registration fee of $25.00 with two team contacts
by March 1st. This makes the team eligible for that
season's World Series. Additionally, each
registered team must submit a roster including
membership dues for each team member ($20.00)
by June 1st. After June 1st. the dues increase to
$30.00. The NBBA World Series is an open
tournament for any NBBA team registered for that
season. To attend the World Series requires each
team to submit a final roster by July 1st. to the
NBBA Secretary with a $310.00 nonrefundable
World Series entry fee. The World Series is the
NBBA's version of "March Madness" and brings
usually 16 to 20 teams together each summer(the
last week of July/early August) in a different host
city to determine the champion for the season.
This year the Series is in Columbus, GA from July
29-August 3, 2013. Please see the "World Series"
page on the NBBA website for additional details.
6-There is the MLB network, there's College
Softball Games, College Baseball Games, even
Little League Games shown on TV: Yet when is
comes to Beep Baseball, Deaf Baseball Leagues,
and Wheelchair Softball Games, they’re not shown
on TV. Why is that? Does that bother you?
The NBBA and its member teams have had plenty
of television news coverage over the years.
However, a network dedicated to our sport has not
materialized due mainly to what is considered to
be a very specialized audience. In 2006, when we
hosted the NBBA World Series here in Cleveland,
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
OH ESPN came out to check it out. They were
so excited about Beep Baseball and our
amazing athletes a two hour visit expanded
into a three day stay which materialized into
the ESPN Documentary on the NBBA entitled
"Love At First Beep". You should be able to
view this on the NBBA website where a link
exists to call up the video. We continue to
strive for more coverage and we're making
progress. As the NBBA grows, so will the
coverage
8-Any advice to people with disabilities(like
yours truly who is learning disabled) whether
they are athletic or not?
My advice to any individual with any type of
impairment, is to never give up. The wonderful
thing about the sport of Beep Baseball, as well
as other similar programs for those who are
sight challenged or otherwise, is that they all
promote ability rather than disability.
Experiencing and witnessing these athletes
accomplish the athletic feats that they do is
inspiring to all and for the athlete it builds up in
them self confidence. Their desire to do the
same in other facets of their lives outside the
lines all of us can be positive examples for
each other and for the general public. Beep
Baseball is indeed a great teacher. “Living to me is not just thinking
about our past experiences or
considering the future, but it is
also about being mindful of
‘right now’; Living in the
present moment.”
– Jared Morgenstern PAGE 7
7
Miss America Contestant
Looks To Spotlight
Disabilities
By Shaun Heasley
A recent college graduate with special needs will
compete in the Miss America pageant this fall
with a platform focusing on overcoming
disabilities.
Nicole Kelly, 23, was named Miss Iowa on
Saturday and will compete in the Miss America
pageant this fall. (Courtesy: Miss Iowa Scholarship
Program/Facebook)
Nicole Kelly, 23, was named Miss Iowa on
Saturday. According to her biography, Kelly was
born without her left forearm and plans to use her
new position to speak out about disabilities and
spotlight VSA, a program she participated in which
provides opportunities in the arts for people with
special needs.
“As I grew up I learned to counterbalance the
initial stares I received from people with an
outgoing personality that would not give in to ‘no,’”
Kelly said in her bio.
“This means that I tried everything. From baseball,
to dance, to diving — there is nothing I would not
try. I found my passion within a world where I was
giving people permission to stare: the stage,” she
said.
Kelly has a degree in directing and theater
management from the University of NebraskaLincoln and just finished working on the Broadway
play “The Assembled Parties.”
With her new crown, Kelly will compete for the title
of Miss America in the national pageant Sept. 15
in Atlantic City, N.J.
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
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As an adult I know that I was gifted in my own way
but still my mom didn’t let me go out to play. My
Grandma stepped in and said “Ann you should let
my grandson go outside to play with the other
kids”, but my mom never relented.
Now, as an adult, I know the value of being
different. I am a member of the Self Advocacy
Committee, In My Shoes, The Newsletter
Committee, and have many friends. I wish I had
gotten a chance to play with those kids outside
though. It’s okay to be different so don’t change!
Kelly’s win comes on the heels of Alexis
Wineman’s appearance in the last Miss
America competition. As Miss Montana,
Wineman was the first contestant with autism
in the national pageant’s history.
My Own Place
By Terry Bryson Jr.
When I first moved into my own place I had
help from my service coordinator. She was the
one who helped move me into my apartment.
She made sure that all of my needs were in
order, she even asked my brother Julian if he
would make sure that all my things were in
boxes. Together, Julian and I made sure that
all my belongings were packed up and ready to
go. That was three years ago. I want people
to know that if I can do it, so can you! Just go
through the proper channels, reach out to your
MSC, and advocate for what you need. Just
believe in yourself and others will believe in
you! Thank you. Overprotectiveness
By Terry Bryson Jr.
When I was a kid my mom didn’t let me go
outside to play with the other kids because I
was different. I knew that I was special but
thought throughout my childhood I was missing
things in my life.
The New York State Budget
Cuts
By Michael Gunther and Terry Bryson Jr.
On April 2nd the New York State Senate voted and
approved a budget that included a 90 million dollar
cut in Medicaid. This cut came after a strong
pushback from self advocates, family advocates,
and agency advocates against the originally
proposed 120 million dollar cuts. The self
advocates started a letter writing campaign to the
state senators in our areas. The advocates also
joined a protest staged in front of the Governors
office in Manhattan. Every cent counts, so even
though we didn’t get everything restored, we still
made a big difference.
What these cuts mean are less service,
less staff, and less support. Personally I will no
long have overnight staffing and it will affect others
that live in supportive housing because of less
reimbursement and fewer staff. Throughout this
agency, other agencies in New York State and the
Office for people with Developmental Disabilities,
these cuts mean doing more with less. We may
have lost the battle but we can still get in there to
fight for lower cuts in the future. So keep writing or
calling your state senators we could put pressure
on them for the future. The Self Advocates and
Individuals who receive services should continue
to come together and plan and brainstorm on how
we can save YAI from cuts in the future.
EDITOR UPDATE:
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
Thanks to the advocacy efforts of
individuals, families and the broader
community the 90 million in cuts have been
voted by the NYS Legislature to be
restored. This is good news but there is
still concern about if this restoration will
happen in the way that we hope. LOVING
What Love is?
By: Alem J. Blount
Love is patient Love is kind Love is something
that you can’t deny Love is passionate Love is
incredible Love is something that you can’t
regret or disrespect Love is understanding
Love is commitment Love issomething that you
shouldn’t let go in resentment Love
issomething that you shouldn’t feel controlled,
hurt, used or abused Love is something that
should make you happy not let you feel down
and out or on the verge of Physical depression
Love isn’t about being stressed out or giving
your indirect criticism Loveis about giving your
unconditional love to someone that is going to
be true, loyal and trustworthy to you Love isn’t
just an action word Love is a word that can hurt
you Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally Love
is about being an equal being committed,
passionate and understanding not just giving
your undivided attention. Jerry and Penny
I first met Penny many many years ago, but we
were married to different people, so we were
just acquaintances. Over time my marriage
ended and all my friends had moved away so
in 2003 I joined Lifespire Saturday Social
Group. I made some great friends there,
including Malvin Palmer, a great guy who
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recently passed away. I also saw Penny again.
We were friendly, but nothing ever happened.
When Lifespire’s Social Group Dissolved, a friend
of mine was in a bowling league with Penny and
suggested I call her up and set up a date.
We met up at the bowling alley and we realized we
had known each other for years and years. I had
dated women before who had just wanted to take
advantage of my money and who I’m not sure
really loved me. Penny and I travel together, go
out and see friends, she’ll treat me for things and
I’ll treat her for things. We’ve become partners,
and I feel loved. We couldn’t get married by state
law because it would put any Social Security
Insurance at risk. This is called the Marriage
Penalty. Instead, we got married “under God” in
August of 2007, and it’s been great. This is the
best relationship I’ve ever had. An Interview with Greta
Horn
by Michael Gunther, Assisted by Car’Melo Grau
Greta Horn is the outgoing President of our NYC
Self Advocacy Group. She has gone through a lot
in the past several months and is willing to share
this with us.
1. How did you handle the loss of Malvin Palmer
after 29 years?
I miss him a lot. I handle it very well by talking to
people about it and telling the way I feel about
Malvin Palmer.
2. How did you feel after you sold your artwork to
a member of the State Senate?
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
I felt very happy about it and I felt very proud
doing that and telling about it at the SelfAdvocacy meeting.
3. How was your trip to Westchester to see the
Senator and thank him for his purchase?
It was very nice and it was a great time to have
a good breakfast with Paula Gibly and meeting
the Senator David Carlucci was the highlight of
the visit.
“To me, loving is about having
people in our lives who we care
about and who care about us -it's about compromise and
mutual support, sharing good
times and bad, and cheering
each other on as we aspire to
be all that we can be.”
- Emily Holl
Sexual Consent
Determination
Robert Cordona & Terry Bryson Jr.
EDITOR NOTE: If there is a question as to
the ability of a person to make an informed
decision to have sex, a Sexual Consent
Determination can be completed by a
trained clinician. It is an assessment that
determines if someone can legally consent
to involve themselves in a sexual
relationship with another person. Even if 2
people agree to have sex, if one person has
been assessed as not being capable to give
consent, the other person could be
criminally charged. As you can imagine,
this presents some challenges for the
people we support as well as ourselves. If
there are any specific questions about this
you can e-mail them to
[email protected]
The following is shared by 2 self advocates.
PAGE 10 10
Sexual consent determinations are usually given
in certified settings such as a Residence or Day
Program. When I had my sexual consent
evaluation done 5 years ago I had to be
knowledgeable about sexual consent, who to have
sex with, also about sexually transmitted diseases,
protecting myself, and wearing condoms. After
the evaluation was done I not only felt better about
sex and sexuality, but at that point, I had never
gotten an evaluation of that nature done in my life.
Now, 5 years later I’m really grateful for that
experience. If I choose to engage in sex I now
know how to keep myself safe. I am more
educated and glad I spoke to my doctor about sex
and sexuality.
It’s true that some people’s families resist them
achieving sexual consenting status. My advice
would be to talk to them about how you feel. “Mom
I am an adult and I do have needs like everybody
else. If I choose to engage in sex I would do so
safely and make sure that I’m not at risk for
Sexually Transmitted Diseases.”
If you have any questions about engaging in
sexual activity or getting a sexual consent
determination completed you should speak with
your Doctor and family. Why Do I Take Care of My
Family
By Car’Melo Grau
It started many years ago when I played a
huge role as being a caretaker to a sibling that’s
autistic. My mom is always being busy with work
all the time and she always depended on me while
my little brother Monty would hang out with his
friends and enjoyed the festivities of life. I chose
not to hang out because I wasn’t ready for my
independence & freedom and I was still focusing
on education.
Every morning I get up from my bed and
get my older brother Gus, Jr up from his bed and
what I do is help him get washed, getting him
cleaned, put clothes on his back and feed him his
food and after he’s finished eating then I waited for
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
PAGE 11 11
the van and drop him off and making sure that
he’s safe and puts a smile on my face.
There is also frustration. While my mom
continues to provide for me and my 2 brothers,
I might feel I wanted an opportunity to have a
social life. I would let my mother know how I
feel but at the same time I felt I want to
concentrate on Gus, Jr because he needs the
proper care, love and support and at the same
time no one want to leave an individual behind
because that would be selfish of me. I want to
set an example of being a good caretaker and
letting everybody know that my older brother
comes first before anybody as well as keeping
my family together.
An example of feeling torn is that every
year when it comes to Holidays like New
Year’s everybody is enjoying hanging out,
partying and drinking. Each year things get
very hectic. I mean my mom has to work while
I am being stuck home with Gus Jr. while
Monty is still having a ball on New Year’s eve.
So badly I wanted to break out, have my
freedom and start having some fun just like
everybody else but at the same time my family
means a lot to me. I always want to be
stepping up to the plate 125% . At the same
time everything was taking it toll on my
independence/social life. So I came to a
conclusion and me and my mom compromised,
we worked it out and letting each other know
that we are still a family and nothing is going to
tear us down and we to this day still care for
one another and that’s what is all about.
Today, I still continue to support Gus, Jr.
Whenever I don’t have anything to do on my
spare time I always look after him while my
mom does what the things she has to do. After
all these years I have nothing to be ashamed
of and I continue to use this story as an
inspiration to all of you. My advice to all of you
that has a sibling (brother/sister) with a
developmental disability: remember to tell a
sibling that you love them, blood is thicker than
water and you deserved to be treated as a
human being and that’s what sticking together
as a family is all about. WORKING
"Working" means engaging in
activities that have meaning and
value to the person as well as
others in her or his family,
community and society.
Fred Feibusch, Vice President; Residential
Services
Interview with Steve
Morgenstern
By Alem Blount
Hello, My name is Alem Blount. I had the pleasure
of interviewing Steven Morgenstern who works in
the Human Resources Department at YAI.
1. How long have you been working at YAI? I
have been working at YAI for 13 years.
2. What is your educational background? I have
a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and I also have
my Professional Certification in Human
Resources.
3.
What is your position on at YAI?: I am a
Human Resources manager.
4.
How do you feel about living, loving and
working?: Personally I find it inspiring. Living,
loving and working truly describes the things
everybody wants and strives for in their lives. The
staff and leadership at YAI have rallied around this
vision and are passionate about bringing
opportunities for these principles to thrive in the
lives of everybody at YAI.
5.
What is the purpose of hiring individuals with
disabilities to work at YAI?: I started my career
many years ago as a Job Coach in the Bronx, I
have been fortunate enough to see first hand the
unbelievable positive impact having a job can
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
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ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
have on a person’s confidence and
independence. YAI has always stood for
helping people achieve the highest level of
independence possible, helping people to earn
a living is at the very heart of Living, loving and
working.
6.
What kind of jobs can individuals with
disabilities apply for at YAI?: I really wouldn’t
limit anybody. I think that anybody can apply
for any job regardless of whether they have a
disability or not. I would say that anyone can
apply for any job at YAI. A job is a very
individual thing different people have different
interests, different skills, and different
qualifications.
7.
What qualifications do individuals with
disabilities need to have in order to get a job at
YAI?: They would need the same qualifications
as anybody else. If additional supports are
required YAI has excellent resources available
to help people be successful.
8.
In your own words. Why is it important to
help individuals with disabilities find jobs at
YAI?: I think that at YAI we believe in helping
people become independent. So certainly
employment and helping people get jobs is an
important part of independence and of course,
it is at the heart of our mission of living, loving
and working. We have a lot of programs and
resources at YAI that we use to help people
get competitive employment jobs outside of
YAI and I think one of the best things that we
can do is continue to be a role model.
9. Do you need a resume to apply for a job at
YAI?: We ask everyone that applies for a
position at YAI to present a resume.
10. Do you know of a place where individuals
with disabilities can get help with writing a
resume?: We have a large employment
initiative department with a wealth of
resources. You can also contact me (Steven
Morgenstern) in the Human Resource
Department I am always available to help
people find supports and even help out directly.
11. Who would they need to contact in order
individuals with disabilities to apply for a job
YAI?: There are a couple of things that you can
do. First, you can apply online the same way that
everyone else applies. You can also get in contact
with me or someone else in the Human
Resources Department directly and we will be
happy to discuss opportunities at YAI. The Human
Resources Department holds many job fairs every
year. The Employment Initiative Department holds
job fairs at YAI which is another good way to
connect with employers. “To me living, loving and working
are linked together. It means
living a life filled with love and
doing work that has meaning.
You put those three together and
life is really good!”
– Bobra Fyne Changing the World is a
Walk In the Park
By Ismael Nunez
June 3, 2013; I had to arrive way before 9am.
Lynn Berman, a YAI Media Relations coordinator,
advised me that “to write a good story one has to
make sacrifices, keep eyes and ears open, and
get good quotes/interviews from people.” That’s
exactly what this reporter did! Before that I had to
do a small announcement/presentation along with
Berman and Jerry Weinstock Here is what I
announced; I am Ismael Nunez and I am a SelfAdvocate from YAI. I want to thank everyone for
supporting YAI Central Park Challenge, which
raises funds so people like me can grow more
independent and enjoy the same things you do in
life! A nice home, friendships, relationships, and a
good job!
Then the rest of day was taking pictures,
getting quotes from people, and preparing to take
the stage for a second performance. One of the
main supporters is NY Cheer. Here is what they
state on their website www.cheerny.org “Cheer
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
New York (a.k.a., Cheer NY) is an all-volunteer
non-profit adult cheerleading organization. We
combine cheers, gymnastics, dance and
acrobatic stunts into a professional and
exhilarating crowd-pleasing performance.
Cheer New York is made up of adults from the
NY-NJ area who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Our mission is to support the fight against
AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses and
conditions by raising money for small local
charities through our "Cheer for Life" fund. That
is why we consider ourselves a ‘Cheer-ity’
(Cheerleaders for Charity)!” That day they were
asked why CPC? “This is one event we look
forward to. It’s the one event we get to talk to
people, have fun with the children, pose for
pictures. For us, when we see a child so
happy, we realize we’re doing something
good!”
Eliot Greene Lawyer/President of the
YAI Board took a picture with other selfadvocates that day. Mr. Greene stated “It’s a
great place for YAI to come together. It’s not
just about work, it’s about knowing about what
other chapters, other organizations, are doing
so we can work together in the future.” Green’s
advice to the disabled is “love yourself, love
others, take pride in yourself and others!”
At 12pm was our curtain call! Self Advocates
performed a rap: For which we stated proudly,
along with the help of Emily Holl,
“Changing the world is a walk in the park It’s
time for us to start!”
“Changing the world is a walk in the park,
Come on let’s do our part!”
“Changing the world is a walk in the park, Let’s
see beyond disability!”
We would like to thank, Steve Friedman, Eliot
Greene, Bill Ritter, Broadview Networks,
Crystal and Company, Sherri Shepherd,
Actress Sophie Nyweide, Cheer NY, Dr K
Motown Review, and all the volunteers! And
we would like to thank you for helping us
change the world! A Fellow advocate Carmelo
Grau added “I feel so damn good, the group
did well, and we have a good feeling being
here again next year.” We can’t wait for the
YAI 2014 CPC! PAGE 13 13
MY EXPERIENCE WITH
POST OFFICE
By Car’Melo Grau
Jerry Lipsky is an individual who participates in the
Newsletter and Self Advocacy Group. He has
been a Self Advocacy Board Member before and
is a former member of In My Shoes.
1. What was it like working in the Post Office?
I started working at the Post Office 1967 and I
started working at nights. After that I switched
from working at night to working during the day.
2. What was your job occupations?
1)
I was a custodian
2)
I became a mail handler
3)
I became a group leader
4)
Then I went back to being a custodian
3. What was it like in your experience with the
Post Service?
My experience was working in nights but I didn’t
like it. Then I had to beg for this day-shift job and I
had to beg 3 times and finally I got it. When I got
the day-shift job I felt great seeing my friends and
then seeing my ex-wife.
4. Did you ever get the proper respect you
deserved while assuming your responsibilities?
Yes, in the beginning I got respect. Then I got
transferred to another Postal Service and this
person picked on me and I told the manager that
how I was being mistreated.
5. After you got transferred a few times what
happened next?
I finally got the respect that I deserved and I was
very happy with the results of this outcome.
6. What do you take in this experience?
My experience at the Postal Service was very
successful where I continued to work up to my
retirement in 1998. SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
PAGE 14 14
Guidelines for Guest Reporters
NEED YOUR PIANO
TUNED??
1. Article should not be longer than one page.
YAI Self-Advocate, Mr. Chris Raso, provides
this service.
Contact him at 718-510-2562. Reasonably
Priced!
2. Topics should be on
issues/situations/concerns that relate to
other self advocates. Some examples are:
- Employment - recognizing companies that
support the hiring of self advocates
- Transportation issues and needs
- Celebrity recognition
- Housing - applying for housing, success
stories about someone who was able to
access housing.
- Policy changes/implementations that are
going to affect different services
- Events/Conferences that support aspects
of self advocacy or important resources
- Relationships
Email articles to Tom Ott [email protected]
and the Newsletter Committee will review articles
and decide on the articles that will be published in
the Guest Reporter’s section.
HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN
ARTICLE??
WANT TO BE A GUEST
REPORTER??
Write your article and send it in to Tom Ott at
[email protected]
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
PAGE 15
Goodbye, Jared and……….THANKS for All
Your Support!!!
The Writers, Photographers and Other Support Staff would like to give a HUGE thanks
to Jared Morgenstern for his unwavering support and help during his time with us as an
M.S.W. student intern. We know that the benefits have been reciprocal but we wanted
to recognize his tremendous energy and commitment to us. It was always felt, is greatly
appreciated and will be remembered! He will be missed and we wish him a continued
feeling of professional gratification and much luck (and…reciprocity in caring!!) in his
future.
SELF ADVOCATES IN-ACTION
ISSUE 15, SUMMER 2013
PAGE 16
Thank You Newsletter
Committee!
Jerry Lipsky
Alem Blount
Alicia Melendez
Terry Bryson
Ismael Nunez
Robert Cardona
E-MAIL US
Allan Fraser
Car'Melo Grau
If you have any suggestions, let us know. We now
have an e-mail address. It is: [email protected]
Michael Gunther

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