NEWS SUMMER 2026 VOL. 73 ISSUE 2
Together, We Move Forward -Celebrating the Inaugural DSP Pathways Graduating Class -Advocacy: Three Actions You Can Take Today -New Milestones at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center -Summer Celebrations, Connections, and More!
From the Desk of the CEO Dear Families and Friends, The generations before us advanced the rights to community living, work, healthcare, education, and opportunity through advocacy. Now, it’s our turn. I encourage you to visit ahrc.org/advocate and take action. You’ll find information sheets, one-click email campaigns, telephone scripts, and other resources designed to support your advocacy. Together, we can protect the progress made and continue building a strong future for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Stanfort J. Perry
Here are three ways you can take action today:
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Know Your Elected Officials
Speak Up on Key Federal Issues
Get Ready for the Midterm Elections
Find your federal, state, and local representatives and save their contact information. You’ll be ready to act when advocacy opportunities arise. Find your elected officials: longislandzoningatlas.org
• Community Living: A recent U.S. Department of Justice opinion questions how the federal government should enforce the landmark Olmstead decision, raising concerns about the future of community integration for people with IDD.
Make sure you’re registered to vote, learn where candidates stand on disability issues, and ask questions if their positions aren’t clear. Every election helps shape the future of disability services and supports.
• Medicaid Work Requirements: Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal Medicaid work requirements could make it harder for some people with IDD to qualify for exemptions and maintain essential healthcare coverage. • Special Education: Federal plans to move the Offices of Special Education and Civil Rights out of the U.S. Department of Education raise concerns about oversight, consistency, and protections for students with disabilities.
Mission: AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family – Friends – Community
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Editor: Nicole Zerillo, Assistant Editor: Gaëlle Gilles Community Resources, AHRC Nassau inspire@ahrc.org | 516.626.1000 | 189 Wheatley Rd. Brookville, NY 11545
Celebrating the Inaugural Graduating Class of New York State’s First DSP Pathways Program AHRC Nassau, in partnership with Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (CHSD) and Citizens Options Unlimited, proudly celebrated the inaugural graduating class of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Pathways program at the AHRC mansion on June 2. DSP Pathways is the first school district-based career program of its kind in New York State, providing high school seniors with an opportunity to explore careers in disability services while earning Level 1 E-Badge certifications from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The celebration welcomed OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer; Kathy Brown, Regional Manager of NADSP’s E-Badge Academy Operations; Dr. Michael Harrington, Superintendent of Bellmore-Merrick CHSD; Ann Hardiman, Chief Innovation Officer of the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation; along with industry colleagues, families, and friends to recognize the next generation of leaders.
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State Senator Steve Rhoads, Assemblyman David McDonough, and Assemblyman Ed Ra recognized the important milestone with legislative citations spotlighting the program’s innovative approach to workforce development.
Scan This QR Code and Watch “Cultural Perspectives on Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," a documentary-style video series developed through the OPWDD– Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence Partnership for Systems Change Project.
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AHRC Foundation Annual Rose Ball For generations, dedicated board members, volunteers, and supporters have helped expand opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This commitment was celebrated at the Annual Rose Ball on June 11, where the AHRC Foundation raised over $380,000 to support its mission. This evening honored three remarkable individuals from the AHRC Nassau community whose contributions have strengthened the disability community for decades. Jack and Eydie Garofalo received the Margaret Riva Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of nearly 40 years of leadership, advocacy, and service. The AHRC Foundation also presented the Cornerstone Award to Jack N. Posner, Esq., a founding member of the AHRC Foundation and attorney who has practiced for more than 50 years in Nassau County. Paul Giordano, AHRC Nassau President, joined Andrea Fierstein to present the Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award to Grace Cohen Stuart, a Teacher Assistant with Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS), currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Hofstra University. The evening also offered a chance to spotlight initiatives the Foundation has supported over the past year. With the Foundation’s funding, AHRC Nassau launched its new Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Activities Program at the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center in Brookville — startup support that covered the acquisition of horses, adaptive equipment, staff training, and facility preparation, expanding access to therapeutic riding for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Emmy Award-winning PIX11 News host Monica Morales served as the evening’s emcee, helping set the tone for a celebration that was as warm as it was meaningful.
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Wheatley Farms & Arts Center The Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center continues to flourish offering pre-vocational skills building, meaningful volunteer activities, wellness programs, and creative arts. Stay up to date on the latest events and ways to get involved at ahrc.org/wheatleyfarms
Elise Olson Starts Dance Class Elise Olson became the first person receiving support services to lead a community class at the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. She guided a group of 25 peers through an energetic Zumba class featuring popular hits including “Uptown Funk,” “Y.M.C.A.” and “Dancing Queen.” “The Zumba class was good,” Elise said after completing her first session. “I liked seeing the people dance. It’s fun. I feel good doing it, and I like dancing to the beat of the song.”
ReWild Long Island’s In-Kind Grant Creates a Space to Connect and Grow ReWild Long Island’s in-kind grant created a welcoming space where all people in the community can connect, appreciate Long Island’s natural beauty, and support an environmentally sustainable landscape. Self-advocate Paul Mazzotta helped bring that vision to life by contributing to the garden’s design and participating in the planting.
Portledge Students Participate in Inclusive Day of Service at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center 72 sophomores from Portledge School volunteered alongside people supported to make Long Island a better place. In the Brookville mansion ballroom, volunteers decorated and assembled 80 lunch kits for NOSH Delivers!, a local food pantry and longtime community partner, while at the farmhouse two groups created 80 birthday kits, with an aluminum pan and everything needed to make a cake, for NOSH. Another activity included making three quilts and a box of toys for animals from upcycled clothing.
Convergint Spends Morning Making Gardening and Animal Enclosures More Accessible Convergint corporate volunteers teamed up with people supported to refresh gardening spaces and animal enclosures. It was a wonderful morning filled with teamwork and dedication to creating a welcoming space.
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Wheatley Farms cont.
A Visit From Commissioner Willow Baer and OPWDD Leaders AHRC Nassau was pleased to welcome OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer; Deputy Commissioner of Administration Adrienne Mazeau; Chief of Staff Deb Ellis; Director of Regional Field Office 5 Michelle Torres; and Long Island Regional Director Wil Chou to the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center on June 2. From exploring the farm and gardens to the many ways people with developmental disabilities connect and grow at Wheatley Farms, it was a wonderful morning of educational and employment experiences rooted in the arts, nature, and wellness.
Wheatley Farms Capital Construction Begins on Farmhouse The farmhouse will soon be under construction until approximately Fall 2027/Winter 2028, creating a welcoming space for art, music, movement, and a chef’s kitchen to explore farm-to-table culinary creations. While development is underway, classes and volunteer opportunities will continue in the clubhouse and gardens. See how you can get involved at www.ahrc.org/wheatleyfarms.
Friends, Food, & Fun at Annual Day Services BBQ On a beautiful spring day, nearly 300 people gathered for the annual Day Habilitation Picnic on May 15. People from each Day Services location helped make the celebration a success, creating custom T-shirts, planning menus, and preparing for a day of friendship, great food, and fun. The event was a wonderful success, bringing everyone together to celebrate the season.
AHRC Nassau Receives Grant From NYSARC Trust Services AHRC Nassau was awarded $200,882 from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support AHRC Nassau’s guardianship and recreation programs. This year, AHRC Nassau is grateful to have received $182,150 from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to provide guardianship services for people who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. NYSARC Trust Services also awarded AHRC Nassau $18,732 to support new recreational opportunities.
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A Legacy of Giving: Thanks to the LaRosa Family Michael LaRosa and his wife, Jackie, recently presented a $10,000 gift to AHRC Nassau Board President Paul Giordano. The gift honors Michael's parents, William and Patricia LaRosa, and reflects the family's gratitude for the care Michael's brother, Jack, continues to receive at AHRC Nassau's Baldwin group home. "My parents were involved with AHRC and were always so grateful, as we are today, for all the house does for my brother," Michael shared. William and Patricia were lifetime members and dedicated advocates within the AHRC Nassau community, committed to ensuring Jack — like their other children — would lead a full and happy life.
Thank You to Our Nurses It was an honor to celebrate the hardworking medical professionals in our community during National Nurses Week. Nurses providing high-quality care are integral to ensuring the safety of the people we serve. We are grateful for your commitment, expertise, and compassion for the people in our community.
Celebrating Our Volunteers at 2026 Recognition Dinner At our recent Volunteer Recognition Dinner on June 18, we highlighted the important work of individual volunteers and partner organizations. By working together, we have made significant strides in making our services more responsive and improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
Upcoming InformMe Workshops The InformMe Educational Workshop Series provides families and people with disabilities with practical guidance and reliable information to help them navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way. For more information, visit www.ahrc.org/informme • Effective Communication Between Families & Providers / Dignity & Rights of Staff – “We’re All in This Together” Wed. September 23, 2026 / 11am-12pm (Virtual via Zoom) • Understanding and Supporting Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Wed. October 7, 2026 / (In person-AHRC Brookville Mansion) • Incident Review Process & Successful Complaint Resolution Wed. November 18, 2026 / 1-2 pm (Virtual via Zoom)
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189 Wheatley Road, Brookville (Glen Head), NY 11545 inspire@ahrc.org
For more information please visit www.ahrcwalk.org
Join Us!
2026 AHRC
WALK to benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sunday, October 25 Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY, Field 6A
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 31 Glen Head, NY
Annual Membership Meeting November 23, 2026 | 6 p.m. AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors welcomes its Membership for the Annual Election of Officers and Directors. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a Special Meeting of the Membership will be held for the purpose of amending the Bylaws. Active membership and event registration are required for entry and voting. Please RSVP by Nov. 9 at www.ahrc.org/members2026