Dear Members, Families, and Friends,

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has chosen this year’s theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM); “A World of Opportunities, we’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed.”

This aligns with our mission and our work to advocate for the rights of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) so they may live life to the fullest! Our entire team is focused on supporting and empowering Partners Health Plan members and families.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities represents a variety of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and many others. The individuals we support require various specialized IDD care coordination support and services to meet their unique needs. This requires advocacy, which is at the heart of our work.

We advocate for individuals with IDD so they may have safe and secure housing, employment opportunities, access to tailored IDD medical and mental healthcare, behavioral support services, and other services that are essential for managing chronic conditions.

Our work champions inclusivity and accessibility to enable individuals with IDD to live independently, achieve their life goals, participate in society on their terms, and fully engage in their communities. At the core, we recognize members for their abilities and contributions!

On behalf of the entire Partners Health Plan team during Disabilities Awareness Month, we are grateful for members, families, and friends who support our mission to assist individuals with IDD live quality lives. Thank you!

 Sincerely,


Kerry Delaney
CEO

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and promotes their full participation in all aspects of society, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible diversity, strength, and resilience of the disability community. This month is all about raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and embracing the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals with disabilities.

Let's amplify voices, share stories, and work towards a more accessible and equitable world for everyone. Whether you're attending events, participating in discussions, or simply learning more, every action counts. Together, we can make a difference!

Do you have an INSPIRING story to share during Disability Pride Month in July? We would love to feature your story on how you are triumphing in your journey to living the life you choose in our Stories That Matter Series.  

Meet Margaret! Partners Health Plan Member, Margaret, began working for the Department of Labor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, after working for the Department of Transportation for many years.  This is her employment story told by her dedicated Care Manager, Barbara!

What can I tell you about Margaret?  She is joy personified and she lives her best life every day.  Margaret recently turned 70 but she is evergreen.  Margaret works 3 days a week at the NYS Department of Labor (DOL), where she does a fantastic job.  Margaret was brave enough to start her job at the DOL during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She was not worried.  In fact, she was excited to work more hours and have a set schedule. Margaret is proud of her job and has a phenomenal work ethic and independence.  She doesn’t allow herself to be held back and always exceeds expectations.  Margaret enthusiastically approaches each task with a spring in her step and a smile on her face.   

Prior to COVID, Margaret worked with an entire crew at the Department of Transportation (DOT) in Garden City for many years, so when she began at the DOL, she had to learn new skills, including how to maneuver a commercial Rubbermaid cleaners’ cart in and out of a small elevator before the door shuts, and in and out of small office doors.  Margaret also had to learn what products and supplies were necessary to do the job.  Once her job coach shadowed her throughout the day, now she only meets with him at the end of her shift to go home.  Margaret has a big smile every day that reflects the pride and sense of accomplishment she feels about herself and the job.   

Margaret also knows that her job is important and that she needs to maintain her focus throughout the day.  She is well aware of her need to continually practice COVID protocols while she is at work.  She understands the importance of remaining safe while she cleans high-touch surfaces, in high-traffic areas.  No matter what, Margaret is unfailingly friendly and polite.  She knows to always knock on doors when entering offices and conference rooms.  Margaret appreciates the other employees and has stated that they are always nice to her.  However, she enjoys when she can work alone, where she can be found cleaning while she sings and dances to her theme song, the Donna Summer classic, “She Works Hard for the Money” and if you ask her about her job, she’ll tell you:  “I don’t just like my job, I Iove my job.” 

Paul has always been an advocate and friend to his younger brother, Richard, who is a Partners Health Plan (PHP) member.  Paul's wife stated, "they are just like two peas in a pod!" 

He can't imagine life without Richard in it.  When their mother decided that Richard would be healthier and happier living in a community setting in a residence, with opportunities for interaction with others and to build his practical life skills for independence, “big brother” Paul helped with this transition. 

 Paul’s advocacy for Richard and all individuals with disabilities burns deeply inside of him.  He started a sibling group in New York which is part of a national organization. When asked about the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce crisis in New York State and across the country, he stated, “it’s very important that a permanent wage increase happen in this year’s State budget.  A one-time bonus will not fix the problem to retain and recruit DSPs.”

 He described how his brother has flourished in a group home primarily because of the dedicated DSPs who love what they do and have it in their hearts to do the job.  He stated, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, they stayed in the home to make sure the residents had the care they needed.  My brother’s home is understaffed like so many.  It takes a special kind of person to do this work and its incredibly important that we value and celebrate DSPs.  They provide emotional and physical support and opportunities for socialization.” 

 As past president of The ARC Nassau, Paul understands intimately what is required for the IDD service delivery system to fulfill its mission of supporting individuals and their families. He stated, “We need to focus on how DSPs enter the profession and it’s critical we provide them with a promotional pathway.  Without DSPs, we don’t exist.”

He smiles when he thinks of his brother, Richard, who he describes as a loveable guy and very helpful to others and who loves all his DSPs.  He stated, “Without DSPs, Richard would not be able to live in the community and that would be a huge loss for every member of the community who benefits from perspectives of individuals like my brother, Richard.  Inclusive and accessible local communities with strong social networks are a win-win for everyone and DSPs fill an important role in making this happen.”