More Than Just a Job; Giving People With Disabilities a Place and a Voice in Westchester

July 22, 2010

Every week, Bridget DeLuca-Garcia, Lynn Cruz and Allison Downer make sure that democracy works, right here in Westchester County.

You probably wouldn't know it from their job description: The three women work at YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities' (YAI/NIPD) group residences for adults with developmental disabilities. Ensuring the growth, independence and well-being of the people they serve is key. But they don't stop there. All three are also committed to helping their residents make their voices heard in local, state and federal government.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act, which marks its 20th anniversary on July 26, is responsible for making buildings, businesses and parking spaces accessible for people with physical disabilities, its intent goes much further. Few may realize the law enhances the lives of people with autism and other intellectual disabilities.

The three YAI staff members, working with YAI’s Self-Advocacy Group in Westchester, are changing that perception. The comprises nearly 20 residents with developmental disabilities living in YAI/NIPD group homes.

DeLuca-Garcia, a 29-year-old Bronxville resident, Cruz, 27 of Ossining, and Downer, 27 of Greenburg, never expected to have this kind of impact.

"When you look back historically, and see how people with disabilities were treated years ago  . . . now we're seeing how many people have been fighting for their rights and this is all coming together," said DeLuca-Garcia, an assistant supervisor at YAI's Wagner Residence in Mamaroneck. "Today, our self-advocates recognize that they are important and that their voice are heard."

Just ask Erica Martinez, a 35-year-old resident of YAI’s Wagner Residence.

"I feel more independent and I feel great because I advocate for myself and others who can’t advocate for themselves," she said, explaining how the staff in the group have helped her. Erica has been to Albany to speak with legislators and on Monday will join Dr. Philip H. Levy, CEO of YAI/NIPD, and other individuals with disabilities at the White House for a ceremony commemorating the ADA anniversary.  "It's like opening new doors," she added. 

For Cruz, who spent several years working in real estate, YAI has provided her with more than just a career. "At the end of the day, I'm happy and that's how I know that this is the field I want to be in," said Cruz, a Direct Service Professional at YAI's Belvidere Residence in New Rochelle.

One of individuals she works with tends to want to be alone, but through the self-advocacy group’s volunteer efforts she has grown and now enjoys giving to others. After volunteering at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, an experience that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, she was extremely excited about volunteering more often.

"Now she's looking to volunteer on her own," Cruz said. "She really enjoys working with children."

Natalie Chicco, 38, who lives in YAI's Wagner Residence, serves as secretary of the Self-Advocacy Group, calling members and informing them of upcoming meetings. "I got an award recently for helping them out with the secretarial work," she said. "It made me feel happy because I was recognized."

For Downer, Assistant Supervisor at YAI's Belvidere ResIdence, working with the self advocates has helped her to see "the capabilities of these individuals and teaching us how to bring that out in each of them."

She created a mock voting booth, so self-advocates could practice voting. She took the booth back to her residence, as well. "All our guys are more involved in the local community."

Helen Ng, a 45-year-old resident of YAI's Wagner home, also has benefited from volunteering in the community.

"It has opened my heart to other people who have more severe disabilities than I have," she said. "I want to encourage them and build their self esteem. I tell them that no matter what your disability, you can do whatever you want.”

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