The Arc Otsego participates in NYSARC's 60 Anniversary Walk 
The Arc Otsego of NYSARC, Inc., the largest parent-based organization in the nation serving people who have developmental disabilities, participated in a celebration walk in recognition of the NYSARC’s 60th anniversary.
On September 17, 2009, 50 individuals from The Arc Otsego traveled to Albany to participate in the statewide event which kicked off at 11:00 AM at the Corning Preserve Riverfront Park. A procession of 1500 people walked over the Hudson River Way PedestrianBridge and up State Street to the Capitol Steps lead by Schenectady Pipe and Drum. At the Capitol steps, individuals who use NYSARC Chapters supports and services placed flags from each of the fifty-five Chapters. MandaMae Wright, who was celebrating her 6th anniversary with The Arc Otsego, was the flag bearer for Otsego County. A number of public officials spoke including Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings; Senate Majority Leader, Ron Canestrari; Senate Assistant Majority Leader, Neil Breslin; Asemblyman James Tedisco; Director for Constituent Relations for Senator Roy MacDonald, Jim Church; Director of Mental Hygiene for Governor Paterson, Michael Seereiter; and OMRDD Executive Deputy Commissioner, Max Chmura. Immediately following the ceremony the group returned to the Riverfront Park at the Corning Preserve for a picnic and entertainment provided by the popular band FLAME.
In addition to its role as the nation’s largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities, for six decades, NYSARC and The Arc Otsego have played a leading role in legislative advocacy. NYSARC initiated the historic suit against New York State which resulted in the signing of the Willowbrook Consent Decree and paved the way for a massive national policy shift toward deinstitutionalization. The Organization was also instrumental in the creation of a separate Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. More recent advocacy efforts include a major role in the passage of landmark legislation in health care decision making for people who have developmental disabilities.
To learn more about NYSARC, Inc., visit the web site at www.nysarc.org.
Top right: Flagbearer Manda Mae Wright leads the 50 member strong Arc Otsego contingent from Riverfront Park to the steps of The Capitol Building in Albany.
Middle right: Arc Otsego walkers applaud during a speech at The Capitol Building.
Left: NYSARC Executive Director Mark Brandt congratulates the crowd on a job well done. |
|
