My friend, Don Traynor of The Resource Center in Jamestown, NY, spoke of an"ugly gift". It was given to the world on March 12th, 2011 in a NY Times article written largely by reporter Danny Hakim. It was the opening salvo of a series of close to 20 articles about abuse and impunity committed by direct support staff at state run group homes and developmental centers as well as non-for profit voluntary service providers. The articles had some terrible reports of horrible instances of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities by the hands of direct support professionals. The articles created a storm of change and reformation in the NY State system of care and support of people with developmental disabilities and their families. It has been an ugly two years in NY State in many ways.
HOWEVER.....we received some wonderful GIFTS, from these developments....let's take account...
There is light in the darkness.....
HOWEVER.....we received some wonderful GIFTS, from these developments....let's take account...
- Commissioner Courtney Burke was appointed as the leader of NY State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
- NY State OPWDD adopted the NADSP Code of Ethics.
- NY State OPWDD created the first statewide Core Direct Support Professional Competencies.
- NY State established a Justice Center for People with Special Needs
- Provider agencies began to see that direct support needed to be recognized more seriously as a profession and craft rather than the "cost of doing business"
- Many, many other positive things have happened in spite of the articles defaming and blasting the evil-doing direct support staff throughout the state. Yes, there are some bad people out there..... they are few in comparison to the kind you can read about below!! Please read this light from Jamestown, NY....
There is light in the darkness.....
