Perkins School for the Blind Transition Center

75 Years: AHRC New York City to Celebrate Milestone Anniversary on May 13th, 2024

It is with pride in an unsurpassed history and great hope for the future that AHRC New York City kicks off its 75th year with a Gala on May 13th. The organization began in 1948 with a $3 ad in the New York Post placed by Ann Greenberg, a Bronx housewife whose young son with developmental...

The Economic Undervaluing of the Direct Support Professional Workforce: Unveiling Societal Values and Discrimination Against People with Disabilities

In the intricate tapestry of our society, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) stand as unsung heroes, offering unwavering support to individuals with disabilities. However, despite their invaluable contributions, the DSP workforce remains severely undervalued economically, reflecting broader...

AHRC NYC’s Memorial Goldfarb Symposium Highlights Court Rulings Overlook Impact on Disability Community

Applying a disability lens to the U.S. Supreme Court decisions makes it clear that recent rulings, including affirmative action, have a significant impact on the community, according to a panel of experts at AHRC New York City’s first Memorial Michael Goldfarb Symposium. “People of color...

Hiring People with Disabilities as Direct Support Staff – AHRC NYC Advance & Earn Provides Training and Support for NYC Youth With and Without Disabilities

“He has this desire to learn.” “I knew he was personable and had the temperament for the job.” These are the words of some AHRC New York City staff describing Alex DeCarlo, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who brings a unique perspective to his colleagues and the people with...

Marriage Proposal Carries Consequences

Jayson Valles recalls the first time he saw Cecilia Primera. That was 12 years ago during AHRC New York City’s Sunday Trip program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He knew immediately that Cecilia was different than other women. He introduced himself to her and...

Forbes Lists AHRC New York City as One of America’s Best Employers

AHRC New York City was recently named one of Forbes America's Best Midsize Employers for a second consecutive year. Founded in 1949, AHRC NYC has grown into the state’s largest nonprofit organization supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AHRC NYC was...

Student with Autism Proposes Colleges Provide More Support Enabling People with Disabilities to Earn a Degree AHRC NYC: Program Fuels Desire to Help Others Pursue Higher Education

AHRC NYC Program Fuels Desire to Help Others Pursue Higher Education Meghan Mattei models herself after pioneers such as Erin Brockovich and Temple Grandin. “I want to be a self-advocate and advocate for children and adults with disabilities,” she says. “I will fight for our...

Starting with AHRC NYC Program, Student with Autism Earns Bachelor’s from Hunter College: A First for Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program

Sam Wilkinson always knew he would go to college. However, he recalled having some doubts after enrolling in AHRC New York City’s Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program (MHREP) at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). The program provides a fully inclusive higher education...

Technology Continues to Enhance Lives of People AHRC New York City Supports

What started as a discussion about how to keep the people AHRC New York City supports and their families more connected amid the pandemic has turned into a popular virtual Friday Night Dance Party. With the city on lockdown and summer camp closed, there were no opportunities for in-person...

AHRC NYC’s Laura McCabe, BCBA, Urges Teachers to Keep an Open Mind and Give Students a Chance to Change

The following is an interview with Laura McCabe, BCBA, Coordinator at AHRC New York City’s Middle High School. What made you decide to go into this field? Did you always know you wanted to work with students on the autism spectrum?  I was always interested in understanding the human mind...