FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Berkshire County Arc
395 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Over 300 Attend 17th Annual Legislative Breakfast
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (Apr. 4, 2017) – On Friday, March 24th, legislators, caregivers, individuals and staff from Berkshire County human service agencies gathered for the 17th Annual Legislative Breakfast “Let Our Voice Be Heard: Advocating for Support and Services for People with Disabilities” at the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield, Mass. Kenneth W. Singer, President and CEO of Berkshire County Arc facilitated the event. Participating in the forum were State Senator Adam Hinds and Reps. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Gailanne Cariddi, and Paul Mark.
Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer and North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright provided remarks which were followed by stories from human service employees, individuals, and parents about the extensive level of care that they provide and/or receive from these local organizations.
The legislators in attendance expressed their understanding that it will be a tough road ahead with the new legislation being put into effect and budget cuts. They will continue to fight for the rights of individuals with disabilities here in Berkshire County and in Washington, and expressed that voices will be heard loud and clear through their representation.
Individuals, family members, and staff from many diverse human service agencies in Berkshire County told heartwarming stories about their trials, tribulations, and triumphs living with and serving those with disabilities.
Connie, who has Cerebral Palsy and is wheelchair-bound in her beautiful pink wheelchair, is able to live at home with her mother, Pat Most, largely in part to the services that she is able to receive from Berkshire County Arc’s Day Habilitation Program, the Center for Development in Lee, MA. Connie spends time at the program each day, and also enjoys expressing her artistic talents at Community Access to the Arts (CATA). Pat’s also learned very valuable information through the Red Cross about how to take care of Connie in case of an emergency through the Red Cross’s training on the Heimlich maneuver for those in a wheelchair.
Dan Hermanski, a paraplegic, widower, and a client of AdLib, told his story of perseverance and strength working for the MassDOT 25 hours/week, driving himself to work, downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak with his wheelchair support group, and providing for his family through his daily interaction with PCA program staff enabling him to access the services he needs.
Doris Sartori has been advocating on behalf of her children for the past 63 years. Through United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County (UCP) family support services, Doris is able to receive help taking her three children to medical, dental and vision appointments, laundry and cleaning, while still being able to keep her children in her home under her loving care.
The event was made possible through the efforts of the following attending partner agencies: Ad Lib, Inc.; Association for Community Living; BAROCO Corporation; Berkshire Children and Families; Berkshire County Arc; Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Inc.; Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts; Department of Developmental Services; Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires; Guidewire, Inc.; Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission; ServiceNet; and United Cerebral Palsy Association of Berkshire County.
Contact:
Katrina Cardillo
Director of Marketing & Development
413-499-4241 ext. 254
kcardillo@bcarc.org
