Stop the Closure of Sheltered Work Environments in New York State

We ask that all of our legislators and our Governor and OPWDD come and tour our employment centers, talk to the individuals that work their, our business partners in our communities, and then answer the question of why they would close these down with a more costly and insufficient alternative

I dont understand why this is even being concidered. some of this population truly can not function in a typical work envrionment but are more capable to do activites than found in a day hab.

The Achieve Program has been very beneficial to the NYSEG organization for the past 20 plus years. These folks are truly hard workers and have become our family.

A Letter from a concerned parent: I would like your help on behalf of those individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, to ask our Governor NOT to close the employment centers that are being effectively run… and are in partnership with our local community businesses. I understand these employment centers are to be closed as a small part of a NYS plan, (think of this as “collateral damage"), to settle other issues related to Medicaid with the Federal Government. The alternative options on the table, if they come true, will be woefully insufficient, will further isolate this disabled population, and in the end, be more costly than letting these centers run as they do today. As a parent of an individual who works at a similar facility, it would be a detriment to his social well being if he could not go to work on a daily basis as other non-disabled individuals do. Thank you, William L. Sands, AIA LEED AP BD+C

A Letter from a concerned board member and parent: October 13, 2014 I strongly support ACHIEVE's petition to maintain our employment centers for persons with disabilities, particularly since no effective alternatives have even been suggested. If suitable and realistic jobs were available in the community to those we serve, they would be placed in those jobs. We have been doing this thru Supported Work for many years. Those who work in our employment centers are there because they are unable to find or perform jobs in the community even at minimum wage. Denying this option, which most of our workers embrace, and relegating them to staying home or going to a day program is not in their interest and contrary to Olmstead. James M. Hayes, Esq.

A Letter from a concerned business partner: October 15, 2014 To Local Legislators and The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, Bates Troy Inc. stands by its corporate partners ACHIEVE and Country Valley Industries (CVI) in opposition to the proposed closing of New York State's sheltered workshops. In its Binghamton facility Bates Troy Inc. processes approximately 14,000,000 pounds of healthcare linens per year. Every day some of these linens are sent out to about 100 disabled employees for processing at the CVI facility in Johnson City, NY. Individuals with disabilities in Broome and Tioga counties have had the opportunity to work on New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) Preferred Source laundry contracts at the Country Valley production center and at the Bates Troy facility since 2003. While Bates Troy has directly employed some of the disabled workforce at our own facility in the past, Stephen Schrauger who worked for Bates Troy for more than a decade was NYSID Employee of the Year in 2012, it is unrealistic, financially and physically, to assume that Bates Troy Inc. could provide the proper supervision and infrastructure necessary to employ many of the clients that now are in sheltered workshops. Furthermore, if the sheltered workshops are closed it becomes unclear what would happen to the NYSID Preferred Source laundry contracts that are factored into linens supply of many of New York State’s biggest hospitals. Each day, more than 100 local residents with disabilities are folding and processing laundry for Bates Troy customers like SUNY Upstate Medical University, nursing facilities and veterans homes, and the Greater Binghamton Health Center. Without the sheltered workshops it is unclear how this service could continue. So, again Bates Troy Inc. must concur with ACHIEVE and CVI and oppose the closing of NY's sheltered workshops. Thank you. Sincerely, Ara Kradjian Vice-President and C.0.0. Ba

As an employee with a non-profit organization that works with individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the Southern Tier Region of New York State, this cause is very near and dear to my heart. I see the 300+ individuals who work in our Employment Centers. They are happy to have work, to be earning a paycheck, and to have the opportunity to socialize with peers. New York State wants all 300+ of these individuals to obtain employment in the community. First, I ask you, where are these 300+ jobs going to come from considering the current unemployment rate? Secondly, I ask you, what will happen to the majority of these 300+ individuals with more severe disabilities who simply can’t function in community employment? And finally, I ask you, how will our business partners handle the loss of so many good, reliable employees contracted to do the work that keeps their businesses open and thriving, and what impact will that have on the local economy? I quite honestly don’t see one good outcome from this and believe that Governor Cuomo needs to reevaluate keeping sheltered work environments open in New York State. Please sign this petition.

The elimination of the sheltered workshop program would deal a severe blow to indivduals with developmental disabilities. These indivduals are no different than you or I, as they gain a sense of purpose and self-worth through their employment. For many of the vast majority of these people, this is their only option, and it makes them HAPPY. Isn't the American Dream Life , Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? Would we deny them this?

ARC in Fulton provides an upbeat, friendly atmosphere where persons with disabilities learn skills and enjoy friendships with others. I do wish that there was more work for them to do but when work isn't provided the staff there provide consumers with activities that are meaningful for them. Staff also take consumers into the community for leisure, work and social skills training opportunities.

Work centers help prepare people for work in their community, as well as a source of pride and productivity for inidividuals who attend work centers long term.

I work with at least one individual that would not be successful in an integrated community employment situation due to her disabilities and need for supports, but she thrives in her work center job and takes pride in the work she does and the paycheck she earns. There are many of these types of scenerios with in the work centers across this state. There needs to be something for individuals like this. They will have no chice except day hab when the centers close.

Work Centers should remain available to individuals who want/need them.

As someone who works side by side with individuals with disabilities and having a child with disabilities myself, I know how important a Sheltered Work environment is to both parents and the individuals employed there. If the work centers were to close, millions of dollars would have to be spent to create larger day habilitation facilities to accomodate the individuals that no longer have a job and still require oversight. The work centers provide the indiviiduals with the same sense of responsibility as any other employed person, it gives them structure and a sense of being a part of society.

The majority of individuals live at home with their families that provide 24/7. To suddenly lose the "respite" that they have and need to be able to work to support the family will be catastrophic on the family and the system itself. I fear for the safety of individuals that will be left alone and the financial viability of the family to take on added caregiver costs .

Work creates healthy purpose driven life which creates happiness and a self esteem. Eight thousand of our most vulnerable citizens will be negatively impacted by cuts to pre-vocational, sheltered work environments provided by not-for-profit in NYS.

Please keep the workshop open.

Please keep the workshop open. My sister has been at Onondaga Arc for many years. She looks forward to going every day. She feels good about her work. She enjoys interacting with her supervisors and co-workers.

PLEASE....DO NOT CLOSE THE DOORS ON THEM!!

Shetered Workshops are vitally important to individuals with developmental disabilities. Closing these programs would be detrimental not only to individuals with developmental disabilities but the local business communities as well. DO NOT CLOSE THESE PROGRAMS!!

My brother works at ARC, and is VERY happy there. He would not be able to work in the community. PLEASE don't close these sheltered work places. My brother would have NO place to work. Why punish him, and those like him? If it's not broke, don't fix it.