The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Special Needs

Exceptional People: A New, New Castle Committee Formed to Address Special Needs

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A New, New Castle Committee Formed to Address Special Needs

Kevin O’Brien
Kevin O’Brien
By Heather Skolnick

The Census Bureau estimated in 2010 that 19% of the United States population has a disability. That’s approximately one in five. That means in a group of five friends, one of them may have a disability. In a classroom with 20 students, four may have a disability. While the definition of disability may be broad, the prevalence of it in the United States is incredible.

National statistics on those with a disability are alarming. Those with a disability are significantly less likely to earn their high school diploma. They also earn far less than their same age peers, and are far more likely to be living in poverty.

To support our neighbors in our community with disabilities, in 2015, the town of New Castle formed the New Castle Exceptional People Committee. According to Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, its mission is to “report and make recommendations to the Town Board on the concerns of the Town’s special needs residents, provide updates on the Americans with Disabilities Act, and disseminate information on the Town’s recreational, educational and social programming for all age groups of residents with special needs.

The Committee will focus its efforts on organized recreational, educational, social and skill-building activities and work to raise general awareness about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.”

Thus far in 2016, nine members were appointed and a round table session was held to discuss employment opportunities for people with special needs. The committee meets a few times a month and discusses the things they would like to accomplish. The Committee includes people who have disabilities themselves as well as those who have a friend or family member who does.

I met with Kevin O’Brien, one of the appointed members of the Committee. Kevin is the youngest member of the committee and has special needs. At 19, he brings a unique perspective and represents the young adult population. Kevin is very passionate about the New Castle Exceptional People Committee. He said, “It offers me a good way to express my ideas and suggest strategies for people with different disabilities that we think can make their future better.”

Kevin’s ideas span the gamut, from social to physical to philanthropic activities. Kevin would love local opportunities to be social, in a way that is comfortable to him and people like him. He is, after all, a teenager, and would like to be with peers and have fun! He has organized his ideas into two categories. The first encompasses exercise and nature. He suggests organized bike rides, hikes, bird watching. Another idea is watching sports, but for those with sensory issues, all buzzers, loud noises and flashing lights eliminated. he second category includes ways to be a part of the community. He suggests book discussion groups, art and music classes.

Kevin also suggested a Habitat for Humanity project that is specific to the Special Needs community and their abilities. These are all things that New Castle currently offers for the general population, but Kevin suggests separate instances with modifications as needed.

Kevin recently graduated from high school and will soon be looking for a first job that suits his skill set and meets his interests while accommodating his special needs. This is an area the committee will continue to address–how to ensure that the special needs community has the necessary job skills to get and maintain a job as well as how to find an appropriate position. Perhaps someone reading this very article knows of something that would be a good fit for Kevin!

A recent post on Facebook’s Chappaqua Moms group by one of the members let the community know of the group’s existence with the intent of identifying more of the Special Needs community. The group wants to be sure that they truly are serving the wishes of the community that spans young and old, with various disabilities. The need is clear for a group such as this one and there is no doubt that they will accomplish much if my conversation with Kevin is any indicator.

When I initially reached out to Kevin via email, he responded, “I am so inspired by the town‘s responsiveness to the concerns of people with disabilities.” But it is I who is inspired by him and his passion for making this town a better place for those with a disability.

Heather Skolnick and her husband Neal  have three young children. They have been New Castle residents for ten years. When Heather isn’t writing articles, she works for a footwear company as their Director of Planning.

Proud and Inspired

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Photo by Melanie Lust
Photo by Melanie Lust

For June, I’m incredibly proud and inspired to have brought so many of my sponsors together  to so eloquently convey how they go about working with families who have children with Special Needs, or, as my remarkable friend and financial advocate for special needs families Laurie Nemeroff  pointed out to me, on behalf of those children who are simply differently abled!

I was equally moved following a thoroughly enjoyable March meeting on Long Island with Kevin Gersh, founder of “The Gersh Experience”–I learned about Gersh through Laurie. Her step-son Jared, who has Asperger’s, has benefitted immensely from their program.  Below too is just one example from our “Special Needs” section of how my sponsors have addressed a most deserving and able population. It’s about the “Moving Wheels & Heels Program” at the Steffi Nossen School of Dance since 2002.

The rest of the issue: a cover story highlighting New Castle’s Summer Concert series spotlights Tramps Like Us band leader and Chappaqua dad Mark Salore, as depicted by Carolyn Simpson, and as generously told by our Chamber’s Rob Greenstein.  Leaf through these pages and you’ll  also learn about an avid Hillary blogger, “Still4Hill.”  There’s also a sweet write up by an equally proud and inspired dad about a July wedding for two Greeley sweethearts, including his son.

Sadly, at least two profound tragedies transpired while preparing this issue… one in Boston, of course, and one closer to home. My goal here is simply to highlight beauty and hope. Toward that end, I bring you a diary of the shattering but also the later uplifting days by Zarah Kavarana, a  Boston University freshman from Briarcliff Manor. And, on behalf of Teresa, Eugene and Theo, I offer a special remembrance in words and pictures to honor the brilliant and talented Chatschik Bisdikian.

Love to you all; have a safe and happy summer.

Town Sports “VIP” Programs a Hit

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By Gillian Hand

Every Saturday afternoon, sneakers are laced, team jerseys put on, and excitement builds. It’s game day. Players head to the field, ready for an afternoon of soccer.

Sam Mason, a VIP Player
Sam Mason, a VIP Player

This isn’t just any Chappaqua sport, though. This is AYSO VIP, a program dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable sports experience for children with mental, social or physical disabilities that prevent them from participating on town teams. VIP, which stands for “Very Important Player,” teaches the foundation and skills of the game while also addressing the particular needs of every player. Like mainstream AYSO soccer, the program runs in both the fall and spring, and plays like any other AYSO sport.

With over 20 players, ranging from ages four to 14, VIP allows all children with varying disabilities the opportunity to learn, have fun and be a part of a team. The program helps build self-esteem and provides chances for exercise and socialization with others. At the start of each session, each player is assigned a “buddy”–an able-bodied volunteer helper who assists them both on and off the field. Each practice/game starts with group stretching, after which players can choose to play in the game or simply work on their skills with their buddies. These volunteers stay with the children throughout the practice, always teaching, assisting and encouraging. Whether it’s a high-five for a good kick or a cheer for a goal, buddies keep the kids in high spirits and enthusiastic about the game. There is always space set aside for one-on-one attention, and many different activities that the players can engage in.

Part of the Team

VIP Coordinator Josh Lurie first learned about VIP when he brought his daughter Charlotte to a similar program in Tarrytown several years ago. Thrilled with the opportunity it presented for his special needs child, he went to AYSO to propose a VIP program in Chappaqua. In 2010, the program was born here in town, and with support from the community and AYSO, VIP has progressed into the “fun, safe and healthy sports environment” Lurie hoped it to be.  He even hopes to eventually have games against the VIP teams in other towns.

Josh Lurie and his daughter, Charlotte. Photo by Joanna Segal
Josh Lurie and his daughter, Charlotte. Photo by Joanna Segal

Parents of the players, says Lurie, have been incredibly grateful for the program. “They can sit down and watch their kids run around, which they usually don’t get the opportunity to do.” Parent Joanna Segal, who’s daughter Leora, age 12, participates in VIP, finds the program wonderful. With two other daughters who play Chappaqua sports, she loves being able to also see Leora as part of a team, enjoying not only the sports themselves but the social aspect as well.  “Leora is so excited when she wakes up in the morning knowing it’s game day,” said Segal. “She puts on her uniform proudly and is so thrilled to be part of the team. VIP has allowed her to be more connected to the community.”

Expanding Beyond Soccer

The popularity of the VIP soccer program convinced Lurie that a similar program could be offered during the winter. With the assistance of the New Castle Youth Basketball Association, which helps scheduling court time, VIP basketball was introduced two years ago, and has become popular as well. Not only does the basketball program give the kids another activity to engage in during soccer’s off season, but it also provides an outlet for winter activity and maintains the contact with the friends they made during the fall.

As the program and its need for buddies grew, a Greeley club was formed to recruit and coordinate the volunteers. VIP Special Connection, formed by Greeley students Margot Putnam and Dana Weinberg about a year ago, spreads word of the program and informs the volunteers of practice time and location. Special Connection has doubled the number of volunteer buddies, typically  7th through 12th graders, many of whom form relationships with the VIP children and truly get to know them.

Changing Lives

“VIP has been one of the most rewarding things in any aspect of my life.” said Lurie. “You can see the impact it has on kids.” Kids gain a sense of joy and normalcy, which may not always come easily to them.  As they score a goal and look up to see their parents cheering for them from the sidelines, or return to their families after the concluding VIP cheer, the players’ smiles are contagious.  As a VIP “buddy” who has worked with these young soccer and basketball players for the past two years, I can’t help but smile along with them. Being able to see their progress and happiness is a feeling like no other, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to participate in this extraordinary program. For more info, visit

chappaquaayso.org/VIP.asp.

Gillian Hand will be a freshman at  Horace Greeley High School in the fall.

 

Remarkable Individuals

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By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

Joseph D’Adamo
Joseph D’Adamo

Outsiders are often unacquainted with the world inhabited by special needs children. Tomes on the subject are few and far between. Eager to shed light on their rewarding lives, several local families graciously shared their perspective.

Debra Marino spoke of the way in which siblings explain their brothers’ and sisters’ differences to others. When her son, Dylan Bower wanders over to greet his sister Alana and her friends, Alana says, “This is my brother.  He has autism.  He can’t speak too well.”

For Dylan, being among typical kids–which he enjoys immensely– brings its own set of challenges. One day when he was at a pool, talking and splashing to his heart’s content, one of the other boys asked Marino:  “What’s wrong with him?”  “His brain works differently from yours,” she responded. The next question posed was:  “Is it catching?”

Max Krooks’ energy is amazing. On vacations in La Quinta, California, his days include swimming, biking and shuffleboard. “I don’t get tired,” he  related.  Having cerebral palsy and being developmentally delayed diminishes neither his pace nor his desire to remain active.  After a busy day, he craves muffin tops from Stew Leonard’s.

Max Krooks
Max Krooks

At home, Krooks is always on the go. Every week he smiles from the saddle when he participates in the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program. Volunteers surround Cinnamon, his usual horse, as Krooks posts and trots around the ring.  His proud mother, Robin Krooks, watches each session and revels in his success. “He’s an equestrian when he’s on a horse,” she said.  In a magical dance, the riders follow the gait of the horses. This practice translates into dramatic improvements in posture and movement in their daily routines.

Another important facet of Max’s life involves–you guessed it–more sports.  His long list of activities includes playing VIP soccer (AYSO’s program for kids with special needs) and competing in the Special Olympics as part of North East Westchester Special Recreation’s swim team. He often asks his mother whether she will be attending his activities.  “He loves when people cheer him on,” his mother related.

Lee Block is an advocate for people with Asperger’s, like himself. He eagerly answered a reporter’s questions. “I can share my experiences and hope people will learn from them,” he said.

Attending a talk by John Elder Robison, the author of “Look Me in the Eye,” was a pivotal moment for Block. Robinson’s memoir focuses on his life with Asperger’s. “I felt very connected. That’s exactly how I felt. I understand his predicament,” Block said.

Lee Block
Lee Block

Block described his comfort level when he is with his Aspy friends. “Most boys my age like to play sports and talk about girls,” Block explained. “We stick to our own little world and that’s how I like it,” he continued.

His mother, Toddi Gutner, added further insight into this aspect of Block’s life.  After deciding that public school was not a good fit for her son, she and her husband enrolled him at the Winston Preparatory School.  Here, they found a compatible environment, one that eschews loud music, lockers and bells.  Gutner explained the way in which this setting meets her son’s needs:  “I’m not different there,” he told her. “That’s human nature,” Gutner mused.  “Everybody needs their own people.”

Lori D’Adamo’s son Joseph, who is classified as multi-disabled due to the effects of a seizure disorder, benefits greatly from his participation in North East Special Recreation. He enjoys a slew of fun activities including bowling, field trips and dances at the American Legion Hall.

Joseph’s parents nurture his passion for Broadway musicals by taking him to the theatre once a month. His happiness radiates during the shows. When Lori looks at him sitting beside her, she sees him “beaming from ear to ear.”

Dylan and Alana Marino
Dylan and Alana Marino

At home, Joseph often bursts into song spontaneously, singing one of his favorite tunes. His mom is often treated to a rendition of “Luck be a Lady” from “Guys and Dolls.”

The inspiration for this article came from Sarah Ellen Rindsberg’s fond recollection of the baby’s voice in “Look Homeward, Angel.”

Where Dance is for Everyone

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steffi pixThe Steffi Nossen Dance Foundation, believing that Dance is for Everyone, began its Moving Wheels & Heels program of classes in 2002. The program was originally developed by Master Teachers Barbara and Sabatino Verlezza, with the help of Nancy Lushington, as Dancing Wheels of the Cleveland Ballet. In the years since, the program has grown from a Summer Dance Intensive to year-round programs for children, teens and adults and an outreach program which continues to serve countless day programs, recreation centers, hospitals and residential facilities for people with special needs.

Throughout history, people have always danced to express emotions, traditions and beliefs. In our classes, stand-up and sit-down dancers work together on creative expression, range of motion, technique, and learning dance vocabulary.  Our goal is for participants to experience the joy of moving to music while developing and increasing strength, flexibility, social skills and self-confidence through modern dance. All movement is adapted so that all can participate to their fullest and enjoy success. Many new friends are made.

We believe that dance is for everyone: old, young, able-bodied, people with physical and developmental limitations, professional and recreational dancers.  Dance can be a powerful tool to broaden the mind and engage the spirit.  Inclusive dance classes develop independence and improve the quality of life for people with limitations. Join us the summer to experience the Joy of Dance at our Moving Wheels Summer Dance Intensive June 17-22 or our Summer Camp for Children June 24-26. Please check www.steffinossen.org , for further information.