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 MARCH
IS RECOGNIZED AS "DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
AWARENESS MONTH" IN DANSVILLE
In celebration of community members with
intellectual and developmental
disabilities, their families, and
friends, the Dansville (NY) Village
Board and Mayor William H. Dixon issued
a proclamation declaring March 2008 as
Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Month in the Village.
The proclamation was officially adopted
at the Tuesday, March 11 Dansville
Village Board meeting, in a resolution
that was unanimously carried by the
Village Board of Trustees.
Mayor Dixon publicly issued the
proclamation before a crowd of about 125
people on Wednesday evening, March
19, during a community Open House at the
Karrie Deiter IRA, an
Individualized Residential Alternative
operated by The Arc of
Livingston-Wyoming on Morse Street in
Dansville.
An IRA is a specialized group home
designed to serve individuals who are
able to live on their own with the aid
and support of trained staff. The
Arc operates 14 IRAs throughout
Livingston and Wyoming Counties.
The Karrie Deiter IRA is named in memory
a young woman who was to live there.
A dear friend to residents, their
families, and staff, Karrie passed away
on September 11, 2007, while her new
home was being constructed. Internally,
the IRA is affectionately referred to as
“Karrie’s Castle.” Today, Karrie's
Castle is home to six women who are
making the transition from their family
homes to independent living.
"I'm very proud of the girls here," said
Kristen Austen, Site Supervisor for
Karrie's Castle. "They're doing a
great job, as are the staff. It is
also wonderful to work with all of the
parents and families."
"If you ever want an uplifting moment,
come over and visit," added Marcy
VanZandt, whose daughter, Casey, lives
at Karrie's Castle. "I want to
thank the community of Dansville for
welcoming the girls. They truly
love their new home."
Below is the full text of the
proclamation, as read by Mayor Dixon.
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WHEREAS |
Developmental Disabilities
affect more than 7 million
Americans and their families;
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AND WHEREAS |
public awareness and education
can enhance a community’s
understanding of the issues
affecting people with
developmental disabilities;
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AND WHEREAS |
people with developmental
disabilities can be vital and
vibrant members of our
communities, improving the
quality of life for all of us;
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AND WHEREAS |
the
month of March has been
designated Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month,
with 100,000 members and 900
Chapters of the The Arc
undertaking public awareness,
educational, and fundraising
initiatives;
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AND WHEREAS |
The
Arc of the United States is the
nation’s leading volunteer-based
organization advocating for and
with people with developmental
disabilities and their families;
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NOW THEREFORE |
Mayor William H. Dixon does
hereby proclaim March 2008, as
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
AWARENESS MONTH in Dansville,
and urges that the citizens of
Dansville give full support to
efforts towards enabling people
with developmental disabilities
to live full and productive
lives of inclusion in our
communities.
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