Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council

Meaningful Day Committee

Pilar Jones – AHRC
Trudy Pines – AHRC
Jajaida Gonzalez – SUS
Gillian LeBron – Goodwill

This committee will focus on promoting the well-being and autonomy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across their entire lifespan. We will explore initiatives that address various stages of life, from birth through childhood, and adulthood into aging, by touching on topics such as; children’s services, transition services, day habilitation, and employment services. Our aim is to combine insight and resources from self-advocates, families, providers, care managers, employers and more, to tackle issues, provide clarity and guidance, and help navigate these complex systems. Most importantly, we can combine our voices in the effort to help advocate for change within the systems.

Family, Provider & Care Management Information Committee

Debra Greif – Brooklyn Family Support Service Advisory Council
Rose Sauls – Brooklyn Community Services

This committee provides information and outreach to the I/DD community of Brooklyn along with representatives from families, agencies, state officials. Through ongoing monthly meetings, relevant topics will be presented and discussed, including Family Support Services, Family Reimbursement, Self-Direction, Care Management, etc. If you are a family member, self-advocate, care manager or service provider, there will be something of interest for you to attend.

Legislative Committee

Lucina Clarke – My Time Inc.
Maria Willis – CP Unlimited

This committee was established to help educate the general public regarding the achievements and challenges of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is a place where advocacy happens and the voices of those who live in the system can be heard.

Residential & Housing Committee

Melissa DaCosta-England – SUS
Marthum L. K. Brown-Tulloch – Block Institute

This committee is composed of providers and family members to assist families who are looking for placement, as well as for people already in a residence who have questions about residential services. The committee demonstrates the benefits of a good partnership between families and providers with a shared goal to share and problem solve residential and housing issues. Providers are available to explain the regulations that govern the operation of the residences and how parents can best advocate for their loved ones.