Roberta Barnes-Downing and Pedro Rivera were faced with the challenge of changing times and the need for innovation. Charged with the responsibility of supervising the "light line" of sheltered workshop consumers at COMHAR’s day program and facing a dwindling amount of available contract work, Roberta and Pedro had to invent a new program for the light line workers and find meaningful ways for them to spend their days.

Physical exercise became their starting place. They organized an exercise group and each person took turns being the leader. For many of the group participants, this was their first opportunity to be a leader. They began group discussion to increase each person’s knowledge base and expand their horizons, enabling them to make more informed choices. During group discussions, several individuals mentioned they were interested in exercising their right to vote. Roberta initiated voter education and arranged for a voting machine to be delivered to the day program. When participants talked about never receiving or writing a letter, Roberta and Pedro organized a Pen Pal program, recruiting community members to exchange correspondence with group members. Roberta and Pedro continue to explore each consumers’ interests, always on the lookout for opportunities to expand activities offered.

As a result of Roberta’s and Pedro’s innovations, the group has flourished. One formerly very shy individual will now stand up in front of the group and lead them in exercises. Another person gained the confidence to take a job in the community. Group members have much greater control over the activities in which they participate than ever before and exercise their rights to choose how they spend their time as a direct result of Roberta’s and Pedro’s efforts.

Dr. Stanley Graubard, D.D.S.

Ryan Youngman was in dire need of emergency help several years ago. A fall due to a seizure broke his front tooth, leaving him with a sharp spike and bleeding mouth. His own dentist was gone for the day, leading Ryan’s mother, Lynn Youngman, on a search for help. It was her good fortune to find Dr. Graubard. "I looked around and breathed a sigh of relief. We were in the right spot," wrote Lynn Youngman of Ryan’s first visit to Dr. Graubard’s office. With patience and concern, Dr. Graubard not only repaired Ryan’s injury, he continued to provide fine dental services for years to come.

Herb A. Grant never worked with people with disabilities until he came, by chance, to Other Options in 1997. He had experienced tough times in his own life and overcame his own problem behaviors. "A spark was put in me to help someone else the same way someone had helped me," said Herb. Herb met Aaron Richards, who had great difficulty controlling his anger and emotions, and saw that Aaron was much like himself. The ability to recognize that fact gave Herb the empathy and respect for Aaron that formed the basis of their relationship. "Relationship is the key," said Herb, who helped Aaron process and understand the events of his day, relieving Aaron’s frustration and building trust. "Over time, because of Herb’s expertise at helping Aaron¼ process his experiences and understand his feelings, Aaron has been able to take control of his life," wrote Aaron’s father, Karl Thaler.

Sister Margaret Maura Kirby, affectionately known by all as "Sister Peg", advocated for youth and adults with developmental disabilities to have more choices in social and recreational activities. In the early nineties, few opportunities for social/ recreational activities existed outside of the school setting. In 1991, Sister Peg proposed a new program: Transforming Opportunities with Disabled Adults and Youth (TODAY). The Arch Diocese agreed to a one year trial period for the fledgling program.

Sister Peg recruited participants without disabilities from area high schools, colleges and parish elementary schools along with participants with disabilities. "We come together – and always together," said Sister Peg. The program does not allow activities exclusively for people with disabilities; activities must be done with people with disabilities. Sister Peg, who has implemented suggestions and requests for new activities that others did not dream possible, exclaimed "I never let ‘no’ be part of our vocabulary." Starting with approximately forty five participants, TODAY now serves over six hundred. Offering more than twenty recreational programs, including Buddy Ball, Theatrical Troupe, parish held dances, Winterfest, trips to the shore and travel to Catholic Youth gatherings across the country, TODAY fills a crucial need for adults and youth with disabilities - as well as providing enriching opportunities for nondisabled participants. "We can all learn from each other," said Sister Peg.

A former special education teacher and school principal, Sister Peg emphasized her belief that with the proper supports and the right people to help, a space can be created for a person with a disability to do anything. "There’s nothing [people with disabilities] can’t do," said Sister Peg. "If we can dream it, we can do it."

Brendan Muszynski is the older sibling of Andrew, who is diagnosed with autism. Participating in the family goal to keep Andrew active in his community, Brendan has become Andrew’s primary mentor. Although initially disappointed to learn that his brother was born with a disability, "Brendan quickly learned how to play with his brother, communicate with him and become his advocate. Andrew could not have a more caring brother and dedicated advocate," wrote the boys’ father, Kevin Muszynski.

"When I first met Brendan I thought he was a volunteer or a friend for Andrew - not realizing he was his brother. His care for him was incredible. He treated him just like one of his buddies, but with extra kindness. He would try to get Andrew to do more than he could, but in a fun and loving way," wrote James Scanlon. "Children react in many different ways to a sibling with special needs. For Brendan, his brother was just Andrew who he helped to learn and grow – as he himself has," wrote Carol Ross.

Brendan has taught Andrew "the technique", which is a way of getting Andrew to repeat a word or phrase with prompting. This is an amazing feat considering that Andrew is nonverbal. Giving up his free time to watch Andrew has been hard on Brendan, as is taking Andrew out in public when he acts out. However, Brendan points out that teaching Andrew new things is fun. "Andrew’s a handful, but he’s great to have around," said Brendan.

Currently enrolled in his senior year of high school at the Charter High School for Architecture and Design, Brendan plans to attend college next year.

Ilene Shane, founder and Executive Director of the Disabilities Law Project, has advocated and litigated on behalf of persons with disabilities for the past twenty –seven years. In addition to litigation, Ms. Shane devotes her time to advocating for the rights and needs of people with disabilities with the Department of Public Welfare and Pennsylvania Legislature, providing community education, and works with advocacy organizations and coalitions of advocacy organizations.

Ms. Shane has been extremely successful advocating for community services for people with disabilities. Her work includes Clark v. Cohen in which the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld that the Commonwealth’s failure to implement the judgment of their professionals to provide community services to an institutionalized plaintiff with retardation violated the US Constitution; Daniel B v. White, a class action on behalf of persons with retardation at Woodhaven Center, resulting in seventy-seven individuals being placed in the community with necessary services, and allocating money to service persons with retardation who were on the "waiting list" for community services. These accomplishments represent only a piece of Ms. Shane’s ongoing work to assist people with disabilities to return to the community and live productive lives.

"Ilene and I have been colleagues and office mates for several decades," wrote Janet Lonsdale. "I know her personal and professional qualities well, and have the greatest respect and admiration for both." Co-author of the publication, "Estate Planning for Parents of Handicapped Children", Ms. Shane continues her outstanding work with the Disabilities Law Project.

Kenneth Woodson is a hard working, independent young man. He experienced years of frustration and difficulty due to his disabilities while in school. Overcoming numerous obstacles as he grew into adulthood, Kenneth has made tremendously positive changes in his life. Kenneth has worked forty hours per week for Wawa, Inc. at two different South Philadelphia locations for five years. When faced with the decision to lower his hours worked per week to keep his Supplemental Security Income or to become totally self-supporting, he chose to work full time.

A dedicated employee, Kenneth shows up on time for work every day that he is scheduled. He is so dedicated to his job that during the 1998 SEPTA strike, Kenneth rode his bicycle from his home in West Philadelphia to work in South Philadelphia. Kenneth lives with his 91 year old grandmother, whom he helps to look after. A loving grandson, Kenneth grocery shops for the household and prepares meals for himself and his grandmother. He serves his community by volunteering at the House of Umoja, helping to collect and distribute food to the needy during food drives. Kenneth is also a faithful member of Vine Memorial Church. Each year, Kenneth runs track and bowls in the Special Olympics. Continuing to expand his interests, Kenneth has branched into computers. He enjoyed working with computers so much that he purchased a computer for himself and has learned to access the Internet and communicate with family and friends via email.

Kenneth is "very independent in his living," stated Charmian Ramey, Kenneth’s support coordinator. "With the continued support of his mother and extended family, I know that Kenneth will continue to excel and obtain any goal that he sets for himself."

Pia Nicolini is the proud mother of five children. Two of her children, daughters Ignacia and Carlotta, were born with developmental disabilities. Thrust into the role of dealing with adversity, Pia saw that it helped her grow in ways she never thought of before. "I actually owe a lot to my children who have been my teachers – my wings," said Pia.

"My mother taught me how to be a good person inside. She said to me, disability isn’t everything, being a good person is what counts," said daughter Ignacia Robinson, who nominated Pia for the award. "My daughters are so brave dealing with daily life," said Pia. "Dealing with how you’re going to go about your dreams... What’s the future going to be...I always told the kids you can do what you want¼If you don’t live up to your potential, you’re cheating yourself."

While Pia prepared her daughters well for adult life, Ignacia surprised her by announcing that she wanted to marry. Ignacia’s determination gave Pia the courage to say, "Let’s try to figure it out." Now married for six years, Ignacia noted," When I wanted to get married, she believed in us when everyone else wouldn’t give us a chance."

"If you don’t get involved in your adult child’s life who is living with supports as an advocate and a support, a lot will be missing from your child’s life," advised Pia. "I don’t think what I have done to help my children become happy independent adults, as much as possible, is more than what any other parent has done." Ignacia summed it up by saying," She taught me how to love myself, so I can love other people. I love this person. She’s my mom."

Michael Basch, Esquire of Fine, Kaplin and Black, R.P.C., is a legal lifeline for parents and their children who receive special education in Southeastern Pennsylvania. A native of Melrose Park, Michael Basch began doing pro bono work for the Volunteers for the Indigent Program in the early 1990’s. Special education became his area of interest, and he has since represented hundreds of families in full time practice. "Families who cannot afford a high priced attorney often just accept the school placement and services their child gets, even if it is not appropriate. Thanks to Mr. Basch, these children receive legal assistance, when necessary, to get the special education they need," wrote Ruth Fell.

Handling cases ranging from children who were never identified as needing special education (Delayed Child Find), noncompliance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to children with years of special education who don’t progress, Mr. Basch is kind and helpful to families who have limited understanding of the special education process.

"From the first day a parent encounters the school district with a special needs child, make sure to keep accurate records and files and keep things in writing, " advised Attorney Basch. The most important things for parents to remember are: Know your procedural rights; request evaluations for your child in writing and keep a copy for yourself; learn the IEP rules and requirements. Legal protection exists for the parents if they disagree with anything in the IEP.

Denise Weil, whose daughter received the approved private school placement she so much needed due to the efforts of Mr. Basch, wrote," To those of us who are lucky to have been blessed with his service, he is a true hero."

Caroline Williams is the owner of Paradise Island Day Care Center. A multifaceted facility, Paradise Island serves more than sixty children daily ranging in ages from infant to five years. Ms. William’s personal philosophy to serve the entire community drove her to seek out employees and students with disabilities. Paradise Island and PDDC’s Employment Partners proved to be a great match, providing opportunities for both vocational training in the community and job placements.

Since December 2000, Ms. Williams has hired people with disabilities in positions in food service, child care and janitorial services. At present she employs two Employment Partners graduates and is providing training for a student intern. "It’s been a very positive experience. I enjoy having them here. They are an asset to my business," stated Ms. Williams. Described as an employer who is fair minded, patient and supportive towards her employees, Ms. Williams said, "Your expectations can’t be as great for employees with disabilities. What they can do, they do very well. Don’t make the ceiling so high that they can’t achieve." Ms. Williams makes it a point to concentrate on abilities not disabilities. "She has made a great difference in the lives of the graduates she has hired and the students that she has trained, offering them the opportunity to experience the world of work in an enriching and encouraging environment," wrote Laura Princiotta, Director of Employment Partners.

"I wish every business could take five minutes to test and try to employ these young people. [Businesses] are losing out if they don’t," Ms. Williams stated emphatically. "Give them a chance to work. They deserve it. They’re qualified."

Jackie McDowell

Jackie McDowell has worked with Steven Frank for approximately eleven years. "I thought I could help him and see him progress," said Jackie. Over the years, Steven has become involved not only in Jackie’s life, but that of her daughter, parents and sister as well. "He’s like family to me," said Jackie. A formerly shy man with a severe reputation, Steven now enjoys meeting people, will talk more with people, express how he feels and is even dating.

"Jackie speaks to Steven just like she would to anybody else. When she is with him, she offers him choices," wrote Ruth Frank, Steven’s mother. "Jackie becomes friendly with neighborhood people and opens the way for Steven to make new friends." Jackie began taking Steven to the Friends of Pennypack Park meetings a few years ago. While there, Steven met a lady who introduced him to another person, and later began meeting their families. "It’s so easy," said Jackie. "People say it’s hard because a lot of people are afraid to meet mentally challenged people. With Steve, it’s never been hard." As a result of Jackie’s work, Steven is well known in his neighborhood and is greeted by name at the local grocery store, Perkins restaurant and nail salon - where he gets his nails manicured regularly. He works part time at the Dollar General on Krewstown Road, and is supported by Jackie on the job.

Jackie credits her friendship with Steven as the key to their working relationship. "Steven has changed from someone with a bad reputation to a very nice young man," wrote Ruth Frank. Jackie continues to work with Steven, who receives services through Kenccid.