Stories of Inspiration & Achievement
Issue IV: June 15, 2021
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Dear Members, Families, and Friends,
We are pleased to bring you our summer issue of The Connection Newsletter! In this issue, we present a wonderful story from a family new to Southern Tier Connect, a special "on the job" spotlight with one of our members, along with contributed stories from our members too. Additionally, you will find our usual handful of resources and events that may be beneficial to you or your loved ones.
If you have a story to share or know of a resource that could be useful to our community, please reach out to us. We want to hear from you!
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Discovering the Big Reasons to go Small:
The Handelman Family’s Journey to Care Coordination in Upstate New York
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Above: Max and his grandfather walk down a country road together.
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Suda Handelman grew up in Unadilla, New York. So when she and her husband, Mark, decided to move away from New York City to be closer to her father, there was no fear of experiencing culture shock. One major concern they did have, however, was the type of supports that would be available (or more accurately put, would perhaps not be available) for their 23-year-old son, Max.
Max was diagnosed with autism as an infant. He grew up in the Big Apple, spending his elementary and middle school years in the public school system, where they had a good autism support program in place. Then, in 2006, the Handelmans moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where Mark accepted a position to run a children’s welfare agency.
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The suburban life of Pennsylvania was an easier setting for Max, where he enrolled in the central school system.
But after his graduation, Suda and Mark discovered that finding adult supports for Max was extremely difficult. When they tried to enroll Max in a day habilitation program, the waiting list was five to seven years. “I am connected in this field,” said Mark, “and I couldn’t even get services for my own son.”
Moving to a new state with an autistic adult dependent can be daunting. The Handelman’s first move to Pennsylvania seemed overwhelming, even though Max was in his teens at the time. When they decided to move back to New York State, they acknowledged the psychological obstacles that accompanied it—both for them and their son. They contacted OPWDD, and the representative there gave them a choice of three CCOs. They had no basis to make a decision, and so they asked the rep for her opinion. She said, “go with Southern Tier Connect.”
“After all these years, and all those services,” said Suda, “this was the EASIEST process I have ever encountered. It was completely seamless.”
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Back to Work for Jason LeBeau! |
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Above: Care Coordination Manager Terri McCue poses with Jason LeBeau as he sits enjoying his extra-large decaf coffee before he starts his shift.
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Jason LeBeau has a big, radiant personality—he also has a work ethic to match. Jason is the longest-running employee at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta NY, where he has worked as a custodian for 13 years. Early this May, he was able to return to work for the first time since the pandemic shutdown occurred last March. Although his hours are significantly shortened, he is very happy to be back.
Jason is very methodical, and after his usual extra-large decaf coffee, is ready to start his routine. His cart is meticulously organized, containing all the cleaning supplies he needs, including three different varieties of garbage bags and an assortment of keys for doors and appliances around the facility. If anything is missing, he notices it right away. Jason keeps a checklist of all his tasks and is a stickler for safety in the workplace, wearing gloves when cleaning with harsh chemicals, and making sure his Wet Floor sign is in place after mopping.
Terri McCue, Jason’s care coordination manager, joined me to meet Jason and see his workplace. “Terri McCue!” he shouted in excitement when we arrived. “She’s a good coordinator,” he said.
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Above: Jason (center) shares details about his work with his work supervisor, Geoffrey Doyle (left), and CCM Terri McCue (right). Right: Jason has a good chuckle after hearing a joke. Below: The Foothills Crew (Geoffrey, Jason, and Shane Lobuglio) pose for a group hug.
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Exploring Employment
& Volunteer Options
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Southern Tier Connect Presents
a Two-Part Webinar Series with Special Guests
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In these sessions, eight provider organizations will present information on their programs, coverage areas, how they can help members find a paying job or volunteer position that is right for them, and how they can continue to support them after they sign on. Each organization will share success stories and eligibility criteria. See below for session and registration information. |
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Session 1: Eastern Region
Friday, June 18
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Presenters include:
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Session 2: Western Region
Friday, June 25
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. EST
Presenters include:
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People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the same basic legal, civil, and human rights as other citizens. They may need accommodation, protection, and support to enable them to exercise these rights, but their rights should never be limited or restricted without due process.
Follow our social media platforms where we will be sharing reminders of your rights and give you tips on how to exercise them. Here are two to start you off!
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You have the right to make and manage your own money. You have the right to find a community job based on your preferences, interests, and strengths. You have the right to receive comparable wages and be free from workplace discrimination. |
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You have the right to healthcare, including seeing a doctor when you want to and making decisions about your health. You have the right to determine who sees and handles your health information.
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As always, you can reach out to your care manager for more information and to learn more about your rights! |
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It's Time for Summer Camp! |
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Summertime is here… which means it’s time for summer camp!
We invited several summer camps to give mini online presentations about their programs, eligibility requirements, cost, and registration process in a special webinar so you can see which one is right for you! Presenters included ARC Jefferson/St. Lawrence, ARISE, Arrowhead Bible Camp, Camp ARCO, Lion's Camp, and Kelberman.
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Coming together as a Community
to Fight Covid-19
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At Southern Tier Connect, the health and wellbeing of our members and the I/DD community are of the utmost importance to us. To help our members and their families access the Covid-19 vaccine, we partnered with Springbrook and JM Murray to hold clinics in Oneonta and in Cortland, ensuring that the process was easy, comfortable, and safe for those who wanted to receive the vaccine. Here are some testimonials we received from our members:
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"When Max got his Covid Vaccine at Springbrook, it was so easy and so nice. The nurses even offered to go out to the car so he didn't have to come into the clinic. People were so nice to him, welcoming, and very comfortable with his disability."
Suda Handleman, mother of Max Handelman, STC Member
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"I thought the Springbrook clinic was fast and easy. My service coordinator, Amanda Moller, was very helpful. I was excited that I was able to get the vaccine early in the process. It made me feel safer."
David French, STC Member
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"The clinic conducted at JM Murray Center was incredibly well-organized with so much of the paperwork prepared for us by our partners at STC. While we are very accustomed to arriving at appointments early and were prepared to fill out a myriad of forms, this event was well-structured with only the need to do the subject's condition report for the day. Abby was almost immediately taken into the room where the injections were being given and had her shot administered by very caring and compassionate nurses.
As I mentioned, we are of the mindset to always arrive early, and in this case, we were processed and served so quickly that even after the 15 minute waiting period, we found the job done at only five minutes past our original appointment time! This was a real show of what can be done with excellent planning and logistics. Socially distant waiting areas were prepared and well done for the wait. It was a testament to the caring professionalism of all involved."
Robin Sharpless, father of Abigail Sharpless, STC Member
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Above: STC and JM Murray staff at the Cortland Vaccine Clinic this past March.
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Health Insurance for Dependents
after 26 years of age
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Typically, dependents cannot remain on their parent or guardian's insurance after the age of 26. But this is not the case for dependents with an intellectual or developmental disability. If your child is nearing the age of 26 and you are interested in keeping them on your current insurance, read this helpful article. Just click the button below. |
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Empowerment Workshops
with Open the Lid
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Above, Open the Lid CEO and Workshop Leader Lydia Dolch |
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Open the Lid Web-Based Empowerment Classes Support Neurodivergent People and Allies of Any Age
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COVID has isolated I/DD and Autistic communities by limiting connections and opportunities even more than before. As we move toward a new normal, many people are seeking new ways to connect. Open the Lid's Empowerment Classes provide a joy-filled community for support and connection. Additionally, these classes are often reimbursed as community classes through OPWDD self-direction budgets.
Topics include:
- Goal Creation and Accountability
- Navigating Relationships
- Problem Solving
- Positive Self-Talk
- Conversation Skills and Practice
- Balancing Self-Care with Unique Challenges
*A credit card is not required to sign up. Take advantage of this wonderful offer and see if Open the Lid is right for you!
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Join the Southern Tier Connect Team |
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If you, or someone you know, are looking for a career that supports the lives of others, consider joining the Southern Tier Connect staff! We have two open positions in Binghamton and Norwich.
Visit our website to apply today!
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STC Member Janet Vance loves to share the activities she participates in because she wants others to understand how people with disabilities live, and she wants to inspire other people with disabilities to live their dreams.
Here, Janet shows off her brand new trike. She plans to use it for exercise, and her SDS staff helps her take it to the park so she can ride on nice, smooth pathways. Janet has really gotten into a great exercise routine over the past few years; she walks a lot, is a member at the YMCA, and talks about how exercise helps her feel better. She also got a bike helmet and recommends the bike shop in Milford if anyone needs repairs.
Thanks, Janet, for reaching out to us!
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Do you have a story to share?
Email us at marketing@southerntierconnect.org, or tell your care manager you would like to be featured in our next issue. Tell us about your goals, your accomplishments, or just something fun you have been up to. Your stories are important to us!
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