AHRC NYC families and professionals were among hundreds of people who gathered to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree last Friday at the College of Staten Island. The consent Decree set the legal foundations for modern community based services in New York State. Willie Mae Goodman and Bernard Carabello, two unsung American heroes, were honored for their combined century of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. A panel of self-advocates and legal experts discussed the impact of the consent decree and the uncertain future of disability services due to threatened Medicaid cuts by Congress. One presenter said it best: "The victories that we've think we've won don't stay won. We have to remain vigilant because the motivations that brought people to Willowbrook are still with us." Photo 1: Geraldo Rivera and Bernard Carabello reflected on their 50+ year friendship since meeting in 1972 as part of Geraldo's famous report about Willowbrook. Photo 2: The panel discussed past, present, and future issues affecting the disability community. Photo 3: Willie Mae Goodman with Jose Rivera. Willie Mae was honored for her many decades of advocacy. Photo 4: AHRC NYC's Candi Genovese, Nina Pogorelsky, and Yuliya Khripunkova at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Willowbrook Consent Decree. Photo 5: Henry Kennedy and Laura Kennedy with Ray Ferrigno and Anne Gordon. Henry was a panelist at the event, while Laura, Ray, and Anne serve on AHRC NYC's Board of Directors. Photo 6: Kim Hill, NYS Chief Disability Officer, was a featured speaker at the event. (fb)

We need our legislators to fight for a targeted inflationary increase to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the final days of the NYS budget! Contact your state legislators today to ensure full funding for disability services. #InvestInUs (fb)