NYC FAIR invited members of the Transformation Panel to come and hear from concerned parents/guardians and other family members about the work of the Panel in implementing the Transformation Agenda. The event took place at the headquarters of the Inter Agency Council, 150 W. 30th Street
Present: from the Panel: Pete Pierri, Executive Director of the IAC, Stephen Freeman of Freeman & Abelson, former head of YAI, Susan Constantino of CP NYS, Michael Seerighter of NYSRA, and Neil Mitchell, Asst. to Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney.
In the audience were members of NYC FAIR and other concerned citizens representing all the boroughs, Westchester GROW and LI Alliance
Elly Rufer introduced the panel and set out the parameters of the evening. Meri Krassner read a statement compiled of questions and concerns that had come up in meetings about the Transformation Agenda and questions submitted online by attendees. It is posted on the website.
The Panel responded, most agreeing that the Agenda does not take into consideration the needs of those who are most affected, and most vulnerable.Most of the recommendations reflect the abilities of the highest functioning members of the community. It was stated repeatedly that they understand this and agree with this perception and were willing to go back to the whole panel and make this point.
The Panel took questions from the audience and promised to answer any questions that were submitted hereafter. It was clear that there was a lot of trepidation, fear and distrust among the attendees. Pete Pierri made the point that in the absence of communication from OPWDD people will make up their owns stories and that it is imperative that OPWDD introduce transparency and make a better effort at communication.
Jim Karpe summed up and the meeting was adjourned.
A transcription of the meeting is available online along with the questions submitted to the Panel members.