Committees

Gnanendra Sinha
Treasurer

Sub-Committee Chairs

Josie Davide
Sheila Mastrangelo
Wendy Schoenfeld

Adult Transition Services

The Day Services Committee’s goal is to ensure that quality day programs and services are being provided in Queens. The Committee, which includes both family members and professionals, evaluates proposals for new day initiatives for Queens and discusses how health issues will impact day service programs. Meetings act as a forum for the group to share innovative ideas to discuss emerging issues.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Joanne Buccellato
Brien Cummings
Kent Willingham, Jr.

Aging and Residential

Services This Committee is comprised of providers and family members. The meetings are designed to be helpful to 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. Family members share their experiences and ask questions while the entire committee engages in problem solving. Providers explain the regulations that govern the operation of the residences and how parents can best advocate for consumers.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Katherine Hoy
Rachel Plakstis
Maggie Sanchez

Children’s Services

The Children’s Committee is a forum for parents and providers to identify needs and find solutions, through presentations and discussions regarding the education and care of children with developmental disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Cindy Chen
Melissa Levin

Family and Community Support

The Family Support Committee members are from provider organizations and parents of individuals with developmental disabilities. The meetings are used to share information about new programs or services being offered and/or spaces that are available in various programs. In addition to having people speak at their monthly meetings, the Committee also sponsors the Family Support Conference, which offers workshops and programs geared towards the needs of parents.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Jay Kleiman

FSS Conference and Event Planning

The QCDD hosts several events throughout the year such as the Queens Family Support Conference, Legislative Breakfast, and Celebrating Success in addition to our regular membership and committee meetings.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Pat Barrientos
Eric Fenton
Jim Karp

Public Information/Legislative

The Public Information Committee coordinates educating the general public regarding the achievements and challenges of people with developmental disabilities and their families through print, broadcast and electronic media. The Public Information Committee is responsible for publishing the Council newsletter, “The Advocate’s Voice”, and planning Council events and conferences.

Sub-Committee Chairs

Marieta Austin

Self-Direction

The Self Direction Committee helps families, individuals and professionals navigate the self direction service model. There are opportunities to discuss successes, challenges and advocacy needs. Below is a description of Self Directed Services from the OPWDD website.