The Arc of Schuyler Marched in Albany

WATKINS GLEN - Two dozen representatives of The Arc of Schuyler, including people who receive supports, family members, staff and members of The Arc's Board of Directors, joined others from across the state Thursday in Albany for a march celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of NYSARC, Inc. More than 1,500 people participated in the event.

Alongside the celebration, the event was also a public demonstration demanding greater recognition and support of people with disabilities and the services they rely on. The event occurred during Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, in which those who provide hands-on supports to people with disabilities are honored for their important contributions to society.

Traffic was stopped in downtown Albany as marchers moved from Albany Riverfront Park at the Corning Preserve to the Capitol steps, where representatives of each of the 55 chapters of NYSARC presented flags in a ceremony. Harold J. Hoffmeier, president of The Arc of Schuyler's Board of Directors, and his son, Christopher Hoffmeier, presented the Schuyler chapter's flag at the rally.

Speakers at the event included NYSARC President Katharine Conroy Wilson, NYSARC Executive Director Marc Brand, Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and members of the state Senate and Assembly.

After the ceremony and rally, marchers returned to Riverfront Park for a celebration picnic, which featured a performance by the band FLAME.

More than 20 representatives of Yates ARC joined The Arc of Schuyler on the bus to Albany.

The organization now known as NYSARC was formed in 1949 by New York City parents seeking greater resources for their developmentally disabled children. Today, some 55,000 adults and children with disabilities and their families receive supports through NYSARC chapters.

The Arc of Schuyler, established in 1978, provides supports to more than 300 people with developmental disabilities and their families each year.