Westchester County Honors Phelps
December 20, 2005
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center received a Certificate of Merit for promoting diversity in the workplace during Westchester County’s official celebration of National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month. This year 72 workers with disabilities and the 51 organizations that employ them were honored.
County Executive Andy Spano and Congresswoman Nita Lowey were among the guest speakers at the 20th annual breakfast, which was co-sponsored by the Westchester County Office for the Disabled, the Westchester Employment Network (WEN), Doral Arrowwood and Diana Gould, Ltd. The New York State Vocation and Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities presented state and regional awards to outstanding employees.
Kathy Brunsden, Rehabilitation Counselor at Phelps’ Continuing Day Treatment Program and a long time member of WEN, represented the hospital during the celebration that was held at Doral Arrowwood, which has hosted the event since 1986.
The Continuing Day Treatment Program at Phelps offers multiple services for individuals requiring more intensive mental health treatment than out-patient treatment at a clinic. The Program’s mission is to help individuals remain in the community by increasing individual skill levels and improving self-determination abilities. Group and individual treatment modalities focus on identification and completion of treatment and rehabilitative goals. A highly professional interdisciplinary team provides treatment in a cheerful and therapeutic environment. The Continuing Day Treatment Program is at 315 South Highland Avenue, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. The phone number is 914-923-5700.
The Westchester Employment Network is a partnership of local business and vocational rehabilitation agencies working together to expand job opportunities for people who have disabilities. Through assessment, education, training, and follow-up, WEN meets the staffing needs of employers with qualified, job-ready candidates.
Since its inception in 1975, the Westchester County Office for the Disabled has functioned as a clearinghouse of information for people with disabilities, their families and advocates. Each month the Office receives approximately 1000 phone calls from people who are looking for transportation, housing, removing architectural and communication barriers, and employment. Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act is and other laws that guarantee people with disabilities basic civil rights is also provided. Apart from information and referral for the public, The Office also consults with other County Departments to ensure that Westchester County’s policies, programs and facilities are in compliance with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.