Brooklyn parents of children with autism held a press conference with local representatives August 11 to extend their support for the organization My Time Inc.
The advocates gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall to offer praise for the organization whose mission is to support, educate, empower, enlighten and uplift parents and caregivers of children with autism and developmental disabilities.
The organization offers resources to parents and caregivers and also prides itself on providing parents with opportunities for stress relief from the difficulties of care taking. Programs include parent-to-parent mentoring, support groups, social events and activities for children. The services are free and donations are accepted.
The organization began when Lucina Clarke, a certified special educator for fifteen years, started a monthly support group for parents in Canarsie. The group incorporated in 2007 and Clarke is now the executive director.
Gloria St Cyr said My Time Inc. helped her find services for her autistic daughter when help from the government was lacking. She pointed out that stress relief is an important part of the organization’s work. “It’s a very hard and tough road,” she said while also proclaiming the great love that parents have for their children.
Elize Factor echoed this point, saying that having a child with autism can lead to isolation and stress that the organization has helped her cope with.
Clarke agreed. “The work we do is not easy – especially paperwork,” she said, generating laughs from the crowd. She also noted the importance of self-care for parents of autistic children. “If you’re not whole in one place you can’t take care of your kid,” she said.
Another parent, Catherine Gibbs, said, “What we need is unity and understanding. These children are American citizens and they need love and understanding.” She also noted that autism affects a wide spectrum of people with varying abilities and needs, saying, “Don’t put everyone under an umbrella.”
Denise Jordan, who spoke with her nine-year-old son Nicholas by her side said about the organization,“We can laugh and cry and share our concerns and know we are not alone and we are being listened to.”
Terry Hubbard, a parent who has received services for her son through My Time Inc. pointed to the need for support for children with autism in the prison system to help them become productive citizens. “There are hundreds of children who are incarcerated and that has not been addressed,” she said.
Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne Graham spoke about the need for greater advocacy, education and information about autism. Assembly Member Alan Maisel said My Time Inc. provides much-needed support to parents of autistic children who face daily frustrations in the school system.
Melba Brown, district leader of the 58th assembly district said, “Our children are the essence of what we are and it’s important to become more sensitive to what their needs are.”
For more information visit www.mytimeinc.org.
This photo was printed in the September 2011 issue of Able News.
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