Agency sees acceptance of disabilities coming

"Over the course of time, we have become more inclusive, and we will continue to be more so," said Gary Siegel, executive director of CCDS. "More and more people are becoming accepting of those with disabilities. As [people] become more familiar and accepting, the future will be bright."

Pamela Smith-Lyle, director of community clinical services for the agency, agreed. "Things are definitely improving," she said, "but we certainly have a way to go."

A sign of the improvements society has made in accepting people with disabilities are pictures of people in wheelchairs in advertisements and the Sears catalogue. But the recent experience of a client points to the need for continued education in society about disabled people.

"A few months ago, a client and staff [member] were asked to leave a movie theater [after they were seated] because it was crowded" and the wheelchair took up space, said Ms. Smith-Lyle.

While unfavorable attitudes about disabled people still exist, Mr. Siegel is optimistic about the future. One reason is that the residential facilities CCDS operates help people become more comfortable with people with disabilities. It runs eight group homes in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, and is planning two more.

There have been concerns in the neighborhoods where the homes are located prior to the residences opening, but there haven't been problems once the residents move in. "Generally speaking, people have a fear of the unknown," Mr. Siegel said. "We speak with the neighborhood. We go door-to-door, and we hold meetings. After a couple of months, most of the neighborhood doesn't know we're there."

The agency serves more than 300 people in 11 counties of the Albany Diocese in the group homes as well as in the community. Services are provided to two distinct populations: the developmentally disabled and those with traumatic brain injuries.

The services are customized to the needs of each individual client. Mrs. Smith-Lyle said the assistance the agency provides includes medical, school advocacy, financial, advocacy, respite, and in-home staffing.

The agency is flexible in meeting these needs, she said. "We go to people's homes. We help find agencies to help meet their needs if we can't. We're creative in finding services," she said.

The agency is known for its dedication. "The staff goes above and beyond in meeting the needs," Mrs. Smith-Lyle said. Families "appreciate and recognize that we do. People are pleased with the service."

(Catholic Charities Disabilities Services will be featured on the next edition of "Catholic Charities at Work." The television program will air on WYPX, channel 20, April 24 at 6:30 a.m. and on WTEN, channel 10, April 25 at 6:30 a.m.)

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