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Read the Commissioner's Archived Comments
Letter from the Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities - 07/2007
Thank You
Let me begin by thanking Sharon Ungrady and Peggy Stevenson from BETAH for all of their hard work. When things go smoothly, that means that many details have been anticipated and dealt with beforehand so they didn’t become problems. They have done a great job. I also want to thank the planning committee for allowing their ideas to come to fruition. I have learned a great deal. And I want to thank Ophelia McLain for guiding me in the right direction.
One of the things that really impressed me is the maturity of the projects as reflected by what people have said and the questions they have asked. Clearly, the problems that you are working with now and solving are very complicated. And I have seen a real evolution in the capacity of the projects to help families with a greater range of needs. This is very, very rewarding to see an idea from 2001 blossom in 2007.
Another thing that really impressed me is that no one said that something cannot be done. Complaints and queries have turned us into the solution-mode. Now what is found may be reflected mostly through the exercises that we did at these technical assistance meetings; no problem is a problem that can’t be solved. I think that’s a very powerful mindset to keep and to share and hopefully disseminate to others.
Sustainability is clearly embedded in everything you do already. Related to sustainability is that regardless of what happens in the future with regard to the continuation of Family Support 360 as we know it and like it, each of you who are involved is going to be a resource in your community and state. You will take with you the things that you have learned, the things that you believe and the experiences that you have gained from families.
One of the things we may do in the future is publish a Family Support 360 brochure. Over the next few weeks, the ADD and BETAH teams will brainstorm on submissions and the finished product. This product will be disseminated to the general public.
Your input has been valuable, and will determine how our future technical assistance activities will be carried out. Until then, please continue the rich dialogue, camaraderie and energy, which coupled together, are a testament to you.
Patricia A. Morrissey, Ph.D.
Commissioner
Administration on Developmental Disabilities
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