Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Quilt Represents Contributions Made by People with Disabilities
The quilt now hangs in the agency's Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in recognition of the contributions individuals with developmental disabilities make to the community.
Westchester Arc self-advocates—individuals with developmental disabilities who voice their own wants, needs and desires—have finished constructing a quilt that symbolizes the gifts they bring to the community.
The project was first “stitched together” nearly two years ago through brainstorming sessions with Dr. Beth Mount, an international authority on person-centered planning and longtime agency consultant.
(Click here to see first session)
Each square on the quilt represents personal dreams, thoughts and experiences. A boat, for example, symbolizes an individual’s journey from a sheltered workshop to a job in the community, while an olive branch portrays peace and unity. The quilt’s overall theme of water represents renewal and rebirth.
“The rocks in my square represent challenges, like people not approving of my wife and I getting married,” comments Patsy. “I think this quilt does a good job of telling people that people with disabilities are creative and intelligent people, and we should be respected.”
During their last session, Dr. Mount brought in a number of small items—such as stars, beads and flowers—and asked self-advocates to choose the one that represents them best. (Click here to see final session)
“I like the butterfly,” said Vance. “It represents change, and that makes me hopeful.”
Each person’s selection was then placed on the quilt, adding another layer of emotional fabric to the dramatic wall hanging.
During their last session with Dr. Beth Mount, self-advocates brainstormed and presented ideas for “making the world a better place.”
In addition to representing the hopes, dreams and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities, the quilt also plays a key role in symbolizing Westchester Arc’s deep commitment to those it serves. Recently, the project was featured on the cover of the agency’s latest Annual Report and now hangs in the agency’s new Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne.
“This quilt is an example of the insight and wisdom that people with developmental disabilities offer,” comments Dr. Mount. “It shatters stereo-types and brings a new vision to the community. I want the whole world to see it—we can all learn a lesson from this quilt.”