BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saundra Gumerove, Esq. (JERICHO), AHRC's Board of Directors Government Liaison and Chair of NYSARC, Inc.'s Governmental Affairs Committee, will join 150 leaders of The Arc from across the country to attend a White House Community Leaders Briefing on February 10th.

"I am honored to be invited to participate in these briefings with key policymakers in the Obama administration," says Gumerove. "We have been given a remarkable opportunity to give a voice to the thousands of people across Long Island who have developmental disabilities."

Over the course of the day, leaders of chapters of The Arc, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be briefed by high level White House and Administration officials on topics ranging from Medicaid to education to community living and employment for people with developmental disabilities, and have the chance to engage with and ask questions of these officials.  This day-long briefing is especially for The Arc's network, and comes just weeks before Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in March.

These unique briefings will allow White House and administration officials to hear from leaders of The Arc about how government policies affect the lives of people with developmental disabilities and impact their ability to live full, independent lives. 

"The Arc, as one of the largest organizations working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brings a wealth of experience and insight to discuss today's most important concerns facing persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We're looking forward to having them here at the White House to deepen our partnership, and to discuss the issues we care about most," said Jon Carson, the Director of the Office of Public Engagement.

Gumerove will join with NYSARC President, John Schuppenhauer and Ben Golden, Associate Executive Director for Governmental Affairs and other State Presidents of The Arc, the largest national-community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NYSARC, Inc., is the New York State Chapter of The Arc. Gumerove is an attorney specializing in Special Needs Law and has served on the AHRC board since 1993. As a parent of a child with special needs, Gumerove has testified before the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate and the NYS Senate Finance Committee to discuss how damaging proposed cutbacks would be to the developmentally disabled community.

Background: AHRC Nassau, New York State's third largest provider of services for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities provides community-based programs and services, as well as guidance and support for families.  AHRC Nassau is a chapter member of NYSARC, Inc. Visit www.ahrc.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Aimee C. Keegan, Public Relations Manager
(516) 626-1000 x1134
E-mail: akeegan@ahrc.org

SOURCE AHRC Nassau

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