[img_assist|nid=331831|title=Ed Duryea|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=250|height=363]CANTON -- Two the Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence representatives are the recipients of The Arc New York awards.

Ed Duryea received the Self-Advocate of the Year Award and Sabrina Bushey received an Honorable Mention for the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. These awards were presented during the State-wide, virtual annual meeting held this Fall.

The Self-Advocate of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of one individual for their efforts to shape services that benefit themselves and others. Duryea was selected because he is an active member of the agency’s Council on Advocacy and Resource Equality (CARE) group. As a CARE leader, Duryea researches issues related to obstacles people with disabilities encounter and discusses them with his colleagues. In his paid position as Self-Advocate Consultant for St. Lawrence County, Duryea brings forward issues that have led to new policies and procedures at the agency. He routinely supports staff to receive more recognition for their efforts.

“Ed regularly contacts legislators to promote the dignity of his peers and highlight the need for Direct Support Professionals to be paid fair wages,” stated Howard Ganter, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. “Ed also assists with orientation to teach new hires about living with a disability and staff members appreciate hearing his perspective.”

The Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award is presented by The Arc New York in honor of Maul, who during his tenure as OPWDD Commissioner from 1993 to 2006, addressed many long-standing issues for people with disabilities. Sabrina Bushey, Direct Support Professional with The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence is one of a small group throughout the state to be recognized with an Honorable Mention. Bushey was nominated by The Arc Jefferson St. Lawrence because she is a self-starter who is committed to providing meaningful experiences to people with disabilities.

“Sabrina makes it a priority to assist people to find and accomplish goals that are meaningful to their lives,” said Lynn Pietroski, Chief Operating Office. “She treats everyone as equals, fostering independence and dignity above all else.”

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence provides lifelong opportunities that enhance the lives of people, so that they may achieve their aspirations. Applications are now being accepted for a variety of positions. To learn more and apply now, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.