Ric Swierat, Executive Director of Westchester Arc Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

On October 7, 2009, Ric Swierat, executive director of Westchester Arc, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  For 25 years, Ric has been advocating for social change.  His efforts have resulted in an innovative array of services for children with developmental disabilities and community partnerships.  "I am so honored to receive this award," said an emotional Swierat.  "Over the last 25 years, we have seen so many changes.  I am proud to be a part of the Westchester Arc family, and want to thank our community for partnering with us in so many ways that help to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

During his 25 years at Westchester Arc, Ric Swierat has been a passionate champion and dedicated friend of people with disabilities and their families.  Ric has worked tirelessly to ensure that ever-widening opportunities are open to all, regardless of disability.

Ric launched one of the first agency-wide Customer Service Councils in the nation, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities provide input on the agency's plans and operations.  Much of his time, often after work hours, is devoted to meeting with this group.  Recently, The Arc of the United States bestowed its highest honor - the 2008 Executive Excellence Award - to Ric to honor his career of advocating for the full participation of all children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Ric's creativity has inspired the Westchester Arc family, board, staff, volunteers, and self advocates to offer extraordinarily rich opportunities for community inclusion.  For Ric, there is always more that is possible:  Art galleries that showcase the creative accomplishments of people with disabilities, enhanced person-centered services, a Wellness Center, and unique employment opportunities have all been driven by Ric's commitment.  Ric's energy and enthusiasm provided the momentum for the completion of the Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center which will offer opportunities for individuals and their families well into the future.

Ric's leadership includes a deep understanding of the importance that our families play not only to our agency, but in our personal lives. To those who know Ric, it is evident how deeply important his own family is to him.  It is so very clear that at the heart of his unique leadership is his sharing of this passion for family with all of us at Westchester Arc, and with so many others throughout our state and nation.

Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.  The agency has long been committed to social inclusion because of the benefits to the entire community.