Donna Maxon, NYS Certified Self Direction Broker, Certified Housing Navigator, NYS, Certified PLAN Network Facilitator.

Donna Maxon is the parent of a nonspeaking adult son who has autism. In 1994 when her son, Donald, was diagnosed with autism, she, and her husband, along with seven other families, co-founded the New York Child Learning Institute, a school for children with autism, located in College Point, Queens. Donna has been the parent supervisor of Donald’s Self-Direction program since 2012.

Professionally, Donna’s background is in corporate training and development. But for the past eight years, Donna works primarily as an Independent Self-Direction Broker, and has worked with over 100 people in this role. Within this work, she assists people design, develop, and implement programming using the Self Direction funding stream. She has also developed and presented a curriculum for Broker Training and is very proud of the Brokers she has mentored to do this important work. Donna is also a Certified Housing Navigator, which allows her to work with people and their Circle of Supports, to develop and implement Housing Action Plans, which support independent living in the community. Additionally, Donna works with ArchCare, as the Independent Housing Managing Agent. This project aims to convert unused convents into apartment buildings that offers affordable housing to the public, with some apartments set aside for adults diagnosed with autism. ArchCare currently has one apartment building successfully operating in Staten Island, with a second project in development in Westchester County. Donna describes this work as, “a highlight of my life.

Wini has been the Associate Executive Director for Legislative Affairs at the InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies since 2008. Prior to that she worked at AHRC NYC for twenty-one years as Director of Marketing and Special Projects and was instrumental in developing the largest Supported Employment program for people with developmental disabilities in New York City.

In her role at IAC, Wini advocates at the state level regarding funding, legislation and policies that affect people with developmental disabilities and their families and the service providers that support them. Collaborating with other associations in the developmental disabilities field and beyond, Wini has been a key player, spotlighting issues and achieving results. Wini leads a state-wide employment group, bringing issues and ideas to state agencies for action and a transition group that brings together the various people, programs and services which participate in ensuring that special education graduates transition smoothly into adult services.

Parent, Chair of Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council. Diane Peruggia’s career of advocacy, leadership, and charity started at a young age. As a teen she was appointed liturgical leader for her local parish, volunteered at nursing homes, taught CCD, and participated in many charity events within her community.

While pregnant with her second child, Michael, her two-year-old daughter, Alexa, was diagnosed with Autism. In August of 2000, Diane and a group of others came together to form The Grace Foundation to support and offer services for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Diane spearheaded the creation of the Grace Foundation’s social skills classes and Applied Behavior Analysis training for college students, who could aid parents with at-home services. She has chaired National Autism Conferences featuring various speakers and experts in the field, and has advocated in Albany and Washington D.C. to secure necessary funding for the disabled. Diane served as Vice Chairman for the Grace Foundation for 7 years and is currently the Chairman of their Strategic Planning Committee.

In 2010 Diane was appointed by former Borough President James P Molinaro to the NYC Department of Education’s Panel for Education Policy. During her four-year term, she participated and voted on policy issues and resolutions for the DOE. She was also assigned to the Contracts Committee and served as a trustee for the DOE retirement system.

Diane also holds leadership positions with the Staten Island Disability Council, the Family Support Services Advisory Council, the Seton Foundation for Learning, The James Cancer Fund, HealthCare Associates in Medicine, and Staten Island Community Board Three.

Diane, her husband, and their two children currently reside in Huguenot and are owners of Great Escapes Travel.

District 75 Leadership Team Bronx Parent Representative and Chairperson; Consumer Advisory Council for the Rose F. Kennedy Center CERC (Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center); Bronx Developmental Disability Council Parent Council member

Rima Izquierdo Is a parent leader in the Bronx who has four children and three New York City schools. She has three children with disabilities and is a proud advocate for all. Rima works with families and Community stakeholders to ensure the voice of the disability community is heard. #NothingAboutUsWithiutUs

Michael received a B.S. in Sociology from the University of Hartford in 1974, and entered the IDD field in 1978 working for UCP of NYS providing recreation opportunities in residences throughout NYC. He went back to school and got a Masters in Therapeutic Recreation & Developmental Disabilities from LIU in 1981, doing his clinical internship working at the Willowbrook State School on Staten Island.

In 1986, Michael began working at UCP of NYC, now ADAPT Community Network, and became the Director of Recreation Services in 1989, a position he held until retiring in 2013. In 1987, almost 10 years into his career, Michael became the parent of Justin, now a 34 yr. old young man with several disabilities including intellectual impairment, Epilepsy and other Developmental Disabilities. While Michael was already dedicated to the IDD community, once Justin was born he became even more determined to make a difference in the lives of those who needed assistance. His son now lives in a residence run by Heartshare Human Services.

After retiring, he became a member of NYC FAIR’s Executive Committee to continue his commitment assisting individuals and families of the IDD community in their quest to provide the care and services necessary for their loved ones to live a full and meaningful life.