TWO NEW STATEWIDE APPOINTMENTS FOR TCFD PRESIDENT HAMLIN OFFERS CHANCE TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY

New York State Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heastie has named The Center for Discovery President Dr. Terry Hamlin a representative to the state’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC).

The DDAC fosters public understanding and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities. It provides recommendations for statewide priorities and goals, comprehensive planning, resource allocation, and evaluation processes for state and local services for people with developmental disabilities. The Council will also evaluate policies, procedures, and programs that were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to determine the effects on safety. It is an important seat for Dr. Hamlin as she takes on new leadership roles in helping to shape state policy on behalf of the disability community. Speaker Heastie informed Governor Hochul of the appointment on October 3rd. Additionally Dr. Hamlin has been appointed by SUNY Chancellor John King to the Healthcare Workforce Industry and Innovation Workgroup for NYS. The workgroup is charged with promoting New York State’s health workforce to support its transition to integrated health care delivery to assure comprehensive, coordinated, and timely access to care. As the largest employer in Sullivan County TCFD faces these issues day in and day out. This is a vital opportunity for Terry to work on supporting our staff while advocating on behalf of those contemplating entering the healthcare workforce.

“These appointments are an important opportunity for all of our children, adults, families and our workforce,” Dr. Hamlin said. “ This gives The Center a seat at the table on some of the most vital issues facing the disability community today and as we look into the future. The challenges our loved ones face are great and we are determined to explore ways to tackle every one of them.”