Center for Disability Rights supporters conduct march, vigil

Patti Singer • Staff writer • July 27, 2010 • Democrat & Chronicle

A public forum hosted by the Center for Disability Rights ended up as a sleepover Monday night outside the Monroe County office building for the clients, aides and supporters of the embattled nonprofit organization.

About 70 adults and children, on foot and in wheelchairs, followed a police escort from the Bausch + Lomb Public Library on South Avenue along Broad, Exchange and West Main streets to the front of the county building. Some said they were prepared to spend as many nights as it took to get their point across to County Executive Maggie Brooks.

Last week, the county ended a contract with CDR to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. The county cited widespread lapses in care in the program that allows Medicaid-eligible residents to hire, train and supervise their home health attendants.

Officials of CDR said they had no warning, and they called the allegations false. Approximately 300 people packed the forum, which had sessions in Spanish and English. While a few people commented about accessibility issues and education for deaf children, most of those who spoke said they wanted to keep their attendants through CDR.

The county said that clients of CDR would have to choose from the five other agencies that contract with Monroe County.

“I have developed a relationship with CDR,” Jim Buscemi of Chili said to the crowd. “My aide calls me up and wishes me Happy Birthday.”

On their route to the county building, they carried signs with slogans such as, “My Choice Not Maggie’s” and “Consumer Directed + Run.”

Cases of water and trays of snacks were stacked on the sidewalk at the county building. Camp chairs and sleeping bags were ready. A wheelchair accessible room had been reserved at the Rochester Plaza Hotel and Conference Center on State Street for the bathroom.

“We take care of these people,” said Hope McGinnis of Rochester, an attendant in the program. “This is what we do.

“I’m here till the end.”

The forum originally was to mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. “Happy Birthday,” said Chris Hilderbrant, chief operating officer of CDR. “I wish it was a more positive occasion as a whole.”

Kenneth Arnold of Rochester told how CDR helped get his father discharged from a nursing home. Other people said they feared having to go to a nursing home if they lose their attendants from the CDR program.

PSINGER@DemocratandChronicle.com