Meet a DSF Archive

Who I Am

In the original class of Disability Service Facilitators of 2016, I first worked with the City when I interned with HPD in the summer of 1975 (fifty years ago!) and think of my career since then as being alternately inside, outside and alongside the public sector and City government. I’ve been passionate about most of my roles – including especially, representing children in foster care while at Lawyers for Children in the 1980s, leading the City’s childcare and Head Start programs in 2004, and most recently serving as Disability Service Facilitator for the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) over the past 9 years.

What I Do

I think of Disability Service Facilitator (DSF) as a civil rights role, and I am grateful to have been charged with supporting the rights of people with disabilities and helping to promote access and inclusion for all. Within the agency structure of City government, the citywide network of DSFs also represents a vibrant group of colleagues who share knowledge and support each other in addressing and advancing access and inclusion.

Additionally, there’s been a critical linkage between the two ‘hats’ I wear at DCLA – DSF and FEMA recovery specialist – since there is key linkage between emergency management and disaster recovery for all and disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. Like all efforts to support access and inclusion, considering methods in advance promotes success when disaster strikes – which may seem self-evident, but also entails significant planning and focus. As well, regarding the extraordinary cultural offerings of this city, supporting and promoting access to the arts for all is a wonderfully compelling charge.

Fun Fact

I was appointed to Manhattan’s Community Board #4 (Chelsea/Clinton) in the late 1970s (then as the Board’s youngest member!). As I now prepare to leave DCLA at the end of January (as one of the more senior DSFs!), I want to introduce Claire Hart, Assistant General Counsel for DCLA, who has been appointed as DCLA’s second DSF. As I leave the agency, I look forward to continuing to promote access and inclusion in future roles and projects and will plan to use all I’ve seen and learned as DSF in my next adventures!

Who I Am

As a disability justice advocate and leader, I draw from my lived experience as a disabled woman within the LGBTQ+ community to offer a rich understanding of intersectionality. I am certified in Nonprofit Leadership and Management by the Institute of Nonprofit Practice and have 18 years experience serving in leadership roles for inclusion-based organizations. In an effort to expand my advocacy influence, I transitioned to my current role as the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services Facilitator at the NYC Health Department. I look forward to ensuring the needs of all disabled New Yorkers are considered in our public health programs and services.

What I Do

While my position allows me to wear many hats, my main responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and progress of the agency's Five-Year Accessibility Plan
• Provide disability justice trainings to agency divisions and bureaus to help shift workplace culture
• Develop agency policies and procedures to ensure full programmatic and communication accessibility for persons with disabilities

Fun Fact

I love going to karaoke with my friends and my go-to karaoke song is "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.

Who I Am

I believe in the power of building coalition and the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life. I understand that we cannot judge others based on a “single story” of our interactions with them. Everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect, regardless of their background or identity. I am deeply passionate about advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. As a fierce advocate for underserved communities, I firmly believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. With a heart rooted in public service, I find fulfillment in being of service to others. Through empathy, kindness, honesty, and integrity, I strive to make the world a better place in all that I do.

What I Do

Under the executive direction of the Commissioner, I guide managers, supervisors, and employees on EEO matters, participate in the development and operation of a comprehensive EEO program, plan and ensure the dissemination of the City's EEO policy and information on employees' rights and responsibilities to employees, and monitor the agency's compliance with the City's EEO policy. Additionally, in my capacity as the Disability Facilitator and 55-a Coordinator for the Department of Probation (DOP), I review and process reasonable accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with ADA standards. I work to create accessible environments across all DOP offices citywide, including ensuring our website meets accessibility guidelines, so all employees can excel in an inclusive workplace. In these roles, I also provide guidance to various units on incorporating accommodation language into our forward-facing events, reinforcing DOP’s commitment to fostering a culture where everyone—regardless of ability—can work, thrive, and succeed.

Fun Fact

I love being of service to others and recently participated in a day of service at SOMOS in San Juan Puerto Rico where we helped clean a Skate Park at Punta Las Marinas Skate Park.