Thank you to NYSID, for their support of this project, and their continued partnership in providing opportunity for people with disabilities.
The Arc New York Portrait Project celebrates 75 years of support, advocacy and opportunity by sharing 75 portraits of people we support, and a glimpse into their joys, hopes and aspirations. Thank you to all of our Chapters, who provided these stunning portraits of people served by The Arc New York, and who help them realize the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life every day. This project honors the individuality and abilities of just 75 of the people we support. Across the state, there are tens of thousands more - each of them who deserve to be recognized as wholly unique and valued members of their communities.
Michaela I'm proud of having my own apartment. It makes me feel free and like I'm part of the family.
I am currently taking art, history and sports classes at Syracuse Inclusive U. Travis I love attending SU football and women’s basketball games.
Kristen My goal is to learn more photography. I love to be with my family and have dance parties.
Mildred I'm happy when I'm making dolls for the Giving Doll Project, because these dolls will be given to sick children to make them smile.
Luke I make daily videos on TikTok. Someday I would like a YouTube channel with a big group of friends.
Sarah I am happiest when I am hiking with my dog and family. My biggest dream is to travel the world. I want to make it to every country.
Donna I love coloring, working on art and doing yard work. I love to cook at home. I would like to learn many new recipes.
I was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by Assemblymember Jen Lunsford for my self-advocacy. Reenie
Mark One of my favorite things to do is sing and dance! I love making art and being with my friends.
Sarah I am proud that I set a goal to get my driver’s license –
and now I have my own car and I drive! My next dream is owning my own house.
Jimmy I am a superhero who likes classic rock! I posed like a superhero because it makes me feel strong.
John
I’m an Adirondack 46er. I’ve climbed all the peaks in the Adirondack park.
We did Mount Marcy on a one-day hike. That was a long, hard day.
I love sharing my gift of music. Julie Singing makes me happy.
Kevin Kevin is a whiz at fixing electronics. Not only did he fix his own television, he can also navigate a computer with ease.
Emily My customer service has improved. When I started at the Café, I wasn’t talking much. Now I am smiling, talking more, and greeting customers.
I am an actor and singer with a great smile. My goal is to keep performing and keep going out in the community more and become even more independent. Barry
Gary I'm proud to come in every day to work.
Casey Taekwondo gives me confidence. I am on my way to earning my black belt.
Georgianna My goal is to get a good job when I move to Atlanta with my family. I like to greet people with a smile on my face, and I praise God always!
Go Bills! They are the best! Dave
I love gardening with my friends! Samantha
Josh I have found a sense of purpose in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of my peers and staff.
I love the New York Yankees! Aaron Judge is my favorite player. Emily I write letters to him with hope of meeting him one day, or even throwing the first pitch at a game. That would be a dream come true!
Dawnrae I’ve been working at the Brooklyn Museum for ten years, doing coat check and scanning tickets. I Iove to get a paycheck, buy clothes, jewelry, and food.
I got to see a Carrie Underwood concert with my friend Lisa! Joanne
Shawn I was so proud to win the Personal Growth Award. I’ve come a long way and it was nice to be recognized for that. I hope to one day follow my passion and get a job as a cook.
Samantha I want to study art and use my creativity to create beautiful works. My biggest dream is to attend college and earn a degree.
Ken I got to see the Harlem Globetrotters!
Morgan I am a Therapy Dog Training Assistant for the iPaw program. I want to get my driver’s license. I just got my permit!
Tyler I am the author of the book, “The Egyptian Jackal Princess.” The story is about an anthrojackal who grew up and became a queen. You can find it on Amazon!
When something is about to happen that Harry is excited about, he’ll exclaim "Oh Boy!" in approval. Harry “Oh boy!”
Arianna I used to volunteer at an animal shelter. It’s my dream to work with animals again some day.
Heather I volunteer with our Community Prevocational group, and I love to do community projects around the North Country.
Jahmien My Connect 4 strategy is outrageous!
Christa Art is relaxing. It shows what is on my mind. I’m always looking for new forms of art and new uses for colors. I’m proud of it all.
Ned Having a disability means that I can do just as many things as anyone else can. I'm easy to work with. The more I work, the stronger the bond grows with my colleagues.
I enjoy growing flowers, nurturing the garden, and tending to the plants. Marvin
Xavier I would like to help little kids with disabilities like mine. I would like to show them how to stand up for themselves and maybe to learn math and reading.
I am happiest when I am with my sisters. Anthony I want to take a trip to visit my sister in North Carolina.
Art has shown me how big my voice is. Allyson
Ray “DJ Rockin’ Ray” can be heard on the air at WGXC for his annual holiday radio show.
Kristen I can live in my own apartment, like everybody else. Give us a chance, because we will surprise you.
David I’m proud of keeping my job. I like to try new things.
Elena I love taking walks and listening to music. I have more than 190,000 songs in my collection.
Art makes me feel good. Bob I love painting. It's fun.
The greatest joy in my life was marrying my best friend, Jean. Henry
Bruno From the beginning, I knew I loved fashion. I've always wanted to work in fashion. I've been loving it and I've been improving. I've been working with the managers, and my life has changed for the better.
Dustin I got to meet Governor Hochul this year. I told her we need more money for DSPs, and more cornhole!
Brianna I’m excited I will be working at the hospital. Working at the hospital is a dream I've always had.
I like helping people have their voices heard that can’t talk. tia I will speak up for them if something is wrong.
Bobby I am proud of mowing lawns for people. People say I do a good job.
Lisa I’m proud to be independent. My dream is to get my own apartment.
David I enjoy marking art. A lot of my work is inspired by Japanese culture. My dream is to travel to Japan someday to take pictures and experience everything.
Teddy I love clothes and shopping. My job at the store is a great fit for me.
Alex I know what car everybody drives, and I know their license plates. You came here in the blue Subaru.
Margaret I have been sewing for years and I am very proud of the works I have accomplished!
Jim I am proud that I am employed and have a good paying job. It might surprise you to know I own my own four-bedroom house!
Steve Hills are challenging, and I like a challenge! I don’t race to win. I race to finish!
I’m going to Portugal next month with my mother and my sister. Monica We’re going to learn about our heritage.
Allen I’ve worked at the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center for around eight years. My favorite part of the job is making peanut butter for sandwiches by grinding the peanuts in a special machine.
Marni I’ll be married 32 years in June.
My big plan for the future is to retire and watch TV on the couch with my husband.
Kevin If they can do it, I can do it twice as good!
LynnAnn I have a big dream of moving to Florida to become a model! I’m captivated by Florida’s beauty and want to experience it firsthand.
Taneesh I love being a wife and sharing my life with my husband, Bill.
I want to own my own coffee shop and be a jokester — a Comedian! Reggie
Crystal I have a keen sense of fashion and love expressing my personality through my unique style choices.
Walter I love making maple syrup. I want to keep making more maple syrup.
Ron This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to act. I want to sing. I want to make my parents up in heaven proud.
Brian My first chapbook, “Through Autistic Eyes,” is a dream come true for me, since my poetry is how I process my emotions. My poetry is how I show hope for others like myself that dreams can come true.
Mark I’m going to the Halloween dance, but I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to be. It’s a secret!
We all have a voice and a story to share. Mikayla I'm going to start my own podcast called "Conversations with Mikayla in the Morning Show." Everyone will listen and get to know me. I will tell people to be kind to each other and have fun!
Joyce I love babysitting my grandchildren. I want to take care of them.
One day I want my own job. Jennifer
Michael My biggest dream for the future is to become someone I can be proud of.
Laurie The last 25 years have been amazing. My life has changed. I want to thank people from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you For your support of these dreams and thousands more. Together, we will help people with intellectual, developmental, and
other disabilities realize the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life!
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