Center for Disability Rights
Grand Opening - The Day in Review
On June 14, 2006, a warm summer day greeted over three hundred friends, family, staff and community members who attended the Grand Opening and dedication of the new home of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR). Several speeches were made in front of the atrium. Emceed by CDR's Direct or Advocacy, Chris Hilderbrant, speeches were given by Bob DeFelice, CDR's Board President, Assistant County Executive Jerry Helfer representing Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Mayor Robert Duffy, and Bruce Darling, CDR's Executive Director.
 
  Entranceway sign showing 'Center For Disability Rights, Inc.' and 'Regional Center for Independent Living' with the atrium in the background.   The Independence Banner, the Integration Banner and the Civil Rights Banner, all showing photographs of employees and consumers.
 
Bob DeFelice thanked everyone for coming and acknowledge the unification of the disability rights services community through the affiliation of the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and the Center for Disability Rights. Mr. DeFelice also shared his personal story to demonstrate the possibilities for people with disabilities. When he was young, Mr. DeFelice's vocational counselor believed that "maybe" he could eventually hold a part-time minimum wage assembly line type job. Currently, Mr. DeFelice has his PhD in English, teaches at Monroe Community College and recently finished a term as the Department Chair.
 
  Bob DeFelice speaking with Mary Willoughby.   Bob DeFelice addresses the audience as Chris Hilderbrant listens.
 
Mayor Duffy praised CDR for investing in the central city's redevelopment, and being a substantial employer in Rochester. He expressed his support and gratitude for the work CDR does to help people live independently in the community instead of institutions. Mayor Duffy introduced Molly Clifford as the City's liaison to CDR, confirming the City's commitment to having a working relationship with the disability community on the ADA and other access issues. Carlos Carballada, Director of Economic Development, was introduced as another member of the team that will be working with CDR. Mayor Duffy also promised to honor his campaign commitment to traversing the winter snow covered city sidewalks and streets in a wheelchair. The Mayor challenged Chris Hilderbrant to join him in this snowy trek.
 
  Mayor Robert Duffy addresses the audience.   Bruce Darling and Chris Hilderbrant listen as Mayor Robert Duffy addresses the audience.
 
Bruce Darling, overwhelmed by the turnout and community support, spoke of the beauty of the building, the access for all types of disabilities, and the ability of the architectural firm to bring a vision to reality. He also gave thanks to all the staff, volunteers, past and present, which have helped the organization to grow, thrive and arrive where it is today. He also thanked the late Adele Carlson, under whose tutelage he learned a great deal about advocacy and civil rights activism.
 
  Bruce Darling addresses the audience.   Bruce Darling addresses the audience.
 
Ms. Carlson passed away nearly two years ago during a term as CDR's Board President. Ms. Carlson was CDR's first Executive Director and served on the Board in a numerous roles. It was Ms. Carlson's vision to further the possibilities for people with disabilities. Her fierce commitment to integration, independence and civil rights brought CDR to where it is today. Additionally, Ms. Carlson had long advocated that CDR and RCIL work more cooperatively and unite the Rochester area disability community - a dream that is achieved in the new building.
 
  JA and KT view the Independence Banner.   Shirley views the Civil Rights Banner.
 
Stuart Chait, CDR's architect, spoke of the process in developing the building and the integrated access with aesthetics. Mr. Chait then presented Bruce Darling with a watercolor rendering of the building.

The Grand Opening celebration had representation from the offices of the following elected officials:

        • Congresswoman Louise Slaughter
        • New York State Senator Joe Robach
        • New York State Assemblywoman Susan John
        • New York State Assemblyman Joe Morelle
        • New York State Assemblyman Bill Reilich

Other well-wishers in attendance included: area business owners, a team from Strong Hospital's Rehab unit, a large number of staff from the Rochester Public Library, Mark Aesch, CEO RGRTA, and Bob Gumson of VESID, who traveled from Albany to join the celebration. Bruce Darling cut the ribbon to the entrance, with the Mayor and Assistant County Executive, formally opening the new Center for Disability Rights to the community.
 
  The crowd in the parking lot.   The crowd in the the parking lot as seen from a second-floor window.
 
 
  The crowd moves into the building.
 
Guests were invited to attend the 'Party In The Parking Lot' or tour the facility. CDR and RCIL staff took groups of people through both floors of the building. Visitors commented on the increased space, meeting rooms, wide hallways and fully equipped lunchroom. Tours ended in the large meeting room, which was the site of the buffet, featuring pizza, fruit and veggie trays, dessert tables and baklava!
 
  Busy reception area.   Busy halls.
 
 
  Food service provided by Anita, Mary Anne and Susan.   The dessert table.
 
The 'Party In The Parking Lot' was kicked off by a live concert. Sound Box played a variety of 80s, 90s and current rock and roll standards. This group featured two CDR staff: Rodney Eckrich and Marco Altieri. Those who wanted to relax brought food outside, and arranged chairs to enjoy the weather and the music. There was much dancing, Joe Wheeler singing 'I Want You To Want Me' and the concert ended with a group of people joining Marco on stage to sing.
 
  Marco singing with his band 'Soundbox'.   The audience joins the band on stage.
 
 
  The audience joins the band on stage.
 
The Grand Opening party in the daytime then shifted to an evening of elegance. Board members, business leaders, and members of the disability community came out in their finery to participate in CDR's first formal fundraiser-a silent auction. Through the event, CDR raised over $5,000. A harpist and an acoustic guitarist provided musical entertainment while guests tasted wine and Italian inspired fare. One notable moment was when the harpist declared that our building was harp accessible. She was able to easily roll her giant harp in and out of the building, without lifting it like she often does at other venues.
 
The Grand Opening Evening Event was well attended. Evening attendees were given tours of the building, with an emphasis on the various programs and services provided by CDR. Guests were impressed with the array of services, and the focus upon consumer self- direction, decision-making and independence, and organizational knowledge of regulations and the legislative process.