Thursday, August 9, 2012

State apologizes to Man With Down Syndrome Fired From Job Because of Budget Cuts





more from WCVB the Boston Channel:
Two state officials have apologized to a man with Down syndrome who was fired from his $12 per week job, according to his mother.
The termination letter sent to Mark Stanganelli "should never have gone out," executives from the Massachusetts Health and Human Services Department told his parents.
For 15 years, Stanganelli has been working at Andover's Wyndham Hotel. He received a letter of termination last month.  He was paid $24 every other week, a symbolic payment for his efforts.
The Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative, which placed and supervised Stanganelli, 45, at his job, had written that the Wyndham Hotel setting was "no longer an appropriate option for Mark."
Department of Development Services Commissioner Elin Howe and Christine Griffin, Asst. Secretary for Disabilities Programs, met with the family for two hours Wednesday afternoon.
“We all have Mark’s best interests at heart, and after meeting with his family today we arrived at a resolution that will allow Mark to stay in a position at the Wyndham while we work with the family. We will continue our discussions with Mark’s family to determine the appropriate supports and services that fit his current needs,” said spokesman Alec Loftus.
Stanganelli's mother said while there was no promise of a long-term job at the Wyndham, she is satisfied, for now.
"Gerry (his father) and I both feel they heard our concerns. Even though we hoped to have a commitment for Mark to stay at the Wyndham with job training, they heard our concerns and are willing to work with us. We hope it works well," said Beverly Stanganelli.
The Wyndham Hotel had no involvement in the hiring or firing of Stanganelli. The Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative placed him there as part of an on-site program.
Beverly Stanganelli said their phone has been "ringing off the hook" with offers of help for Mark since WCVB-TV and wcvb.com first reported their story Tuesday.
One woman offered to underwrite a program specifically for Mark, she said.
In a statement Tuesday, GLEC spokeswoman Kim Oliveira said, "The Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative provides quality programming for individuals with special abilities. While we can't comment on individual cases, we assure you that all programming decisions are made in partnership with collateral agencies and with the intent to bring joy and fulfillment to the individual. Enhancing the quality of life for those we serve is our primary goal."

Read more:
http://www.wcvb.com/health/State-apologizes-to-man-with-Down-syndrome-fired-from-job/-/9848730/16021244/-/cf9p34/-/index.html#ixzz2345lPfhf

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