MEDFORD, MA – (May 2, 2018) – A longtime participant of the Walnut Street Center, Ray Hardy is a vocal presence at monthly advisory meetings and new employee and intern orientations. Ray has Down Syndrome and at 58-years-old, he leads the charge advocating for the rights of other adults with developmental challenges. His observations and voice often sheds light on client issues that need resolution and attention, such as the right to associate and friendships, desires for certain activities and programming, or interest in new volunteer and work activities. His concern for facility safety also tops his list. Ray who is semi-retired has a simple message, “We all need to help one another. That’s how it should be.”
"Ray leads by example with a positive and caring attitude. His actions have created positive opportunities and services for more individuals here," said Jay Hayston, Director of Day Services at the Walnut Street Center, a non-profit agency in Medford Massachusetts that provides a wide array of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities including 24-hour Residential Support, Individual Home Support, Supported Employment, Group Employment, Community-Based Day Support and Day Habilitation. “Down Syndrome does not define Ray and he has no time for social stigmas."
Ray is one of the many middle-aged adults with developmental challenges living in the U.S. He lives independently in a residential program with 24-hour support and commutes by private transport to organized day habilitation programming. Over the years, he’s worked in paid jobs such as answering phones and packaging. He has learned to cook, garden and attends dances. Like other adults, he wants to lead a meaningful and fulfilled life that makes an impact.
Ray’s purpose driven outreach has resulted in an arts corridor, with dedicated spaces for Art, Music & Movement, and Horticulture. There are also more recreational opportunities for individuals to participate in community integration, with visits to the aquarium and arcade.
“Ray is a great representative of the agency,” says Hayston. "Through his advocacy for the persons with developmental disabilities, he empowers our organization and inspires others to want to do more.”
Walnut Street Center Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides a wide array of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Started in the late 1960’s by a community of parents seeking services for their children, the Center now offers services including 24-hour Residential Support, Individual Home Support, Supported Employment, Group Employment, Community-Based Day Support and Day Habilitation. Residentially, the agency serves over 100 individuals. Services are mainly funded through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) from the Charles River West, Central Middlesex and Metro North Areas. MassHealth funds the Day Habilitation program. The agency is proud to partner with Medford and surrounding communities to provide quality services. To learn more, visit http://www.wscinc.org. Like us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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