OMRDD Congratulates “College Experience” Graduates at Saint Rose Ceremony

ALBANY, NY (05/12/2008)(readMedia)-- OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter offers congratulations and best wishes to four very special College of Saint Rose graduates. Alice Brocci, Sheneka Brown, Angelica Colicchio and Christina Sperrazza proudly walked the Saint Rose graduation stage on Saturday, May 10, as part of The College Experience, a joint partnership between the College of Saint Rose and the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ voluntary provider agency, Living Resources Corporation in Albany.

“This program is a prime example of OMRDD’s commitment to “putting people first” and helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their self potential by providing person-centered, individualized support,” said Commissioner Ritter. “These four young women are great examples of just how much ‘ability’ individuals with developmental disabilities possess,” said Commissioner Ritter.

“I am so proud of these young women that I literally want to shout their achievements to the world!” continued Commissioner Ritter. “I was thrilled to see these young women walk across the stage and accept their diplomas!”

The achievements of the four students is also noteworthy since it evidences OMRDD’s commitment to integrating individuals with developmental disabilities into their surrounding communities. “Following graduation, all four of these young women look forward to moving into an apartment of their own near the College of Saint Rose campus,” said Commissioner Ritter. “They now feel that Saint Rose is their home and they want to remain contributing members of the community.”

The College Experience is a two year certificate program that gives participants the skills to transition toward independent living and to experience college life. The program offers young adults with developmental disabilities a unique curriculum in a residential college setting.

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