Pursuing Passion After College For Students with Disabilities

Joe Zubin’s voice grows with excitement as he recalls his experience at AHRC New York City’s the then new college program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) at Kingsborough Community College.

“I had a blast at college,” said the 30-year-old, Bay Ridge resident. “The Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program (MRHEP) changed my life.”

Joe was in the inaugural class of MRHEP students at Kingsborough Community College (KBCC) 10 years ago. He quickly learned to navigate the campus and became a strong advocate for himself. He began to realize his potential, which helped build his self-confidence. “He learned how to capitalize on things he did well,” said Matthew Weiler, Director of Operations for AHRC NYC’s Adult Day Services. He picked up all the ancillary things that college life brings. That helped expand his world.”

Students in the program cultivate knowledge, develop skills, make meaningful connections, speak up on issues, and prepare for employment.

Celebrating 10 Years of Success In and Out of Classroom

AHRC NYC celebrated MRHEP’s 10-year anniversary at the Harvard Club in Manhattan last week. The Riggio Family, Barnes & Noble, and Henry Schein Cares sponsored the event, which attracted more than 200 graduates, current students, families, CUNY officials and instructors, as well as MRHEP and AHRC NYC officials and staff.

AHRC NYC partnered with the City University of New York and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities to create this innovative program, seen as the next step in true inclusion for students with I/DD. MRHEP is named after the late daughter of Laura and Steve Riggio. Melissa dreamed of attending college and her parents believed in her dream. They became unrelenting advocates for access to higher education for people with I/DD. Steve Riggio is a former AHRC NYC Board Member and currently serves on the AHRC NYC Foundation Board. He was Vice Chairman and CEO of Barnes & Noble and Director of B&N.com.

Program Grows to Four of NYC's 5 Boroughs

Today MRHEP is available in four of New York City’s five boroughs. MRHEP prepares students with I/DD for competitive employment and to obtain higher earnings. Today the MRHEP operates at KBCC, in Brooklyn, The College of Staten Island, Hostos Community College, in the Bronx, and the Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Joe entered MRHEP with an interest in sports and cooking.

Successfully Advocating for Himself

Matthew recalled Joe advocating to work with the men’s basketball team. At that time MRHEP students couldn’t be involved in any of the team sports. “He went to advocate for his own for an internship with team. The coach said it wasn’t possible but Joe kept showing up and eventually solidified his own internship as a coach’s assistant,” Matthew said. “He joined the team traveling to the playoffs in the Midwest. That was a big step; he did it on his own.”

Once Joe entered the culinary program during his second and final year at MRHEP, he thrived. (Today, MRHEP is a four-year program.) Dr. John Deustch really took him under his wing. Joe became a culinary assistant during his class instruction.

Learning Math Through Culinary Skills

“It was basically another internship,” said Carole Gothelf, AHRC NYC’s Vice President of Individualized Supports. “That’s how he learned math – by measuring food. He couldn’t do it otherwise. So when he graduated, his goal was to work in a kitchen.”

Upon graduation, Joe secured a summer position with AHRC NYC’s Camp Anne in upstate New York. Joe fell in love with camp, working in the kitchen, and was incredibly helpful with young campers. He said he wanted to work with young children with disabilities. Joe was hired by AHRC NYC’s Camping and Recreation Department as a staff member for the Saturday recreation for children. AHRC NYC’s Employment & Business Services supported him get a kitchen job at a NYC Charter School so he was free in the summer to go back and work at Camp Anne.

“Finally he had the year-round stability & security he needed, without compromising on what was most important,” said Andrew Pfadt-Trilling, AHRC NYC’s Director of Quality Improvement, Adult Day Services.

'Graduating College Made Me Feel Like a Man'

“Joe has really grown and matured since coming to camp 10 years ago,” added Michael Rose, Director of Camp Anne. “He started working in the kitchen as a prep-cook and dishwasher and now works maintenance. He is one of our most valuable staff at our weekend mini-camp program,” helping visitors take trips all around the Hudson Valley. “He's a pleasure to have around and I consider him part of my family.”

“This program helped me grow up,” Joe said. “Graduating college made me feel like a man.”

For more information about the Melissa Riggio Higher Education program, contact AHRC NYC's Referral and Information Center at 212-780-4491.