WIHD’s Barbara Levitz Retires

Valhalla, NY (May 2019) --- Barbara Levitz, a leader in services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, has retired from The Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD).

A resident of Cortlandt Manor, Barbara has worked at WIHD in various capacities for 30 years. She had played a key role in developing WIHD’s early intervention service coordination model, employing parents of children with disabilities and providing training across the county on replicating this unique model. At the same time, she played a key role in the establishment of Parent-to-Parent of New York State as a statewide family support initiative and worked on the passage of family support legislation both in New York and nationally.

“Barbara has made a huge impact not only on WIHD, but in the field of developmental disabilities nationally,” said Susan Fox, President & CEO of The Westchester Institute for Human Development. “We know she will continue to make an impact in her retirement.”

The Levitz family was recently honored as the WIHD Mission Family at its Gala on May 2 as representing the mission of WIHD – to help children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their full potential. Barbara’s son, Mitchell Levitz, who has Down Syndrome, began attending early intervention at WIHD at six months old. Now, years later, Mitchell is a staff member at WIHD, offering an amazing perspective and contributions to both staff members and families and individuals served by WIHD.

Westchester Institute for Human Development

As one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Westcheste

disabilities and vulnerable children through professional education, direct service provision,

a wide range of medical, dental, clinical and social services to individuals with disabilities,

Lower Hudson Valley. At WIHD, everything we do is guided by our vision of a future in which

productive lives as full members of society. For more information, visit wihd.org.