Self-Determination, Employment, and Community Participation for People with Disabilities: A Conversation with Marco Damiani

Marco Damiani, Chief Executive Officer of AHRC New York City (AHRC NYC), joins the DEP RRTC’s Let’s Get to Work podcast hosted by Dr. Peter Blanck, University Professor and Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and Principal Investigator of the DEP RRTC. Drawing on decades of experience supporting people with disabilities, Marco discusses his journey from working as a direct support professional to leading one of the largest organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S. He highlights the movement from institutionalization to community-based supports and services and the importance of self-advocacy, self-determination, and Supported Decision-Making. Marco and Peter also emphasize employment as a way to advance independence and community participation. Using AHRC NYC's nationally recognized initiatives as examples, they show how meaningful, competitive work benefits people with disabilities, employers, communities, and the broader economy.