MAB's Annual Meeting was held on October 21 at MassHousing in Boston. Our panel included Martin Leonard, the parent of a student at MAB's Ivy Street School; Heller Shoop, the Director of MAB's Developmental Disability Program; Denise Carpenter, our Director of Community Programs for adolescents and young adults; and Jim Salzano, Executive Vice President at Clarks Companies. Marty noted the challenges that young adults with disabilities face when they transition from educational programming such as Ivy Street School, to day and residential programs for adults, which receive less state funding and tend to have fewer openings. Heller and Denise spoke about the collaboration that MAB's brain injury and developmental disability program have begun to create age-appropriate housing programs for young adults that focus on helping them increase their independent living skills and their social opportunities. Jim spoke about the importance of early vocational training and the need for employers to understand the value that disabled workers offer in many employment areas.

Community Partner Honorees:
Carol Leahy, for her outstanding fundraising as a member of MAB's Team With a Vision Marathon team for the last two years.

Meagan Rock and the MSPCA, for providing job training and hands-on work experience to MAB's students and clients.

Jim Salzano and Clarks Companies, for their efforts to train and employ individuals with disabilities.

At the meeting MAB also announced that two longtime Board members, David Feldman and Al Gayzagian, were stepping down from active Baord duty and becoming Emeritus Trustees. David joined the Board in 1981 and Al joined in 1959. We thank them for their service.

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