The Vantage Voice - Page 1 - Breaking Barriers Building Bridges





Page 1	Volume I, Issue I	June, 1998

In an effort to reduce stereotypes, and increase communication between students with and without disabilities, two residents of Vantage Group, Inc. presented at a Prejudice Reduction Conference. Larry Marone, and Karrie Piccolo spoke before an audience of teachers, middle and high school students, and peers. The event was sponsored by Hamden High School and held at Quinnipiac College on March 9.
Marone and Piccolo practiced their speeches for over a month. Karrie’s speech focused on her family and history while Larry’s emphasized the challenges adults with developmental disabilities face, self-advocacy, and common misconceptions.

   Piccolo introduced herself to the audience as a, “23 year old woman with Down’s Syndrome. I work part time in Wendy’s. But that’s not who I really am. I really am a daughter, a sister, a fiancée, a roommate and a friend...that is what I want you to know about me first and foremost.” Karrie described the emotions involved in losing her parents and being thrust upon a system full of red tape, to her current situation of apartment living. “My apartment overlooks the water. Watching the sunset from my living room is like having a mini vacation daily."
   Marone, who used hand gestures and body language, captivated the audience with his empathic statements, wiping out myths of people with developmental disabilities. Marone described how some may assume he is hard of hearing, and may often shout out questions at him. Marone told the audience to throw away notions they might have of people with Down’s Syndrome. “People think we might live like Corky from Life Goes On. If we were going live like a TV show, it wouldn't be Life Goes On, it would be more like Beverly Hills, 90210.”
   After the presentation, the couple fielded questions from a very curious audience. Most of the questions centered around the couple’s engagement and future plans. One member of the audience approached the pair after the session and reported, “this was the best workshop I attended today!” Another member of the audience, a teacher at Guilford High School, asked if the couple would present at their human relations conference. They presented in May. Marone and Picolo are scheduled to speak to a new group formed, a self-advocacy group for adults with developmental disabilities in June.


In this Issue

Breaking Barriers Building Bridges	1	Program Enrichment Activities	4
From the Desk of the Executive Director	2	Giving Back to the Community	5
Perspectives	3	With Heartfelt Thanks	6