winter 2008

A Message from the Chairperson: Carolyn Herbst

Dear Colleagues:

As we embark on a new year, we often think more deeply about our lives. I think about the UFT’s Committee For Members Who Are Capably Disabled as a series of layers, like the layers of memories of a life. Each layer provides a different level of support.

At the bottom is the bedrock layer, a hard and sure-footed foundation. This is the work of the committee staff, who see to it that our committee services our members so that our employer provides reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York State Law. Our UFT committee liaison Eugene Rubin, and staff members Abbe Nosoff and Bonita Gibson work tirelessly for UFT members. And we cannot forget the very firm and deep foundation laid down by our very first UFT committee liaison, George Fesko. Thank you.

The next layer is guided by our steering committee and provides our academic and informational base, including the newsletter, minutes, speakers programs, Web site and outreach. It provides support for the mind and spirit. Thank you for coming to our steering committee meetings.

The top layer is a bit lighter, or so it seems. It appears as if it were frosting on a cake, or a dusting of winter snow. But it isn’t frivolous. It is the people’s layer and it serves a very important purpose of support. It provides a soft but strong web that unites us all. Our hearts and hands come together to share a dinner, a museum trip, perhaps some music or a phone call. Thank you, committee members for forming this strong and comfortable cushion as the very top layer.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Herbst