Self Advocates Present at the IRI November Board Meeting

As is our practice, at least once a year, the IRI self-advocates are invited to a board meeting where they are encourages to have a candid conversation with the board of directors regarding their wants, needs, and dreams as well as their perspectives on what IRI does well in supporting them and what the organization needs to improve upon. This years attendees seated in the picture were Michael Fillyaw and Anthony Smith from the Locust Supervised Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA), Anna Fred from the Supportive Individualized Residential Alternative, and Katty Garay from the Rose Supervised Individualized Residential Alternative. They started their presentation by introducing themselves and by sharing their reflections on their experience attending the Self-SANYS Self Advocacy Conference in Albany earlier this month, where they represented IRI. They spoke to the Board about what they learned and how meaningful it was to participate in a statewide advocacy event. The self-advocates also engaged the Board with questions and provided feedback about their experiences with IRI’s services. They expressed pride in their programs and gratitude for the opportunity to represent IRI at conferences and other advocacy forums. The self-advocates were supported by Esan Torrington, Assistant Director if Residential Services. Finally, the self-advocates’ presentation was followed by dinner which all reportedly enjoyed,

Standing in the picture from left to right are: Dr. Gilbert Louis, IRI Chief Executive Officer; Ana Koessler, Chief Administrative Officer; Esan Torrington, Assistant Director of Residential Services; Mr. Gael Monteil, IRI Board President; and Lina Saray, Chief Financial and HUman Resources Officer