A member of the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center board of trustees was honored by the Council for Exceptional Children at the CEC 2017 Convention in Boston on April 20, 2017. Dr. Adine Usher, nominated by fellow board member Dr. Joan Crockett, was bestowed the Joan Wald Baker Award by the Division of Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities for demonstrating exemplary advocacy and educational practice in the field of physical and health disabilities.
The CEC is an international organization whose mission is to support professionals and parents in providing services to exceptional children. It has 17 divisions, including Talented and Gifted (TAG), Teacher Education Division (TED), and Council for Administrators of Special Education (CASE).
“To have my life’s work recognized by the Division of Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children was an incredible experience,” Dr. Usher said. “The courageous and very important students and parents whom I have had the honor to serve over many decades will always deserve our very best efforts.”
Since 1961, Dr. Usher has been an educator and advocate for children with physical disabilities and their families. She is a founding member of the Collaborative Consortium, formed three years ago as a national association of schools dedicated to addressing challenges in educating students with low incidence disabilities, and continues to act as a consultant to schools and organizations around the world. Later this year, she plans to publish an educator’s handbook on teaching students with Cerebral Palsy.
About the Henry Viscardi School
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported school that offers students (kindergarten to age 21) with severe physical disabilities, who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology, and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or at a hospital.
About The Viscardi Center
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers people with disabilities. It provides K-12 education, school-to-work youth transition services, vocational training, career counseling and employment placement, assistive technology, and adapted driver education to children, adolescents, and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. The Viscardi Center also assists businesses in diversifying their workforces, and developing and advancing disability inclusive cultures in their workplaces.