Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515233
Building Communities of Care 5 first community-living facility for individuals who had been institutionalized. In 1973, WAARC became the Worcester Area Association for Retarded Citizens to reflect its expanded population; the organization now served many adults as well as children. "BIG B" In 1975, Harold Crocket retired, and the search began for his replacement. A staunch advocate for the rights of children, women, the LGBT community, adoptees, and those with developmental and physical challenges, Barbara A. Andersen proved to be the ideal candidate. While she was a tenacious negotiator with government agencies, she was also passionate about theatre, her family, and, most of all, the people WAARC served. Andersen was often applauded for her ability to recognize a need, to understand the political intricacies involved in securing services for the need, and to find creative and effective solutions for that need. She has been hailed for her "sensitivity and political astuteness," which greatly benefitted those WAARC served. Andersen's success in her role at WAARC can be attributed to her open-door policy, which extended beyond the typical workday. She never ignored phone calls, regardless of the time of day. Clients and staff referred to her affectionately as "Big B." RESPITE CARE Early in her leadership, Andersen introduced the Respite Care Program, relatively unknown at the time, to provide staff known as "Sitters" trained in behavior management, developmental activities, dressing, the latest technologies, tracheostomy care, gastrointestinal feeding, care for ventilator-dependent individuals, and more. Sitters were available to families on a regular or as-needed basis for a few hours, a weekend, or up to 30 days to allow time for commitments outside the home without worry. e basic premise behind the Respite Care Program was to keep children and adults with special needs in their homes in an effort toward normalization. Barbara A. Andersen Oberlin House 1973 Rehabilitation Act Barbara A. Andersen