The era of stigmatizing disabilities is over. This did not happen overnight and the realization of developmental impairments as being innocent medical problems rather than personal failure is not yet recognized by all. Nonetheless society is beginning to see the light.

This was not so in previous decades.

When Hamaspik was originally founded, many people referred to special needs consumers with humiliating names and degrading epithets. Exquisite group homes for children & adults with disabilities and special needs were almost non-existent. Pragmatic and “individualized” (“Custom Made” ) services were just part of a sweet dream and wishful thinking.

How times have changed since the 1980s.

Hamaspik was founded as a small organization to provide services for people with developmental disabilities and mental retardation. The initial goal of Hamaspik was to establish an ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) Residence in Monroe, NY. Almost a decade went by before the project was completed. Hamaspik was Incorporated in 1987.

Another decade passed by since and Hamaspik has grown exponentially, branching out with agencies in Rockland County and New York City. As of Spring 2006, the Hamaspik network of agencies established and operates eight residences in the tri-state area. Additional Five new IRA (Individual Residential Alternative) projects are in various stages of development.

Living in an IRA setting is a superior alternative to old-time institutionalizing. Hamaspik provides other great residential alternatives, such as Home Family Care. Home Family Care is a service concept which Hamaspik has brought to the forefront of MRDD community services on an unprecedented scale. Not so long ago, people felt awkward when meeting a consumer with special needs; today, hundreds of families enjoy the satisfaction of fostering a special needs consumer as their natural child with loving kindness (and financial rewards).

The history of Hamaspik is, alas, the history of MRDD consumers. Years of neglect and isolation are behind us; times of respect and compassion are here to stay and blossom forever.