BLOG : Trailblazing Consumer-Direction in the Community

My name is Joann Vitiello and I am a member of Concepts. I am single and have been for many years following a six year marriage. I am also a survivor, having to overcome two occurrences of cancer. My life now is filled with the harmony and contentment I receive from meditating, and with the satisfaction of helping others cope with life’s events by teaching meditation; something I have been doing since 1987. Besides conducting these classes, I enjoy cooking, particularly Italian foods and adding to my collection of bells and angels. I am currently at work on my latest project – the writing of my memoir.

It was in 1973, when I first moved into my apartment in O’Dwyer Gardens in Brooklyn, that I met Muriel and Vinnie Zgardowski. This couple along with others had a vision of starting a consumer-directed agency associated with Medicaid. They asked me to participate in this endeavor and from 1974 until 1980, a small group, of which I was one, formulated the conceptual basis for this organization. After repeated attempts on our part to gain approval, the City and States eventually accepted our proposal on a trial basis. And in September 1980, this self-directed agency known as Concepts of Independence was opened.

Although it has undergone many changes since its inception, the agency still survives after 36 years, an agency dedicated to the independence of the disabled. Over the years, I have been a Board Member and am currently a Vice President and trustee. But above all, I am a consumer and very proud to have been a founder of Concepts.

I am grateful to the City and State for giving us the opportunity to establish a consumer-run, self-directed organization. I am thankful to Tony Caputo and the Concepts staff and to the many, many others both past and present, who have made and continue to make this unique agency a success so that the legacy of Concepts of Independence will grow and flourish based on the ideals that were formulated so many years ago.

Written by Joann Vitiello