When Barrier Free Living first connected with Global Innovation Design student Sophie Horrocks in December 2019, we had no idea what an impact she’d have on the work we do.

At the time, Sophie was finishing up her studies in New York and wanted to “give back” in a useful way before heading back to London.  After reaching out as a volunteer, she signed on to spruce up the lounge at our BFL Apartments program in the Bronx. The lounge, which had been rarely used, turned into a true diamond in the rough after Sophie did her magic. (See images and her interview here.)

We caught up with Sophie, checking in on her progress since she left the States.

Where are you now in your journey?

I’ve just graduated from my MA/MSc in Global Innovation Design at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. I’m currently carving out next steps to establish my career as a designer working towards making our experiences and environments more inclusive.

I believe that design has the power to improve human quality of life. In order to achieve this though, we must recognise the value of empathy-driven, not just evidence-based design.

What was your final masters project?

My final project for my masters is an inclusive design solution to how blind and partially sighted people can navigate the world beyond vision. Sensaura’s wearable design proposes an integrated solution to enable detection, processing and feedback of environmental information needed for navigation. This allows independent, hands-free travel of indoor and outdoor spaces for blind and partially sighted people.

Sensaura (image below) applies inclusive design principles. This not only offers a human-centred design solution to the 2 million people in the U.K. currently living with sight loss but has the potential to transform hands-free navigation for millions of people worldwide beyond this user group.

How did BFL contribute to your incredible journey?

My experience working with Barrier Free Living allowed me to understand just how powerful design can be in creating real change. It showed me that by understanding the diverse range of needs people have, and combining that with functional, but beautiful design – we can start making the world a more inclusive and delightful place.

It was such an inspiring experience that it really pushed me to want to continue working in this space, using design as a tool to promote health and wellbeing for people who can benefit most from it.

I really can’t thank the team at Barrier Free Living enough for all the incredible work they do, as well as the kindness and support they gave me too. I really wish all the team there the best of luck for the future and hope to come and visit again soon when if I’m able to get back across the pond again soon!

Check out Sophie’s work and follow her amazing journey at:

Website: www.sophiehorrocks. com

Instagram: @sophiehorrocksdesign

Email: hello@sophiehorrocks. com

Nick Pedersen, Barrier Free Living Family Law Attorney 

Having witnessed people with disabilities facing abuse in the court system throughout his career, attorney Nick Pedersen was grateful for an opportunity to support Barrier Free Living’s mission, joining the team this past spring.

What drew you to work with Barrier Free Living?

“What drew me to the work with Barrier Free Living is that it is a very well-known and well-respected organization.  The organization has a great mission and message to assist those in need and I was honored to ask to be a part of it.”

What about our mission appealed to you?

“As a family law attorney, I have firsthand experience with individuals with disabilities facing abuse and bias in the court system and I want to help remedy those injustices.”

Have you worked with populations similar those we serve at Barrier Free Living?

“Yes, over the course of my career, I have worked with many victims of domestic violence and abuse in many different courts including family and supreme courts in New York City, Westchester and Long Island.

What do you perceive may be some challenges and benefits of working with Barrier Free Living?

“In life, but especially in family law, the challenges and the benefits are closely intertwined.  Being in Family court is a difficult situation as it is, but can be even more difficult for people with disabilities.  Although these types of cases can be more challenging, when you succeed for that person there is a greater sense of accomplishment and pride.

Are you a native New Yorker?

“Yes. I was born and raised on Long Island. ”

Any hobbies or bucket list items to share?

“I enjoy playing softball and having BBQs with friends.  I am a die-hard Yankees and Giants fan and I would love to one day visit every Major League Baseball field.

Nick was born and raised on Bellmore, Long Island to Alfred and Cathy Pedersen.  After high school, Nick attended SUNY Albany and Albany Law School in Albany, New York.  After law school, Nick has worked for multiple law firms focusing in family law and divorce before joining Barrier Free Living as the family law attorney.  

Anne Markowitz, L.C.S.W., is a consultant for Barrier Free Living providing workshops around the topic of anger. She shares a few tips about dealing with anxiety  during this challenging period.

We are going to be in this Coronavirus crisis for some time, and no one knows for how long. We are all used to crisis work—(at Barrier Free Living’s programs for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities it’s the nature of the  mission) —but this is different. So how do we manage the anxiety and instability of the next few weeks or months?

BE FLEXIBLE

Accept that we will be learning as we go, so we have to be flexible. The rules that worked Monday don’t work by Friday. Explain this to other staff and to our clients. We have to go with it and constantly re-evaluate.

What does this mean day to day?

It’s helpful to let everyone know that things are changing all the time. For example, if Barrier Free Living changes the rules on staff or residents without preparation, feelings come up. But if the agency makes a statement to everyone, “We are all winging it here. We have to be able to change our plans as things around us change. Let’s focus on what to do now and keep re-evaluating. The more flexible we are, the more we can bend with the changes.”

Also, things are not fair. Things are never really fair, actually, but many people are feeling that there is little justice in what is happening or how some people seem to be having an easier time.

At Barrier Free Living’s programs, this can potentially lead to comparing among staff and residents. Some staff may feel that they are taking the brunt of the consequences of the Coronavirus, while other staff are less exposed or spending less time on site. It’s much better to anticipate this feeling of injustice by preparing staff, whether you’re a manager or a colleague, for the appearance that this is true. Discuss what can be done. Sometimes we have to suck things up during a crisis, but even that has to be acknowledged.

With residents, it may be helpful to emphasize that we are all figuring out what we can and can’t control. Discuss what can’t happen and focus on what to do instead.

BE CREATIVE

With residents and clients at Barrier Free Living programs, there can be so much focus on the virus that many people have lost sight of the day to day. Acknowledge that there is nothing anyone can do about dealing with agencies, court, check-ups, school, quarantine. Try to focus on what people CAN control. If you can’t exercise outside today, exercise to a video on line. Have the kids do it with you. There are all kinds of free exercise and yoga things on line. What about creative projects people can do in their apartments? On line classes for adults? Cleaning out a closet? Teaching the kids how to mop?

If you are doing clinical work of any kind and are frustrated about your work with clients, adapt to the new timing. Instead of hour-long sessions, talk to the client about doing three 20-minute sessions a week. Instead of focusing on the virus’s effects, have an agenda, something you want to talk about, with the client you’re calling. It’s also a great time for social workers to do real therapy—go back to childhood and look at what formed the client’s way of seeing the world; look at patterns of behavior he or she wants to change.

ENJOY THIS TIME

Some people are ashamed to admit it, but some of this is enjoyable, and it’s certainly exciting. As destructive as the Coronavirus is, as much as it will devastate many people, crises are more exciting than the usual day to day, and it’s okay for people to feel that.

I thought that people would become much more anxious during this period. In fact, I’ve found that many people are LESS anxious, because they feel they have had a whole list of pressures taken away. They can’t find a job right now, they can’t do all the errands they meant to do, they can’t go to the dentist. I wouldn’t be surprised if many people are more anxious and depressed when this period is over and the city opens up again. So let’s try to exploit this time and use it well.

And MUSIC helps everything. You can sing with a mask on.

Hang in there. This, too, shall pass. We live in interesting times!

Love to you, and be kind to each other,
Anne Markowitz

After two decades as a dedicated member of the Barrier Free Living team, Robert McKinzie opens up about what led him to the agency and what keeps him here. 

BFL: When did you first join BFL?

Robert: I joined Barrier Free Living in 2000 as a volunteer at the facility on the lower east side ( 270). A few months after that opportunity ended, I was offered a part time position. I was very grateful.

BFL: What is your position now?

Robert: I’m now working at Freedom House as a full time resident aide.

BFL: What first led you to apply to BFL?

Robert:  I didn’t really apply. I was referred by a Social Services Agency. But when I got here, I really enjoyed what I did.

BFL: What has made it a good place to work for you?

Robert: I enjoy meeting different people.

BFL: Do you have a favorite memory of a day at work, or a moment during your years here?

Robert: I remember bringing a new family to Freedom House for the first time. The mom was so overwhelmed when she saw the room for the first time that she burst into tears. Moments like that remind me of why I’m here.

BFL: Any favorite hobbies?

Robert: I work a lot. But when I’m done paying all my bills, I like to shop.

Vanessa Salazar first joined Barrier Free Living as a volunteer in 2001, working at the agency’s former Transitional Housing program on the Lower East Side.

Over the years, she has matured as a woman and a team member, giving birth to her first child in 2006 and shifting from administrative work to becoming a Housing Case Manager at Freedom House in 2016.

We spoke with Vanessa about her journey at BFL, and the key to her longevity and success.

BFL: How did you first start with Barrier Free Living?

Vanessa: I started as a volunteer in March 2001, helping Human Resources with clerical work. I got hired in May 2001.

BFL: Give us a few highlights of your evolution through the years.

Vanessa: I started at Transitional Housing as the administrative assistant for about six years. During maternity leave for my first child in October 2006 I was offered the position of administrative assistant at Freedom House. I was very happy to take the full time position. I loved the work I did. I always wanted to do so much more especially to work directly with residents.

In 2016, I became the Housing Case Manager at Freedom House and I enjoy the work with the residents. I became an advocate and the co-chair of the Housing Committee for the New York City Coalition of Domestic Violence Residence Providers. My advocacy work grew so much more.

I am currently a Social Work Intern at Freedom House and a full time student at Stony Brook University and also part of a research project at Freedom House in collaboration with Stony Brook University.

BFL: Tell us a little bit about your current position.

Vanessa: I am the Housing Case Manager. I assist residents in applying for housing and assess their housing options. I am also a social work intern.

BFL: What is it that has kept you at Barrier Free Living for nearly two decades?

Vanessa: The support and my passion to help others. My co-workers.

BFL: Any hobbies to share?

Vanessa: I love the summer, love to go to the beach and have picnics with my family.

Donated coats and scarves warmed the hearts of residents and tenants at our programs for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities this past week.

New York Cares Coat Drive delivered 200 coats to adults and kids, and the Bryant Park Corp. donated just as many hand-knitted scarves to the people we serve.

Learn how to make a difference and support our mission.

Simone Allen joined the Barrier Free Living team as the new Occupational Therapy (OT) manager this January, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a healthy dose of curiosity. Simone took over the role when OT manager Patricia Motus headed to the West Coast in December 2019, after 15 years of service. (Read Patricia’s profile story.)

BFL: What led you to apply to Barrier Free Living?

Simone: My old manager at Mount Sinai-Beth Israel actually forwarded the job post to me. I previously worked as an Occupational Therapist on an inpatient Psychiatry unit, and was working as the Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator at the time the Occupational Therapy Program Manager position at BFL became available.

BFL: What is it about BFL’s OT program that attracted or appealed to you?

Simone: Upon speaking with (outgoing OT program manager) Patricia Motus and learning about her role, I became intrigued–I only knew about BFL’s Transitional Housing program via former patients at Beth Israel, so I didn’t know there were additional programs in the agency until I viewed the BFL website. I have also never worked in a community-based setting, outside of volunteering at a clubhouse (Goddard Community Services’ The Other Place (TOP) Clubhouse), so the setting was also something that was new, but challenging as well.

BFL: Any specific goals for your first year at BFL?

Simone: I would like to see the OT program grow, in terms of building fruitful relationships with other colleges and universities outside the Tri-state area. As OTs, we really don’t learn much (if at all) about Domestic Violence, and I think this program opens up the eyes of not only future clinicians, but also the participants/residents/tenants views on how Occupational Therapy positively contributes to their lives and goals.

BFL: What do you hope to achieve in your work at our programs?

Simone: I’m slowly getting to know the participants/residents/tenants (as you know, there are A LOT!), but those who I have either met or have already established a rapport with have spoken highly of the OT program and interns they have worked with. I want to continue encouraging them to participate in our OT groups and individual sessions so that they can utilize the services we provide at all sites.

BFL: Any hobbies or interests to share?

Simone: I’m a novice genealogist; I love to travel and learn about different cultures; I’m also a history buff!

BFL: Are you a native New Yorker, or if not where did you grow up?

Simone: I was born in Jamaica, but I’m a “native” New Yorker in the sense that I’ve lived here since the age of four :)!

Simone T. Allen, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy Manager

“Working with Angela has given me a much greater awareness of the needs of a very under-served population.  Regardless of the roadblocks, she remains positive and optimistic, refusing to settle for anything less than her dreams.” Larry Wilson (pictured above) MHC-LP, Social Worker, Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House domestic violence shelter.

Barrier Free Living’s team works with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities at our three programs through the year. Angela, a resident of our Freedom House domestic violence shelter, shares how the work she did with her social worker Larry Wilson has guided her toward a place of fearlessness.

BFL: What led you to Barrier Free Living?

Angela: After several years of hiding from my abusive Ex, my aunt informed him of my whereabouts. I returned from work with my daughters and found him there waiting. He started threatening, cursing , also tried to hit me. We took off with whatever we could take with us.

BFL: How did you find Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House?

Angela: I did not have a lot of money, only enough for us to stay at a hotel for  three nights. My boss was informed of the situation and she told me about (Barrier Free Living’s) Freedom House and helped by calling (them). She stayed with me until I was accepted.

BFL: What was your experience upon arriving at the shelter?

Angela: I was scared, nervous, it was a big adjustment. The staff was very kind and helpful. It was hard at first with the fact that I (was) not in control of my safety. I was now dependent on (Barrier Free Living’s) Freedom House. I gradually learned that the staff is here to help me get through my situation.

BFL: What did you find most helpful at Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House?

Angela: The Domestic Violence (support) classes (and workshops) on Mondays helped me. These (workshops) allowed me to face and accept my situation and the hand that I was dealt. Also meeting women who shared all the struggles I encountered (helped). They along with my social worker (Larry Wilson) helped.

BFL: What’s next for you?

Angela: I’m currently doing a job that I love as a baby nurse/nanny. I’m pursuing a degree and hope to pursue a career in childcare and teaching in the future.  I am hoping to have my own home or apartment. (I hope to) Have no fears, (to have) high self esteem and to finish school.

Patricia at the 2010 Barrier Free Living Staff Appreciation Awards

Patricia Motus, who joined the Barrier Free Living (BFL) team as director of the Occupational Therapy (OT) program in 2004, will be heading to the West Coast this month.

Barrier Free Living has been working with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities for nearly 40 years, and has always considered the Occupational Therapy team’s work a great contribution to the mission.

Motus began her career as a Staff Therapist at United Cerebral Palsy in 1999, gaining her first experience working with individuals with a variety of disabilities. After that, she moved onto BFL.

“At BFL I immediately began to feel more passion for the work I was doing.  I brought all of my skills and knowledge into focus allowing me to feel effective as a clinician while feeling passionate for the individuals I was working for,” says Motus.

Motus, who has supervised and guided dozens of occupational therapy interns at BFL’s programs over the years, considers BFL “my pride and joy, my baby. I have enjoyed seeing it grow and flourish over the years.  I only hope to find equally fulfilling work on the West Coast.  I plan to stay connected to BFL as an OT Consultant especially as the agency continues to grow.”

The fact that Motus worked as a consultant and had limited time at each program allowed her to become a powerful strategic planner, getting a lot done in short periods as she worked with a constantly changing (every 3 months) intern team.

The rewards working with tenants and participants through the years were rich and varied and included “great 1:1 sessions, helping an individual or family create a healthy effective safety plan for the future, hearing from an intern years later saying how much they gained from their experience at BFL.”

“Being around the various program of BFL for the past 15 years has allowed for me to learn so much practical clinical experience and gain so much insight about myself in the process,” says Motus. “I learned so much about Domestic Violence and trauma informed work, working with specialized populations deaf, HOH, blind and low vision, (view the OT deaf services team video here).  I’m a richer person and clinician because of these experiences. “

Patricia’s Farewell Message:

“It is difficult to put into a few sentences what it has meant to have been a part of the growth of this meaningful organization. As you know, I very much believe in the profound impact the Occupational Therapy Department and the Occupational Therapy Internship Program has on the lives of the individuals we serve. It has been my honor to collaborate and develop OT programming that complement the good work our inter-disciplinary teams already provide our clients/tenants/residents.

I truly would not be the clinician or person I am today if it not for the experience and learning I’ve been fortunate enough to experience at BFL over the course of the past 15 years. I have genuinely enjoyed my time working with so many passionate advocates and inspiring clients/tenants/residents within the various programs.

As sad as I am to end this chapter in my career, I am also excited to see what the future has in store. I will be moving across the country in a few weeks but in the meantime will be happy to assist in the transition of the new Occupational Therapist, Simone Allen.

I will miss you all, please keep in touch as I would like to remain an Occupational Therapy (OT) resource for you all!!  Thank you!!”