About Us

 

June 1946:	November 1946:
166 Chestnut Street (Storefront Headquarters)	1570 East Avenue
February 1968:	May 1984:
Monroe County Center for Rehabilitation(renamed Al Sigl Center)	Twelve Corners Elementary School

One of the very first sparks of inspiration for our agency stemmed from a child wanting a tricycle.   In 1945 Al Sigl, local broadcaster, made an announcement asking for a tricycle that could be modified for a handicapped child. Mrs. Ralph Amdursky heard this plea and discussed it with her husband. Out of this conversation the idea to form a Rochester-based organization was created. The Amdurskys had a son with cerebral palsy and traveled all over the United States to find help. According to a letter written by Naomi Amdursky about the incredible fight they endured just to get some answers as to what was wrong with their son, “We were sent to the Boston children’s Hospital then to Dr. Phelps Clinic (in Maryland) then to a Training Private Home in Florida! All this was terribly expensive but this had to be done!” With all these visits they realized the importance of having a local facility that would cater to the needs of children with similar handicaps and the benefit of bringing resources to the parents.

Al Sigl made a series of announcements asking for the names of anyone who had a physically handicapped child or any person having a physical handicap. There were 70 responses. A letter was sent, November 13, 1945 to all the parents announcing a gathering at Mr. & Mrs. William H. Woodworth’s home for the 18th (5 days later). With 50 Rochester parents of handicapped children present, the start of our agency was born. The goal of this group would be the “establishment of an adequately staffed and equipped local Training Center for Spastic Individuals Only…”

One month later the Diagnostic Clinic at Strong memorial Hospital was organized. One year later our first Center opened, September 17, 1946.

In May of 1946 Ralph Amdursky published an article in the Pageant magazine outlining the life of Stuart, their “cerebral palsy stricken child”. In the article he not only gives a clear understanding of the day to day challenges that must be faced,  but also shows the tender care his wife gave to him. “To my wife has fallen the greatest part of the work of helping Stuart. She is slight, 107 pounds; Stuart weighs 32 pounds and must be carried up and down stairs many times a day. But she always manages her difficult tasks with patience and love.” The courage of the Amdurskys is probably most greatly exemplified in the way they handled Stuart with family, friends and neighbors. During that time, children with this type of disability were to be sent to an institution for the mentally defective. Repeatedly the Amdurskys were told to “forget” their son and grieve like good soldiers. They made a vow to never withhold information from anyone. His case was discussed openly with anyone that asked. From this article came hundreds of letters from around the world, solidifying in Naomi’s words that, “parents can move mountains when their children need help!”

1990 - present: Hale Building Winton Campus