''You work with AIDS patients? They are lepers.''

I get those remarks about where I work- Schachne Institute, a long-term care facility for people living with AIDS. When I started working there in 1994, a long-term survivor was three weeks and now we have individuals who have been there for over 10 years. ''God still has something for you to do. You are going to walk out of here."

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Roxanne Fagan, LCSW skills and expertise has been developed serving the concomitant populations of mental health, substance abuse and the HIV/AIDS Community.

It has been a blessing cultivating hope and courage with individuals who thought that they were going to die only to accept and recognize the gift of life with the purpose of helping others. It is an honor in being the Chair for Perceptions for People with Disabilities and it has been even more of an honor being a first hand witness to the co founders' miracle of such a vision for helping the differently abled. We look forward to growing a Board to meet the challenges of the long-term Aids survivor.

A graduate of York College, B.A. in Community Health Education and a Master's degree from New York University in Social Work, I have found a particular joy working with those who realize that each day is another chance at getting it right.

I am most proud of my daughter, Edna Roxanne. Other interests include cultural activism with the Institute of the Black World for the 21st Century and the Weeksville Heritage Center.

Roxanne Fagan, LCSW
Perceptions for People With Disabilities
Board of Directors Chairperson