Dr. Diane Casale-Giannola, assistant professor in the department of teacher education, will be recognized by The Arc Mercer on Friday, September 30 at a black-tie annual fundraising affair, The Arcademy Awards,” at the Masonic Temple in Trenton. The Arc Mercer is a national organization whose mission is to provide quality, comprehensive services to people with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities.

Giannola will receive The Arc Mercer’s 2005 Volunteer of the Year Award for her creating a field-based special education class, which not only benefits her students but The Arc Mercer’s clients. After an in-depth review by Rider’s School of Education as well as the New Jersey Department of Education, an internship program which she and Lisa Roth, an adjunct professor in the teacher education department, conceived was established and piloted at The Arc Mercer during the spring of 2004.

“I thought it would be great if my students could actually go out and work with the organizations and the people they serve instead of just listen to lectures,” said Giannola. “Lisa did a lot of the legwork in the community with me to develop and launch the program.

“When I proposed the idea to Arc administrators, they welcomed it with open arms. I am so honored by this recognition. I would like to also give credit to my students who helped me earn this award through their good service and commitment.”

One of the course requirements is that students spend a minimum of 35 hours during the semester working at an agency or organization that serves people with a developmental disability.  As a result, they work with a variety of age groups and types of disabilities in different settings and life stages.  This past year, 15 students rotated through six programs at The Arc Mercer, spending two weeks each at Arc Enterprises’ Touch of Taste catering program, Arc Enterprises’ Occupational Training Center, Step Ahead Early Childhood Learning Center, Step Ahead Abbott preschool program, the Adult Resource Center, the Recreational Program and in a group home through the Residential Program.

“The feedback from my students has been amazing,” said Giannola.  “One told me that working there was a life-changing experience and two others have changed their career plans and now are looking for jobs where they can help individuals with developmental disabilities.  Moreover, they have learned that there are more similarities than differences between individuals with developmental disabilities and themselves.”

Prior to Rider, Giannola spent 15 years in special education as a teacher and administrator.  This past May, she received Rider’s Distinguished Teaching Award, along with Dr. Betsy Haywood-Sullivan, assistant professor of accounting. In addition to teaching, Giannola is co-adviser for the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) student chapter and holds a national position in the CEC Teacher Education Division.