Join the Batavia Multiple Sclerosis Support Group to connect with other people affected by MS and learn more about services offered by the National MS Society and Independent Living of the Genesee Region.
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Independent Living, 113 Main St., Batavia. For more information please call 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail megan.vaughan@nmss.org.
Press release:
Anyone who seeks information about a wealth of services that are available to people with disabilities, most at no cost to the individual, can just stop by the Richmond Memorial Library any Friday from March 25th to April 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A staff member of Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be present at the 19 Ross St. facility near East Main Street in Batavia to answer questions on disability-friendly programs of the two organizations.
Patrons who are blind, dyslexic, or who otherwise prefer to listen to their literature can access audio talking books from the Library’s stock and through the download station of eBook distributor OverDrive. They can also download eBooks from Freading, movie and shows from Freegal Movies, and three songs per week that are theirs to keep and also listen to three hours per day of streaming music, courtesy of Freegal Music.
Plus a free subscription to Hoopla provides patrons temporary streaming access to audiobooks, movies, music, eBooks, comics and television series, 24 hours per day. Seniors can access Services to the Aging in Genesee County (SAGE), a program providing library services to homebound and resident senior citizens in the County, funded by a grant from the Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging, through the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
Anyone can learn about a host of services that ILGR offers to individuals with disabilities, including: Individual Advocacy; Benefits Advisement; Budgeting Assistance; Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS) for those needing Home Care Assistants; Educational Coaching for parents dealing with schools’ Committees on Special Education; Falls Prevention Education; Family Reimbursement Services for relatives of individuals with developmental disabilities; advice on Housing options in the community and application assistance; Information & Referral to community resources; advisement on Job Searches; a Loan Closet of gently used medical equipment; “Ticket to Work” Employment Network for those receiving Social Security benefits; Transition Services for young people and seniors with disabilities who want to live independently; ambulatory and wheelchair-lift-van Transportation Services; plus Advocacy for Change of disability discrimination practices on a system level.
Please contact David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415, or e-mail him at ddodge@wnyil.org with any questions.
Clients of Independent Living of the Genesee Region in Batavia have a new option for getting involved in artistic creation thanks to a donation of an Artcovz by the University Heights Arts Association in Buffalo.
Lawrence Kinney, who founded the association with is wife, Mary, made the kiosk with a 100-year-old humidor as the foundation and was on hand Wednesday for the donation ceremony.
Mary Kinney explained that a primary goal of the association is to make art accessible to communities that are underserved in the arts, such as those with limited ability to get around or limited finances.
"Anybody who passes by is welcome to take a project," Mary said. "The projects are free they contain everything from drawing to small sculpture projects, garden art, adult color sheets, CD samples, lectures, and we change out the art frequently. Also we have little donation box at bottom to allow people to pay it forward. We do accept donations of paper, pencils and old craft supplies."
Lawrence Kinney said part of the inspiration for the idea comes from the Little Free Library movement, were people set up boxes that act as roadside lending libraries.
One of his specialities as an artist is reclaiming old furniture, especially pieces made from hardwoods, and turning the furniture into art projects.
The one at the Independent Living center at 113 Main St., Batavia, began as an old humidor and he built it up into a kiosk with space for a varity of art materials.
The association is interested in connecting with any location, including local businesses, that would like to host a kiosk.
"Western New York has a wonderful art communtiy, but a lot of the art organizations serve seasoned artists and we want to serve underserved populations, like people with disabilities, who might not otherwise access programs as easily," she said.
Press release:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has been selected to be a hub of inspiration and resources for those who wish to explore their artistic side, with an emphasis on disability-friendly activities. Following the official unveiling at 2 p.m. on Wednesday March 2nd, in the lobby of ILGR’s 113 Main St. office, Batavia, an ARTcovz self-serve kiosk will be available to all who want the packets of free art and literature supplies. The booth’s pockets, hooks and shelves will offer: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/ drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and art-oriented audio books on CD. Eventually, artists with disabilities will come to ILGR to offer workshops and display examples of their work.
This opportunity is being made possible thanks to the North-Buffalo-based University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the arts. Each ARTcovz booth caters to the demographic it serves; UHAA has partnered with ILGR to expand their outreach to people with disabilities.
Please contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406, or e-mail her at rfrank@wnyil.org with any questions.
ARTcovz is part of UHAA’s ARTboothz program, which offers sit-down art projects to passersby at community events. Each mini-art kit contains materials and a set of directions for completing a project, a link to further UHAA resources, including online databases of additional projects, and a schedule of upcoming programs. Designed/fabricated by sculptor/furniture maker Lawrence Kinney of UHAA, each ARTcovz includes a bin at the bottom of the booth to accept donations of art materials.
ARTboothz program served 2,427 people of all ages in 2015 at farmer's markets, festivals, community centers, and special events throughout Western New York. University Heights Arts Association plans to unveil a total of 10 ARTcovz in 2016. UHAA members offer donations, devise projects, put kits together at a series of "Potluck Packaging ARTraiser" events. These events are open to the public or anyone wishing to help or contribute supplies.
Press release:
The University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), organized in North Buffalo, is a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource through the arts to make a positive difference in people’s lives. They have partnered with Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) to provide a new service for people with disabilities, including free art supplies and workshops!
ARTcovz is part of the ARTboothz program of the University Heights Arts Association, which offers sit-down art projects to passersby at community events.
On March 2, at 2 p.m. the first ARTcovz booth will be unveiled at Independent Living of the Genesee Region at 113 Main St., Batavia.
ARTcovz self-serve booths consist of a kiosk/dispenser containing pockets, hooks and shelves. It dispenses prepackaged projects, arts, literature, or CD samplers and a bin at the bottom of each booth accepts donations. Each mini-art kit contains materials and a set of directions for completing a project, a link to further UHAA resources including online databases of additional projects and a schedule of upcoming programs. Each ARTcovz booth caters to the demographic it serves. The ILGR Artcovz will offer disability-sensitive projects.
ARTboothz program served 2,427 people of all ages in 2015 at farmer's markets, festivals, community centers, and special events throughout Western New York. University Heights Arts Association plans to unveil 10 ARTcovz this year. ARTcovz are designed/fabricated by sculptor/furniture maker Lawrence Kinney, of University Heights Arts Association.
UHAA members offer donations, devise projects, put kits together at a series of "Potluck Packaging ARTraiser" events. These events are open to the public or anyone wishing to help or contribute supplies. Donations accepted from the community include colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and books on CD. These items can be donated at Independent Living, 113 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
UHAA and ILGR plan to to partner for additional programs including workshops and exhibitions. All art programs will be open to people with disabilities. Please contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406, or rfrank@wnyil.org with any questions.
Press release:
The legal rights of people with developmental disabilities who are seeking appropriate housing and some practical techniques to secure it will be explored in a FREE Accessible Housing Education Seminar. It takes place on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), 113 Main St. (near Center Street), Suite 5, Batavia.
In addition to explaining the Fair Housing Act and other measures that bar disability-based discrimination, presenters will provide information and resources for navigating a provided regional list of housing options and other opportunities, advocating for reasonable accommodations and environmental modifications, and securing referrals and promising locations.
Housing specialist Robin Arnold-Scott of ILGR, and Todd Vaarwerk, director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Western New York Independent Living, Inc., will make a PowerPoint presentation as part of the seminar.
Anyone who is interested in attending should register by calling Donna at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411; or by e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org.
“Developmental disabilities” encompasses a number of central nervous system impairments that occur before age 22, including: cerebral palsy; epilepsy; autism; spinal cord injury; traumatic and acquired brain injury; learning disabilities such as dyslexia (reading disabilities), dysgraphia (writing disabilities), and visual tracking disorder; cognitive disabilities, Down Syndrome, and others.
ILGR is an agency dedicated to the mission that people with disabilities deserve true independence and equality, including at the workplace: the right to live their lives as they choose; a philosophy the Agency carries out by providing individuals the skills and resources to do it themselves. ILGR’s services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, transportation, Braille transcription, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing assistance, information and referral, and many more.
The second annual Taste of Independence to benefit Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Joseph's School. The address is 2 Summit St. Cost is $25 per ticket or $40 per couple.
There will be a 50/50 auction and raffle items. Only a limited number of tickets are available so get yours now.
To RSVP and/or sponsor, call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411, or e-mail her at dbecker@wnyil.org
Funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities in emergency situations with employment or moving forward with life goals when there is no other financial resource available.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region will host a free six-session workshop on Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes on Mondays beginning Sept. 14 at the Mental Health Association at 25 Liberty St., Batavia.
The workshops will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, 21, 28 and Oct. 5, 14 and 19.
To register, call Pat at 815-8501, ext. 402.
The program will cover these topics:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region will host a free six-session workshop on Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes on Mondays beginning Sept. 14 at the Mental Health Association at 25 Liberty St., Batavia.
The workshops will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, 21, 28 and Oct. 5, 14 and 19.
To register, call Pat at 815-8501, ext. 402.
The program will cover these topics:
Press release:
WNY Independent Living, Inc., wants feedback from youth and young adults 14-24 years of age with mental /behavioral health problems and their parents and educators.
Focus groups are wanted that are comprised of individuals with a “behavioral health” diagnosis, parents of youth/young adults with mental/behavioral health challenges and/or educational service providers/teachers who work with youth/young adults. These focus groups are focused on areas which include disability, developmental/mental health challenges, substance abuse/use, trauma, eating disorders, and environmental disabilities, etc. Focus groups are available to youth/young adults, parents, teachers and service providers.
Each focus group is looking to create a report which shows stakeholders (youth/young adults, parents and services providers) feel is needed in Western New York to support youth/young adults with mental health/behavioral health needs, parents/caregivers, and education/service providers. Through the overall outcome of the focus groups, WNY Independent Living's goal is to create programs and services which will close gaps in current behavioral health services, training, and information to provide to youth/young adults, families and educators within the WNY community.
The focus groups can be set up at any location or WNY Independent Living, Inc., can provide a location in Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Batavia. The focus group takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. We greatly appreciate input as it will create long term outcomes and goals to assist transition age youth/young adults in need of support while attending and remain in high school, transitioning to college or work in being successful and sustaining employment down the road.
Our goal is also to divert youth in high school from dropping out, based on mental health/behavioral
health challenges and needs.
If interested in being part of a focus group to design new and inventive future services please contact Lynnette Torgalski at (716) 836-0822, ext.154, or e-mail at ltorgalski@wnyil.org, or Chris Hoff at (716) 836-0822, ext.103, e-mail at choff@wnyil.org.
Independent Living is offering a free beginner's class of American Sign Language in an eight-week session for youth ages 5-15 years old.
The instructor has more than 20 years of experience teaching people of all ages to learn how to sign. This class is geared to homeschool families; siblings of all ages are welcome.
It will be held at 113 Main St., Batavia, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday from Oct. 1st to Nov. 19. The class is free of charge but there is a required book and it costs $10. (Assistance is available to eligible families.)
Pre-registration is required. Please contact Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411, or e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org to enroll.
Independent Living is offering FREE workshops for families. It can be hard to support a young adult family member with disabilities to live on their own in the community. There are ways to make the path to an independent life smoother for everyone. Families are invited to a series of workshops to learn about the disability benefits and community resources available to make the transition to independence successful.
Introductory Session to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Independent Living of Genesee Region, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. All family members welcome.
Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required.
Please contact Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411 or e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org to hold your spot.
The Independent Living Center hosted its first Taste of Independence festival in Jackson Square last night.
Several local restaurants and bakeries served food at the fundraiser, which included a basket raffle.
Participating were: D&R Depot, Rack Shack, Terry Hills, T.F. Browns, Swy's Catering, Big Pauly's, Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, Bistro & Banquets, Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, and Tops Friendly Markets. Mueller Quaker also provided yogurt, Subway provided cookies and Wendy's provided beverages.
Above, Rae Frank and Greg Bruggman drew tickets for the raffle.
Photos by Amanda Earl.
Jeremy Franklin and Gillian Cleveland.
Yvette Lucas, Community Events Outreach coordinator.
Donna Becker of Independent Living enters tickets for the basket raffle.
Don Bouchard.
Press release:
Rae Frank was named director of Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR). She brings 15 years of experience in human services management, including leadership roles with nonprofit agencies in Buffalo, Warsaw, and Perry.
Frank has an MFA degree in Electronic Communications from SUNY at Brockport and a BA degree in Media Studies from SUNY at Buffalo.
She resides in Gainesville with her husband and three children.
Frank becomes the second director of ILGR, a part of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies. For more than four years, the agency has offered individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) four core services including information and referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and individual and community advocacy, through empowerment, education and equality for all, regardless of disability.
A bountiful basket raffle is under way to benefit Independent Living of Genesee Region, which provides services to people with mental and physical disabilities. The nonprofit organization helps them continue, or begin, living on their own instead of having to go into assisted living or another type of facility.
The baskets are on display now at 113 Main St., #5, in the City of Batavia. Tickets are $1 each, or three for $2, or 15 for $5. The drawing will be held on March 27.
Contact Donna Baker for information or donations at 815-8501, ext. 411.
Baskets and raffle options include:
Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is presenting its Third Annual Luncheon and Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, Batavia.
The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley who represents the 139th district. The assemblyman will deliver the keynote address followed by a question-and-answer session.
The Third Annual Luncheon and Fundraiser will support ILGR’s programs and services for people with disabilities throughout the Genesee Region. The assemblyman will focus on the work of his office within the community.
Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is a part of the WNY Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies. The ILGR office is located at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. For more than three years, the agency has offered individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) four core services including information and referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and individual and community advocacy, through empowerment, education and equality for all, regardless of disability.
Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is seeking interested participants for Chronic Disease Self Management Program.
Sessions will start on May 22 and run Tuesdays, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
They will take part in an instructive six-week series in Genesee County for individuals with chronic pain. Participants must be able to identify at least one chronic condition in relation to a disability that impacts their daily lives and emotions.
The facilitators will assist participants to understand how to manage symptoms, implement a self-management toolbox and construct an action plan.
If you have a desire to participate, please contact Susan at 815-8501, ext. 411.
Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia.
The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four Core Services; Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training and Individual and Community Advocacy.
For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
District 1 Legislator Ed Dejaneiro spoke at the YWCA this afternoon as part of a candidates forum sponsored by Independent Living of the Genesee Region. According to James Moody, 14 candidates for city and county offices appeared at the forum. Each candidate was given a chance to make a presentation and then answer questions from the audience. The forum was not a debate. Moody said the forum gives candidates a chance to learn about the rights of people with disabilities and the needs of the community. "We feel it's important for people with disabilities to get a chance to ask candidates questions."
Independent Living of Genesee Region hosted a picnic for more than 60 people today at Dewitt Recreation Area celebrating the 21st anniversary of passage of the American with Disabilities Act.
After a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, some of the guests enjoyed the park, chatted in the pavilion or played Frisbee.
This information was provided by Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) part of the WNYIL, Inc. Family of Agencies.
Independent Living of Genesee Region took part in a rally in Buffalo today for persons with disabilities.
It was held at the Governor's Regional Office to remind people of the importance of community-based medical services and its commitment to free persons with disabilities from nursing home and hospital placements.
Individuals with disabilities are disillusioned over the current actions of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT). The hasty recommendations of Governor Cuomo’s appointees will cost more money than will be saved by forcing senior citizens and individuals with disabilities into institutions rather than prioritizing community care.
“These cuts are going to cost both senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to go into institutions, costing three times as much as to living in the community," said Douglas J. Usiak, executive director, Western New York Independent Living.
"Contrary to current media campaigns, not everyone is satisfied with the work of the Governor's Redesign Team.”
In addition, the WNY Independent Living, Inc. Family of Agencies is extremely disappointed that the proposals the disability community themselves made -- which could have saved over a billion dollars during the next five years -- didn’t make the cut for the recommendations to the state Department of Health by the Medicaid Redesign Team.
“They said this process was to include all stakeholders in the Medicaid Program, yet they ignored our recommendations in their deliberations,” said Todd G. Vaarwerk, director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Western New York Independent Living.
The rally was sponsored by the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies (WNYIL), Buffalo Independent Living Center (ILC), Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC), Mental Health PEER Connection (MHPC), and Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR).
Independent Living of Genesee Region offers services which include: peer counseling for individuals with disabilities as well as their family members; financial benefits consultation; housing search assistance; home and building modification; independent living skills evaluation and instruction; mobility training; recreational peer support groups; a peer mentoring program; and individual and systems advocacy.
Support services including a volunteer program and equipment loans are available. Programs for consumers with disabilities include Medicaid service coordination, individual support services, and family support services transportation program.
Since August 2010, the center’s services have evolved in order to meet its goal of full partnership with people with disabilities in the community. It now participates in programs concerning individual services, programs for consumers with developmental disabilities, mental health services, support services and community services.
To find out more about any of these services or to begin receiving them call (585) 815-8501 (Voice/TDD) or go to 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia, New York. Visit the Web site at www.wnyil.org.
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