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Independent Living employee in Batavia gets statewide recognition for service

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), and our colleagues in our sister agencies in the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies (WNYIL), offer our warmest congratulations to ILGR Independent Living specialist in Batavia David Dodge, as his service to citizens with disabilities across the Empire State was recognized last month.

Sheila J. Poole, the commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) issued a Citation to Dodge, recognizing his "Outstanding Service to the Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC) of the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)."

In addition to his ongoing contributions as "a loyal and dedicated member" of the SRC, the document particularly lauds Dodge, (who is, himself, legally blind), for his work: on NYSCB's Assistive Technology Task Force (ATTF); advising the Commission on the development and reinvestment in seven Assistive Technology Centers in all regions of the State; helping to advance the personal development of children with visual impairments through use of appropriate technology; and working to improve AT services, generally.

It goes on to single out his ability to function as a guest speaker with little notice.

Dodge has also been scheduled in advance for some venues, such as: sharing the podium with ILGR Director Rae Frank for "Diversity in Disability sharing Universal Design Principles with the Community" at the New York Association for Independent Living (NYAIL)'s 2017 Statewide Conference and Expo, "Purpose. Progress. Power." in Troy; and presenting alongside Esther Greenhouse of Cornell University at Access to Independence of Cortland County Inc.'s June Workshop "Universal Design Strategies: Developing Environments for the Lifespan!"

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

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