disabilities

Local Arc chapters join collaborative hiring recruitment campaign called 'Is DSP for Me'

Press Release — May 11, 2021, 1:58pm

Press release:

The 12 organizations that comprise The Collaborative of NY, including Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming have joined forces to launch a recruitment campaign to hire Direct Support Professionals to work with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

The campaign called Is DSP for Me aims to educate prospective applicants about the responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional, spotlight the variety of career opportunities available, and inspire people who have a passion for making a difference to apply for positions across the region. A website, https://www.isdspforme.org/ has been launched and recruitment messaging is reaching potential applicants on Spotify, YouTube ads, and other platforms.

“Is DSP for Me races to bring attention, interest and most of all, the men and women, young and old, to work in this especially rewarding field,” said Projects Manager for The Collaborative of NY, Roberta Oese-Siegel. “Providing direct supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism is an investment in one’s entire self.

"Working in the field develops universally applicable skills in interpersonal communications, creative problem solving, scheduling, results dependent flexibility and much more. It broadens your perspective and is a daily and direct act of doing one’s part in creating a better world. The Arc’s – the historical champions in the United States for individuals with I/DD – created the standard by which the world measures its progress in this sector. Who wouldn’t be excited to try a rewarding career with us?”

Formed in 1996, the Collaborative of NY Inc. is comprised of 12 chapters of The Arc New York Inc., serving a 19-county region, reaching from Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border. The region encompasses counties in Western New York, the Southern Tier, and Central New York. The Collaborative was formed to optimize the supports and services its member agencies provide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their local communities throughout the region.

Chapters involved include: Allegany-Steuben, Cattaraugus/Niagara – In Tandem, Chautauqua – The Resource Center, Chemung-Schuyler, Erie County, Genesee-Orleans, Livingston-Wyoming, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Seneca/Cayuga/Yates – Mozaic, and Wayne.

Over the last 25 years, Collaborative teams have engaged in training, quality assurance, financial, human resource and self-advocacy projects, identifying and engaging in the efficient and high-quality use of resources. The projects establish goals and benchmarks for both the regional group and for the 12 individual member agencies in order to design high quality supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

For more information about the Is DSP for Me campaign, please contact Bobbie Oese-Siegel, (585) 415-1074 or bobbie.oesesiegel@collabfl.org

Independent Living of the Genesee Region welcomes new Outreach Specialist

Press Release — Feb 18, 2021, 1:07pm

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Kara Beth Baker to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county (GOW) region as a New York Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist.

Baker brings 22 years of experience in counseling and accessibility, including: Counselor/Case Manager with the Salvation Army Men’s Rehabilitation Center in Buffalo; Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Program Assistant at Attica Correctional Facility; Residential Habilitation Trainer at Heritage Centers in Alden; Crisis Counselor at Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia; and a 504 Assistant (dealing with Federal disability access) and Board Member at Bethel Elementary School in Bethel, Vermont.

Baker completed a Master Life Coach Certification Program with the Transformation Academy; holds a Certification in Peer Recovery and Ethics from Recovery University of the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; plus completed additional coursework and trainings at Liberty University, Cazenovia College, the University of Vermont, and Life Space Crisis Intervention Inc.

In her new role, Baker will connect people with disabilities and their families to needed home and community-based supports and services, as well as facilitate access to public benefits," says Baker. “I intend to use my skills and abilities to offer helpful solutions, and to help consumers help themselves. I intend to focus on the individuals’ specific needs in order to help them best navigate their journey."

ILGR is delighted that Kara Beth Baker is bringing her vast experience to serve the GOW region in her new capacity.

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.

Former GCC student and UMMC employee hired as Housing Specialist at ILGR

Press Release — Dec 18, 2020, 12:35pm

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Kahlil Simon into his new position as a Housing Specialist.

In this role, he will assist individuals to apply for, and navigate, the programs and services offered through ILGR, including, coordinating housing evaluations for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, household budget counseling, employment advocacy, home environmental accessibility consultation, as well as serving as a liaison with landlords.

Prior to this promotion, Kahlil Simon served ILGR as a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Peer Specialist, where he earned a New York Peer Specialist Provisional Certification.

Before his coming to the Agency, he had worked as an Imaging Services Secretary at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, where he was recognized with an Exemplary Service Award. During his tenure at the Medical Center, Simon was inspired to seek work that was more community service-oriented, ultimately obtaining employment with ILGR.

About his new position, he says, “Here at ILGR, it’s my goal to provide a service to the members of our communities that are in need of assistance, while upholding the high standards of this organization.”

Simon attended Genesee Community College in Batavia after moving to the area from Brooklyn.

ILGR is delighted that Kahlil Simon will continue to serve the disability community in this new position.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region 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.

LeRoyan Lucie Griffis hired as outreach specialist for Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Press Release — Nov 19, 2020, 3:19pm

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Lucie Griffis (inset photo right) to its staff to be an Independent Living Outreach Specialist in their NYConnects program.

NYConnects is a statewide initiative, led locally by ILGR, offering assistance in finding long-term supports so people can live independently.

Griffis will be assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities, and their families, in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, to access these resources including, securing public benefits and obtaining personal care services, to enable them to remain living independently in the communities of their choice.

Among her prior positions, Griffis was a Job Coach/Direct Support Assistant in the Pathway to Employment Program of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities; and was an Adolescent Vocational Exploration Intern at the Genesee County Job Development and Career Center in Batavia.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Services from the State University of New York Empire State College, Class of 2018; and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York Genesee Community College, Class of 1996.

“I’m glad to be joining the Independent Living of the Genesee Region team. I look forward to assisting those in need in the Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming County areas,” says Griffis.

ILGR is delighted that Griffis is bringing her passion and experience in helping people with disabilities to serve the GOW region in her new capacity.

Young Leaders and Advocates Network is newest member of the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies

Press Release — Nov 13, 2020, 12:50pm

Press release:

After 50 years of people with disabilities fighting for an equal voice in issues affecting their lives, and equal access to opportunities, young people with disabilities are building off those efforts to ensure they are authentically and meaningfully involved in all decisions that affect them.

The Young Leaders and Advocates Network (YLAN), whose statewide efforts ensures the voices of young people with disabilities will be heard in the development and implementation of programs and services set up to assist them, has become the sixth member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc.’s (WNYIL) Family of Agencies; who themselves have a 40-year history in fighting for equal access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Though based in Albany, YLAN’s affiliation with WNYIL will allow them to have a greater impact in Western New York’s eight counties, where more than 35,000 people 14 to 30 years of age live with a disability. WNYIL Inc. will assist YLAN in their local, as well as statewide initiatives, to ensure young people with disabilities have a “seat at the table."

Young people are uniting to change systems, so they get the support and services they need with the respect and dignity they deserve. YLAN provides a safe and empowering space for youth-organizing, supports young people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, and assists partners to effectively engage and support young people with disabilities.

YLAN Director, Brianna Gower, points out, "Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are leaders of today. We are strong, resilient, and capable of more than we are often given credit for. Through this Network we are going to bring youth voice and create change. Not only following national best practices but setting them.”

Who is YLAN for? Young people, ages 14-30, residing anywhere in New York State who self-identify as having a disability, or experience in state systems such as Special Education, Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Foster Care, or Addiction Recovery, can become a member, join our statewide groups, and participate in other opportunities offered by the Network. Additionally, partners and adult allies who work with young people with disabilities can request training and technical assistance to support their efforts.

How can they participate? Members can join virtual statewide working groups that will be meeting monthly (details to be announced). In light of current COVID-19 regulations, events and opportunities for young people and partners will be provided virtually, shared through our listserv and social media. People can join our listserv by visiting our website at www.YLANetworkNY.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @YLANetworkNY. They can also email info@YLANetworkNY.org or contact (518) 258-4006 for additional information.

YLAN will be hosting focus groups and other events throughout the year to empower young people with disabilities and hear directly from them on their experiences and issues that are important to them to guide our statewide advocacy efforts.

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

ILGR promotes BHS grad to specialist in its rehousing program

Billie Owens — Sep 28, 2020, 4:47pm

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen Lazarony (inset photo left) to Independent Living Specialist in the RapidRehousing Program, where she will be helping individuals with disabilities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties to obtain housing in the homes and communities of their choice.

Lazarony previously served as a Facilitated Enroller in ILGR’s Medicaid Application Assistance Program, helping people with disabilities and older adults, obtain medical insurance.

Prior to joining ILGR, she served in varied positions in the medical field with several local companies including United Memorial Medical Center, WellNow Urgent Care, and Pembroke Family Medicine.

Lazarony is a graduate of Batavia High School, Class of 2003.

ILGR is delighted that Lazarony will be serving the disability community in this new position.

'Independence Express' will provide disabled voters with free van rides to early voting sites or polls, or deliver ballots to BoE

Press Release — Sep 17, 2020, 3:12pm

Press release:

Independence Express, the transportation branch of Western New York Independent Living Inc., will provide free van rides to people with disabilities living in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties who need a ride to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3^rd).

Or, if you would prefer to cast your vote prior to Election Day, you can get a ride to a designated early voting site in your county during its limited hours of operation between Oct. 24^th and Nov. 1^st.

In addition, Independence Express will also deliver ballots for anyone, with or without disabilities, to their respective Board of Elections in our five-county service area.

Independence Express has wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those with mobility challenges, if needed. While we can’t help anyone up or down stairs, we can take people to their voting place and then back home or to work, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

If you are a person with a disability and would like the free service offered by Independence Express, please email transportation@wnyil.org with “Election Day” in the subject, and providing this information:

The rider’s name;
Address;
Phone number;
If rider uses a wheelchair or if rider is ambulatory;
The name and address of the polling place;
If anyone is going with the rider, such as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA);
And lastly, the rider's first choice of the time to go to the polls.

Alternately, one may call Christian at (716) 836-0822, ext. 108, to set up a ride. If there is high demand at times, requests will be honored on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Please give at least two days’ notice to ensure your ride.

Voting is your right – and we can help you exercise it!

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service expands broadcast platform to the Internet

Billie Owens — Aug 4, 2020, 6:02pm

BUFFALO -- The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service is proud to announce that -- in addition to broadcasting over the air – its livestream and programs are now available online. The new service debuted July 31.

For people who can see, hold a book or newspaper, and turn a page, reading a printed publication is no big deal. But for thousands of people in Western New York, including Genesee County, who are blind, have low vision, or have other print disabilities, it is.

Over the last 30 years, hundreds of volunteers for the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service have been reading local and national newspapers, magazines, books and other publication over a private radio transmission that was available to listeners who were loaned a special radio receiver.

While the broad range of reading material shared by the radio station with its listeners every day was great, the station always struggled to serve more people since every listener needed one of the radios.

And while the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service will continue broadcasting over the air, adding an internet broadcast is a game-changer. Listeners will be able to access the programs they want, when they want them, wherever they are, on any internet-connected device – including smart phones and smart speakers, tablets, desktop and laptop computers.

And not only will listeners be able to catch the livestream just like they werelistening to the radio, they’ll be able to download and listen to many of the service’s most popular programs on their favorite podcast platform. Did they the miss the live reading of the morning paper? Pull down the podcast and catch up!

The new online functionality will also allow the organization to round out its reading list by adding new publications to its portfolio.

The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service has served tens of thousands of listeners since it was founded in 1987. But that number has always been limited by the number of radios it had available to loan. No longer.

There are an estimated 20,000 people in WNY who are blind or have low vision. There are another 40,000 who have a cognitive impairment or a physical disability that makes reading difficult or impossible. Although its unlikely that every one of them will tune in, many now can.

The new online Podcasts & Streaming Initiative was made possible through a seed grant from the James H. Cummings Foundation that helped open the door to a major grant from the Facebook Journalism Project. Support from the Christos Foundation, the East Hill Foundation, the Erie-Niagara Sunshine Exchange Club, and Ingram Micro rounded out the funding.

Links, feeds and more information for the expanded service can be found on the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service’s website at www.nfradioreading.org.

Among the station’s program schedule are live readings of the Buffalo News six days a week and USA Today five days a week. The station also airs the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Niagara Gazette, Dunkirk Observer, weekly newspapers like the local Bees and Business First, a variety of magazines, and books curated from the NY Times Best Seller list.

The broadcast is carried over a subcarrier frequency provided by Buffalo Toronto Public Media through WNED 94.5 FM.

Niagara Frontier Radio Reading is an affiliate of Western New York Independent Living, a community-based nonprofit organization that serves more than 7,000 people with disabilities annually through peer counseling, support for independent living, transitional services, advocacy and information & referrals.

The agency is primarily funded through philanthropic contributions and donations, grants, and special events. The organization currently receives no government funding. Major supporters include the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, Nascentia Health, WNY Independent Living, the WNY Lions Clubs, and the United Ways of WNY.

Observing COVID-19 precautions, ILGR continues to serve those with disabilities

Billie Owens — Apr 3, 2020, 4:11pm

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), the largest organization of, and for, people with disabilities in the GOW counties, continues to stay open, using today’s technology.

Concerns raised by the need to limit the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) pandemic have changed how it serves the community. We are running support groups online and we are doing “face-to-face meetings” but they are now just over the computer or phone, to empower people with disabilities, including established consumers, new referrals, and others that have just discovered us.

Here are just some of the avenues that have been developed to connect with the community:

The drivers of Independence Express van transportation service are delivering food, paperwork and medicine to people with disabilities who are unable to get to and from stores, offices, and businesses, free of charge.
Working from home, Peer Counselors are providing person-to-person contact, offering relief for the isolation of dozens of individuals trapped in their homes.
Independent Living Specialists, Peer Advocates, and Health Home Care Coordinators are insuring that people with disabilities continue to receive their Benefits; participate in government programs and services; are given instructions on Independent Living Skills like cooking, cleaning, money management and other aspects of organizing a person’s life.
The Medicaid Application Assistance Program is working to make sure that individuals who are blind, over 65 years old, or disabled can acquire and/or maintain the appropriate health insurance. People with disabilities will not be forgotten during this time when monitoring one’s health is critical.
Our Taking Control Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program has been identified as an “essential program”, ensuring: that people with disabilities in need of in-home health care are receiving the service; that their Personal Assistants (PAs) are given proper orientation to perform the job; that hours and work benefits are managed appropriately, that the PAs are paid on time, and are reliable.
NY Connects works with State and local Offices of the Aging or Senior Services to enable the elderly, persons with disabilities and caregivers to access needed information and services during this time of anxiety.
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service’s volunteer readers provide current news and information, as well as respite from the hour-by-hour stress of the pandemic, by broadcasting the printed word 7 days per week, 24 hours per day to people with a print disability.

Assisting their brothers and sisters with disabilities to stay safe and healthy while remaining in the community, the men and women of WNYIL are not only overcoming their own functional limitations but are giving back to the communities in which they live, work, and now fight for all of us.

If you know someone who is in need of any of these services, call ILGR at (585) 815-8501; or go to our website at www.wnyil.org/ILGR Be aware that you are not alone nor helpless.

Disability agency seeks nominees for community and corporate support awards

Billie Owens — Jan 25, 2020, 11:54am

Press release:

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) will be holding its 40^th Annual Meeting of members, consumers, staff, and other friends of the Agency on June 9 – and wants to do something new and exciting.

For years, WNYIL has honored an individual and a company, each of which has made an outstanding contribution to activities benefitting the community of citizens with disabilities in the preceding year. Previously, Agency staff have discussed candidates internally and reached a consensus; but, for this landmark anniversary, we are offering YOU an opportunity to nominate people and corporations that meet the following criteria – but your responses are needed by May 15. Here are the awards:

Elayne G. Wels Community Support Award: This award is given to an individual who personally and/or professionally supports, promotes and embraces the Independent Living philosophy throughout the community.

Corporate Support Award: An award given to a company that supports WNYIL and promotes and embraces the Independent Living philosophy throughout the community. Some honorees from prior years include: the Northtown Automotive Companies; Main Mobility; Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel LLP (now part of Bond, Schoeneck and King PLLC); the University Heights Arts Association;and Zajac Funeral Home Inc.

In case you wondered, the Independent Living (IL) philosophy is the belief that the person who has a disability is the best expert on her/his needs and should be empowered to make the final decision on personal services and solutions, and must be heard in issues of systemic advocacy. It is the product of the Independent Living civil rights movement of citizens with disabilities that began in the 1960s, and has spawned hundreds of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) nationwide, including one in Genesee County on West Main Street in Batavia.

If you are aware of an individual and/or a company which has served those with disabilities, please contact Daniel Colpoys, WNYIL’s Chief Community Engagement officer at (716) 836-0822, ext. 166; or email him with the nominee’s name, a paragraph about his/her/its qualifications and contact information, as well as YOUR name and contact information, to dcolpoys@wnyil.org.

Thank you for your willingness to help acknowledge deserving members of our community!

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.