Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Press Release:

July 26, 1990 was the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the first piece of legislation to provide people with disabilities the right to equal access to employment, governmental programs and services, areas of public accommodations, communications, and transportation. Many consider it to be the most comprehensive legislation giving individuals with impairments access to everyday life.

In celebration of this milestone, every year Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) holds a Consumer ADA Picnic. This year it takes place from 12 - 2 p.m. on Friday July 26 at the Town of Batavia Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main St., Batavia. It offers Free food and games including a Scavenger Hunt.

If you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400 or email cdemare@wnyil.org. Transportation to this event may be available; please inquire with Catherine DeMare.

We look forward to having you celebrate with us!

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.

Press Release:

The ARTiculations Ability Exhibition - a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties to display their work publicly - will re-open with a new artist at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in their office at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia on Thursday July 1.  Titled “Art Unspoken”, it features the work of Megan Benzee.

She states, “I am an artist experiencing a genetic disorder. I enjoy sharing artwork with the world. I want to make everyone’s life full of color and meaning. I hope to make pieces that hold a place in someone’s heart.”

A reception with light refreshments will be held for the artist at the ILGR office from 4 - 6 p.m. on Monday July 8.  A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through September 30.

Background

Megan’s adoptive parents first encountered her at the age of 10 weeks in Guatemala; she came home to Wyoming County with them at 5 months and is now an 18-year-old U.S. citizen.  Her family had to take her to Philadelphia to see specialists about her rare, incurable, genetic disease, but Horseback Therapy, using a retired therapy horse, kept in a neighbor’s stable, has permitted her to function without her electric wheelchair on occasion. When homebound, she expresses herself through her art, and, although self-taught, she credits her amazing teacher Diane Campbell for encouraging her since Sixth Grade and recently won the District-wide Iroquois Superintendent’s Award.

An admirer of the late Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo and similar artists, she loves to do pet portraits for people, particularly the eyes, often drawing with her bird Claude on her shoulder and her cat Esther on her lap.

An invitation

Other artists with disabilities residing in the Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming County areas are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For questions on the event, please call Catherine DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

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.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia, will soon begin a six-week late afternoon Youth Support Group for teens between 14 and 18 years old with a disability. 

It will take place from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 27 to August 8 (with a week off on July 4) at the Independent Living office in the Crickler Executive Business Center, 319 West Main Street Batavia (look for the green awning). It is a free program, and a light dinner will be provided. Transportation may be available with registration.

It is designed to provide a SAFE space for youth to: socialize with peers; work in a group and independently; learn tools for working through difficult emotions; and gain resources for support.

A novel aspect of this program is that we will be using the “Express It” journal to work through different topics such as feelings and emotions each week.

Please note that this is not “therapy”, it is a self-directed group that allows the use of artistic expression with a group of peers; however participants do not have to be “artistic” to attend; we encourage all to participate and find your own tools.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, Space is limited. Please contact: April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, ext. 401, or via email afearby@wnyil.org.

Along with ILGR our co-sponsors are the Young Leaders and Advocates Network and the Genesse & Orleans County Health Departments.

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.

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings and/or interpretations of content contained herein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.

Press Release:

In recognition that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is hosting an Open House in our Reception Area from 9 - 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. It will take place at our office at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

The public is invited to stop by and learn how the Independent Living Center works with people who are facing mental health challenges.

For additional information, call Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400.

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.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School”.  

Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401, or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.

“This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings, and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.”

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Family Resource Library.  Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans Counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.

About the Resource Library: The CYSHCN Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for FREE, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.  

Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech goals, communication tools, and much more.  

Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children, and youth of all ages.  

For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.  

Press Release:

The highly anticipated Employment Fair for People with Disabilities will take place from 1 - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Genesee County Office For The Aging, 2 Bank Street in Batavia.  

The event presents an opportunity for job seekers to connect with leading companies, organizations, and not-for-profits to explore a wide range of career options. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to kick-start your professional journey!  

Take the first steps towards a fulfilling career!  It's best if you prepare your resume ahead of time, dress professionally, and bring your true self to impress potential employers.

This event is proudly supported by members of the Genesee Region Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities including the Genesee County Office for The Aging, Ace Employment, Genesee County Career Center, Genesee County Mental Health, and Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

Inclusivity and accessibility are our top priorities. Coverage for childcare costs and transportation may be available. We are here to assist with any accommodations you may need.

Please Pre-Register with Ashley Dunham from Independent Living of the Genesee Region in advance at 585-815-8501, ext. 414 or adunham@wnyil.org. 

Schedule:

• 1 - 2:15 p.m. - Learning Time: Instructions in civil service testing, practice interviews, job searching, and instruction in reasonable accommodations.
• 2:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Break Time
• 2:30 - 4 p.m. - Meet the Employers: This is your opportunity to meet with employers who are hiring!

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a FREE “MEET THE CANDIDATES” DAY to enable local residents with disabilities, or anyone from the community, to hear and discuss issues with some of those who are on the ballot in the November General Election.  

While it is an “off-year election” our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the State and National leaders of tomorrow!  So, whatever your political views, this is YOUR year to get involved!

The event is to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in ILGR’s Conference Room at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center, Batavia.  As seating is limited, people can also attend over the Zoom Meeting platform online.  

To get the Zoom link, RSVP with Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400. She can also answer questions about the event.  It will be also accessible via a live stream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ILGR14020 and WNYIL’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/WNYIL.

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them.  The building is fully disability accessible.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press Release:

The ARTiculations Exhibition at Independent Living is featuring the paintings of Peter Langden from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 at the Independent Living Center located at 319 West Main St., Batavia. An Artist Reception is being held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16. Light refreshments provided.

Artist statement:

As a young boy, I always wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I spent time drawing whenever I could, I found a new outlet for my restless energies. While I did not take to formal schooling too much I did graduate high school with an art major in 1988, and from there making art continued to hold my interest. In 1995 I took up painting after I had finished up years of making metal sculpture. Through the years afterwards I went through difficult times but my art was always there for me. It was back in 2018 when I bought my first easel and by that time I was well committed to the idea that I was working on what I considered my life’s work. I still like to draw but it seems that people like my paintings.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be closed on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of October to honor Native American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures.

Monday, October 11, 2021 marked what many consider as a major milestone in New York State’s History.  For the first time ever, this date was recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day by Governor Kathy Hochul by issuing a Proclamation recognizing the Indigenous Peoples's sovereignty and place in history.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region believes that this is an important step to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples as we seek to build trust and goodwill.

The celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day took root at an international conference on discrimination sponsored by the United Nations in 1977. In 2021, President Biden was the first U.S. President to formally recognize the day as a national holiday.

Historically, the day is known as Columbus Day, but in recent years the explorer’s legacy is now considered controversial and is questioned due to the atrocities committed against the Indigenous Peoples. President Biden’s Proclamation makes reference to this. 

“Our country was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people — a promise that, despite the extraordinary progress we have made through the years, we have never fully lived up to.  That is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before the colonization of the Americas began.”

Let the process of healing and belonging continue by our celebration of the tremendous contributions of the Indigenous People who originally inhabited our diverse nation before it was established and declared the United States of America.

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

Press Release:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, is the single most comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities from discrimination ever enacted, eclipsing the handful of laws that had existed. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be celebrating the ADA at its Annual Picnic. It will place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park at 3808 West Main Street Road in Batavia. There will be free food and games including a Scavenger Hunt. 

When the ADA was signed 33 years ago people envisioned curb cuts and accessible building entrances. Today, the ADA is helping people live independently, get an education, find housing, and build a career.

If you need additional information please call Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400, or email her at cdemare@wnyil.org.

More than a year ago, Gina Schelemanow went through a bit of a rough patch and decide to take a more positive turn with life.

 Schelemanow started creating art with linoleum cut prints.

"t was just kind of nice, like a nice release for me," the budding artist said. "A lot of them are like animals or books or just things that I enjoy in life that make me happy."

This month, Schelemanow's show at the West Main location of Independent Living of the Genesee Region put Schelemanow's work on display, and the show had its official opening on Thursday.

The Bergen resident was a housing coordinator for ILGR and is now doing a similar job for Project Blue in Buffalo.

At Byron-Bergen High School, Schelemanow wasn't particularly into art.

"I did like art classes in school for school, but nothing like extra," Schelemanow said. "I wasn't in any of the fancy art classes or anything."

There's nothing dark in Schelemanow's work, and the artist said that's by design.

"It's just as kind of like a creative outlet," Schelemanow said. "I never thought that you have to be good at doing art to do it. It was never something that I thought I was good at or thought I was creative. And when I started doing it, I really was able to come up with a lot of different things. So it was nice to go through the process of it."

The show runs through August.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The ARTiculations Ability Exhibition -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in their office at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia on Thursday, June 1. Titled “Back of Beyond,” it features the work of Gina Schelemanow, who uses ink, wash, tape, and markers.

A self-described “non-binary neurodivergent goofball that lives in Genesee County, they (the preferred pronoun) are passionate about social justice, community building, and being a silly goose. They started printmaking and painting last year, after a rough mental health spell. Their art is meant to bring joy and oddness to all who enjoy it.”

A reception with light refreshments will be held for the artist at the ILGR office from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 8.  A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through August 31.

Other artists with disabilities residing in the Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming County areas are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For questions on the event, please call Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, ext. 400.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is offering a 12-week Anger Management Class on Tuesdays from June 6 to August 29, 9-10:30 a.m., in the office at 319 West Main St. in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

The class will be led by Debra McKnight, a Certified Peer who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services and has extensive experience facilitating support groups.  The purpose of this group is to help individuals with Anger Issues using different Conflict Resolution Strategies to better manage and resolve conflicts in their lives.  It is open to individuals who are mandated by the Courts or Boards of Parole, as well as the general public.

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who attend all twelve weeks, but class size is limited.  Pre-Registration is required, along with the $50.00 class fee (a Payment plan is available).

For more information or to RSVP, contact Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, Ext. 400.

Press release: 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) and the Genesee County Office for the Aging (GCOFA) will hold a series of Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops on six Wednesdays, at no charge, starting with an Introductory Meeting, April 5, 2023 and continuing with the Workshops on April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Classes will take place at the GCOFA, at 2 Bank Street in Batavia, NY 14020, and Snacks will be provided.

Participants will learn how to manage ongoing health conditions such as: Arthritis, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Other Eating Disorders, and Asthma.

Those who attend will be shown practical steps to gain control of their daily health concerns.  Participants will learn about healthy eating, problem-solving, action plans, medications, weight management, physical activity, sleep and relationship communication skills.

Participants who complete the series will receive a great resource book and gift card. 

Pre-registration is required; please call Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, ext. 400, by April 5th.

For individuals with disabilities or language interpretation needs, requests for reasonable accommodations should be made with five days’ notice. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, we respectfully ask you not to attend.

This program is made possible through funds from the NY State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature, and in partnership with Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

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

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is inviting everyone to their Lunch in the Dark Fundraising event, on Thursday, April 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will take place in the Gymnasium of the New York State School for the Blind, 2A Richmond Avenue in Batavia, NY 14020.

Participants will experience lunch in a darkened environment in order to better understand eating and socializing with vision loss.  As a group, we will talk about the best practices for making events with food more accessible, as well as strategies for eating with vision loss.  With a donation requested of $50 per ticket, the event includes a 50/50 split drawing and a Basket Raffle.

The BOCES Culinary Class will do the catering with a menu including Italian Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Medley (Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli), Risotto Cakes, and Panna Cotta.

To RSVP, contact Catherine DeMare at (585) 815-8501, extension 400.

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