Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be hosting a special roundtable discussion in Batavia on May 3 with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, called "ThinkDIFFERENTLY."

The discussion offers different perspectives on how our businesses, organizations and individuals can better treat our residents with special needs.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “I thank Assemblyman Hawley for embracing the ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative we’ve found so successful in Dutchess County, and I hope communities throughout his district will continue to answer our call to action.

"Each New Yorker deserves to treated based upon their own unique abilities and potential, and we in Dutchess County seek to embrace all residents of all abilities. I thank the communities that have chosen to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY,’ and I look forward to seeing the trend continue throughout our state.”

The event will take place at the ARC of Genesee Orleans Community Center located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 3. Residents who wish to attend are asked to please call Hawley’s district office ahead of time to register at (585) 589-5780.

“I am pleased to host this important roundtable discussion with County Executive Marc Molinaro, and I look forward to bringing in community stakeholders to talk about ways to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for our residents with special needs,” Hawley said.

“I am hopeful we can implement many of the ideas and solutions that are part of this program, and I am eager to have a productive discussion.”

Editor's Note, April 28: This story has been updated to correct the venue's address; it will take place at 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia, not on Walnut Street.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) hosted a forum in Batavia focused on supporting the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Invitees included people with developmental disabilities and their families, nonprofit organizations, mental health experts and community leaders.

Last Thursday's forum, held at Genesee Community College, was the ninth in a series of forums being conducted around the state in response to concerns from families, non-profits, community organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities about the impact of the Olmstead Decision.

Discussions focused on identifying better ways to support the rights of people with developmental disabilities; expansion of community-based care programs; the effectiveness of current transition plans for individuals in sheltered workshops; and identifying whether the input and desires of people with disabilities are being considered.

“Information gathered at the forum will help us to better serve the needs and choices of people with developmental disabilities,” Hawley said. “For many, the transition process to a more integrated work setting has resulted in frustration and disappointing changes in services and care programs. New York must do a better job of assessing and meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities."

Participants included representatives from Genesee ARC, ARC of Orleans, ARC of Monroe, New York State School for the Blind, Western New York Independent Living and local families. 

“As legislators and residents of this state, it is our obligation and goal to provide services and address the needs of every New Yorker, regardless of age, religion, creed or disability,” said Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge), task force chairman. “These forums provide us with the opportunity to hear from families, caregivers and individuals with developmental disabilities to offer another layer of support when it comes to aiding those with disabilities in communities across our state.”

The next Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities forum will be held on Thursday, May 26, in Buffalo. For more information on the task force, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.

Photos and information from Pat Iamon.

Some lucky folks got a little extra holiday cheer at Genesee County’s Christmas dance for adults with developmental disabilities recently held at the Byron Fire Hall. The dancers, mostly clad in their holiday garb, were buzzing with excitement in anticipation of an appearance by Santa Claus.

About an hour into the dance an announcement was made that Santa was spotted in the parking lot. The jolly old fellow accompanied by Mrs. Claus made their way through the hall as the crowd cheered and applauded. The couple were escorted into chairs in front of the Christmas tree and everyone gathered around in anticipation.

Pat Iamon, dance coordinator, called each person up to the front by name. Everyone had an opportunity to sit and visit with the red-clad couple for a few moments while Uncle Joe snapped a photo. Santa handed each person a special Christmas gift bag; and as an added treat each individual was escorted to two tables to select a handcrafted stocking cap or ear-warming headband all made by Mrs. Pam Truax of Byron.

For the second year Mrs. Truax has dedicated her time and talents to make these for our dancers and this year she was able to hand them out in person. Some of the items in the gift bags were made possible with donations from community businesses.

A flier for the last dance of the season was handed out, however, it had the wrong date. Please note that the next dance will be held on Thursday, May 12. It will be our Pajama Dance and will be held at the Byron Fire Hall. As always the dances are open to all individuals with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up in Genesee County.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or would like more information on the dances can call Laura Platt at 548-2245 or Pat Iamon at 245-2918.