Community Experience visits K-9 Unit

The Community Experience has been given a great opportunity to learn more about the K9 units for the Ontario County Sheriffs Office by making dog treats and getting to know each dog and their handler. We attended the Sheriff Deputies Road Patrol roll call on December 16th where we handed out our first batch of bacon flavored dog treats. The individuals had a great time shopping for the ingredients, mixing and rolling out the dough and cutting them out in the shapes of bells and hearts. We also got to meet with Sgt. Greg Schaffer, Officer Brian Lazarus and Daphne a 3 year old German Shepard from the Czech Republic. We learned about how the dogs are trained and what exactly they are used for such as finding people or illegal substances. Daphne is used for both. The K-9 Unit will be coming to our room to demonstrate different techniques and obedience commands after the New Year. We are all eager to see the Officers and dogs again.

Fitness Fair with the HWS Students

As part of a final research project for the disability class, wtih Mary Kelly, the HWS college students and our College Experience group worked together to host a Fitness Fair at the Field House.

Everyone was very excited to have other Ontario ARC Community Learning Centers, The FLCC College Experience, and programs from the Steuben ARC all attend.

There were different sessions everyone could attend, these included Zumba, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, make your own water bottles, a raffle table and a snack table.

It was a great success! The best part was seeing so much inclusion!

FLCC College Experience helps HWS student

Recently, we met a college student named Hannah Stoll from HWS College. Hannah is a senior this year and is majoring in Sociology. Hannah had heard about our work we have done through the Creative Expression program out of Eberhardt Center and asked us if we would be interested in talking about our passion for the arts for a research project she is doing for her education, Disability and Transition class.
Hannah came out to our site recently and interviewed us on camera about how we feel when given the opportunity to express ourselves through music and art. Her project is called Self Advocacy through Art. We really enjoyed helping her and look forward to seeing the film she did.

Gift wrapping and galore!

Volunteers from the West Bloomfield Congregational Church
wrap gifts during their shift last week.

As you probably already know, the agency's annual Holiday Gift Wrappnig Booth is in full swing at Eastview Mall in Victor.  More than 400 volunteers have already or will donate their time to help Ontario ARC raise money for its new Autism Center and ongoing autism initiative for children, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

This month-long fundraiser -- which ends at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve -- is alot of hard work.  Thank you to all of our volunteers and sponsors, who make the event so successful.

And if you haven't stopped by, come visit us!  We are located next to J. Crew!

News Round Up

• CNN.com's The Chart -- How do I give my autistic child vitamins?
• Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, KY -- Lewis Matherly, an inspirational story
• NYSARC, Inc, Ontario ARC's parent organization -- OPWDD launches new IBR Website

Respect is more than just as word

Ontario ARC has seven Values words that shape everything we do.  From developing new programs, to teaching our staff, and even how we interact with not only each other but the people we serve.  We even have a Values Committee to help promote and encourage the values.

Respect just happens to one of the seven words.  It helps guides the agency in several areas -- most importantly, in the form of people-first language.  People with any kind of disability are just that -- people.  And while agencies like Ontario ARC and others of our kind have made more than just strides over the past fifty years, there is still work to be done.  We've featured a lot content and information about the "R-Word" on the blog and how hurtful the word can be.   This morning, The Arc of The US's Facebook page featured a video about the R-Word from The Arc of NJ.  







How does the R-Word make you feel? And what do you do when people say it? Feel free to share in the comment section.

New ARC Life features autism, new board members

The hunt for the perfect present...

Tis' the season!  Christmas shopping is one of my favorite things about the holiday season.  I love the "hunt" of finding the perfect present for each one of my friends and family.  But, sometimes it can be a little difficult to find that gift.  Fortunately lots of stores on fancy schmancy InterWeb offer wish lists as well as gift guides and suggestions.

Each year, Toys R Us offers a gift guide for Differently-Abled Kids -- designed to help parents, family members and friends find the perfect gift for children who have a cognitive, physical or developmental disability.  The toy store breaks it down into different categories to help a child enhance specific skills, including auditory, gross motor, social, tactile, creative, and language.  Each category breaks it down further, so Web visitors can look at gifts based on age, gender, price and brand.  It is a great way to find that perfect present or get ideas to find it. 

And, when you have your gift picked out and paid for, don't forget to stop by the agency's Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth!

HWS College Experience featured in Finger Lakes Times

Recently, Finger Lakes Times reporter Heather Swanson visit the HWS College Experience Group to learn more about a new class they are all taking called, "Transition & Disability: Life After High School."  Taught by associate professor -- and very good friend of the agency -- Mary Kelly, the class addresses the needs of students with disabilities as they transition out of high school and into adult life.  Read it and let us know what you think!

Volunteering is vital to our community

Volunteers are vital to Ontario County -- there are many places their skills, time and talent are needed.  I know on our part, the agency is fortunate to have a strong base of neighbors and friends that give their time to raise funds, wrap gifts and improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  But, we don't take their commitment for granted.  Our staff and participants also give back through volunteering throughout the county.  Our Community Learning Centers are no exception.

Recently, Thompson Hospital hosted its annual banquet to thank its many volunteers.  Brenda Covell (right) was honored with a pin commemorating 100 hours of volunteering at the hospital.  Brenda works at the agency's community learning center located in the First Congregational Church.  She takes several of the center's participants -- including Christine Stewart (left) -- to help with seniors during Bingo every Tuesday.  She is dedicated and committed to not only improving her volunteer work, but to sharing their passion with both staff and participants at the agency.

"She is a hard working and dedicated staff member and we are grateful to have her on our team," Christin Lersch added when she was telling me about the award.

Congratulations, Brenda!!!

News Round Up

• Wall Street Journal, New York, NY: Erasing a Hurtful Label From the Books
• Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL: You never age out of Our Place
• Chapel Hill News, Chapel Hill, NC: Where abilities come in many guises

Talent, patience & origami

Talent can be a beautiful thing -- especially when that talent comes in the form of art.

Meet Mike.  By day, he is a member of the agency's MacoBag crew.  By night, he uses his creative talents to work and makes beautiful paper origami pieces called Japanese kusudama, also known as origami medicine balls.

Mike has a variety of colorful papers he uses to make these beautiful flower balls.  A small one -- like the one I purchased on the left at the agency's annual craft fair -- takes about three and half hours to put together.  I can't even imagine the time behind a medium or large one.  Not only is Mike talented, he also has more patience that anyone I know.

His table was one of the most crowded at the craft fair.  Looking at the picture above, you'll notice the small flower balls attached to his table.  By the time I left, only three or four of those were left.  Many were snagging them up to give away as holiday gifts. 

Congrats to Mike for his success at today's craft fair!

News Round Up

• Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY:  Report: NY cancels 2011 Empire State Games
  Please note: Reader interested in contacting N.Y. government regarding issues in this story can visit Governor Paterson's Web site through the "Resources" section on the right hand side of the screen.
• Fox 11 WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI: Girls with physical and developmental disabilities take part in unique competitive cheer squad 
•  NBC 11 KARE-TV, Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN: Pilot curriculum teaches kids about disabilities

Finger Lakes Daily News

Finger Lakes Daily News

FLCC College Experience

FLCC College Student, Laura Day was a guest speaker in our room to talk about her life experiences dealing with Spinal Bifida and using a wheelchair. Laura graduated from high school and was undecided on what to do with the rest of her life so she decided to try college. Laura will graduate this December from FLCC with a degree in Communications. Laura also spoke about her accomplishments of getting her driving license and her first car.
The most amazing thing we learned about Laura is she participates in wheel chair sports. Laura is on a track and field team out of Rochester called the Rochester Rookies. She competes in National and Regional events throughout the summer and is a Nationals record holder in Discus and the Javelin. The best advice she said she could give us was to, “Never be afraid to ask for help”.

Festival of Trees

The Community Experience recently donated a country themed christmas tree to the Granger Homestead's Festival of Trees. The Granger Homestead has held the Festival of Trees for the past 14 years and people through out the community attend and vote on their favorite tree. Viewing will be from November 12th through December 5th. The individuals in the Community Experience decorated a 2 foot pre-lit tree with home-made ornaments. The individuals made cinnamon decorations using only applesauce and cinnamon, mixing to a dough consistency and used cookie cutters in the shapes of stars, bells and hearts. The ornaments were air dried and made the room smell wonderful. They also strung cranberries on string and made stockings out of cloth. The tree was topped with a wooden star. Stop in and vote for your favorite tree at The Granger Homestead.

NY Times: "IPad a Therapeutic Marvel for Disabled People"

The IPad has been mentioned in tons of stories recently for its ability to engage people with autism and help individuals with disabilities. I've noted a few in the blog's weekly "News Round Up," which features stories about people with developmental disabilities and other issues. Below is a video from the NY Times that chronicles the story of Owen -- a seven year old boy living in New York with spinal muscular atrophy, type 1 -- and how the IPad has changed his life.

Brrrrr it's cold outside!

The HWS College Experience group along with some HWS students wanted to come up with a project that they could work on together. Everyone agreed on making winter fleece hats for the Sit-A-Spell and Geneva Senior CLCs.

The group bought different patterns of fleece, some appropriate for the ladies others for the gentlemen. Everyone worked very carefully on cutting the patterns and then staff helped with sewing them together.

In all there were 32 hats made. As you can see by the pictures, everyone was glad to have their new hats!

The challenges for families and individuals

Every once in a while, I flip on NPR for my drive home to catch All Things Considered.  And while to some people, this might make me a dork -- I actually really enjoy listening to the news and hearing about stories that you don't typically hear or see on your usual newscasts.  When I changed to the station yesterday, this is what I heard:

You've probably never seen a person hooked up to so many plastic tubes as Olivia Welter. There's a ventilator tube that keeps her breathing. There's a feeding tube that's also the tube for her dozen or so medicines. There are the tubes to the vibrating vest that loosens the mucus in her lungs. Another tube to help her cough. The tube that her nurse uses a couple times an hour to suction the mucus out of her mouth.

It was just the beginning of Olivia's -- a 20-year-old woman living in Illinois -- story, the stories of other individuals with disabilities and their daily challenges.  It also chronicles the fight of Olivia's family to keep her at home and continue to receive the level of care she needs.

click to read / hear story

News Round Up

• TriValleyCentral.com, serving Pinal County, AZ: Bringing them up to speed
• Arizona Daily Star, serving Tucson, AZ: Special-ed grads to get new path at UA
• The Daily News, serving Genesee, Wyoming, and Orlean counties in NY: Batavia woman earns state excellence award

News Round Up

• NYSARC, Inc.: NYSARC, Inc. elects Schuppenhauer president
• Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME: Woman inspired to begin support group
• News 8 WTHN, CT: App helps those with special needs communicate

Thank you Mr. Golisano

The FLCC College Experience was given the opportunity to thank Mr. Golisano for all his generous contributions he has made to the area organizations. To help celebrate the 25th anniversary and surprise party of the Golisano Foundation, Bill Castiglione Executive Director, FLCC College Experience individuals, Jen Cairns Community Habilitation Specialist and Allison Cassara Communications Coordinator, traveled to Channel 10 news studios and recorded a thank you for all that Mr. Golisano has done for Ontario ARC. It was a huge honor to participate in the celebration for Mr. Golisano.

What is Rotaract?

The Rotaract Club on the HWS campus is very similar to the Rotary clubs in your communities. This club is currently working to be a part of the Geneva Rotary. The Rotaract Club does lots of different community service projects in the Geneva area.

Some of the Rotaract Club members attend the same Transition class that the HWS College Experience individuals attend. While talking in class one day, it was agreed upon that the College Experience would really like to participate in some of the Rotaract activites.

This month both groups came together to make many creative Halloween cards. The cards will be distributed through the Geneva Living Centers, North and South. Everyone agreed that they were glad to make the patients day a bit brighter by sending them the cards.

The groups plan to get together to make Thanksgiving day cards.

Keeping the heartbeat going

The staff at Ontario ARC are a very important part of the agency's mission and vision.  They are on the front lines everyday providing high quality services and making sure that each of the individuals we serve has the supports they need to live a full life.  And the agency works very hard to make sure that each member of its staff has the tools they need to do this.

Last week, the agency's programs -- with the exception of the Eberhardt Center -- were closed for the day.  Not because of Columbus Day -- we are 24/7 operation for the most part.  Staff from the Community Experience, College Experience programs, and Community Learning Centers gathered at Steamboat Landing for a full day of training and team building activities.

Staff got refreshers on Q-Straints (Val Colombo & Transportation), HIPPA / Corporate Compliance (Brenda Estey, associate executive director),  Waivers / OPTS / Petty Cash (Karen Niedermier, internal auditor), and 147's (Barb Davis, director of staff development and quality assurance).  In addition, Mike Kephart and Tonya Finn from the agency's clinical team gave a presentation called "Expecting Independence v. Parental Caretaker role."  But, it was all serious business.  The team also got the chance to learn some new exercises and do a scavenger hunt.

Our trainers and training programs are what keeps the heartbeat of Ontario ARC going.  Not only does it keep us in compliance, but it ensures that each individual receives high quality services.  So, what could be more important than that?

Kudos to Ann Scheetz, Julie Dunn, Wendy Nelson, and Richard Thomas for a great day of training!

Residential Camp a success!

Anyone who truly enjoys the "great outdoors" needs to come visit the Finger Lakes region. We have some magnificent scenery, beautiful sunsets, and picturesque lakes. It's no wonder that outdoor activities -- swimming, camping, hiking, biking, etc. -- are hugely popular.  And for the past three years, Ontario ARC has capitalized on the beauty of the area by hosting a three-day camp for individuals living in our residential program.

For three days, campers get to enjoy the outdoors by participating in wide variety of activities.  From canoeing to hiking and even arts and crafts -- nobody leaves without a smile! And, its all in part to our terrific staff, who work tirelessly throughout to ensure that everyone happy.

Here's a few pictures from this year's camp, which was held on Oct. 8 through Oct. 11.:

Scarecrow Contest 2010

Ontario ARC's Community Experience participated in the 2010 Scarecrow Contest. The Canandaigua Business Improvement District organizes the contest, which is currently display throughout the streets and sidewalks of historic Canandaigua all of October. The Community Experience made a hippie scarecrow named “Bubba”. All 12 individuals help personalize Bubba, who has long black hair with words written on his clothes such as "peace", "love", and "happiness." He also has patches on his pants and large sunglasses. Stop by and see “Bubba” and all the other scarecrows!

Guest essay: Spreading awareness of autism

Noreen Quinn was featured in Sunday's Daily Messenger for her guest essay about autism and what Ontario ARC is doing to help people on the autism spectrum.  It's a great read!

Rochester honors employers during National Disability Employment Awarness Month

Eight hours can either go really quickly or drag on for days.  Work is an important part of our lives -- we spend half of our estimated waking hours there.  For some people, you see your coworkers more often than you see your significant other, children or other family members.  Not only does it pay the bills and put food on the table, but it can help boost confidence and impart a sense of pride.

This is especially true for people with disabilities.  To help support the people we serve at the agency, Ontario ARC has developed a unique model for assisting people with disabilities succeed in the workforce.  We've developed strong relationships with businesses and organizations throughout the Rochester and Finger Lakes areas to create job opportunities.  And recently, we had the chance to nominate our good friends at F.F. Thompson Hospital and Bonadio Group for the Rochester Area Employment Network's Annual Employer Awards.  And, the best part?  They won! F.F. Thompson Hospital won the 2010 Regional Award for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  Bonadio Group was the winner of the 2010 Local Award for National Disability Employment Month.

F.F. Thompson Hospital from left:Linda Farchione, Jennifer DeVault, Terry Ovenshire, Miriam Wilkerson, Sue Kirkwood

Bonadio Group from left: Nicole Myhill, Carol J., and Jerry Archibald

F.F. Thompson Hospital and Bonadio Group were nominated by Kathy Shay from VESID and Michele Wistner from Ontario ARC.

Congratulations to both companies! And, THANK YOU for creating job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Victor Yoga Studio to raise funds for agency

Visit the Victor Yoga Studio online

Yoga is not only relaxing -- it can be very renewing.  Its a great way to unwind from a crazy day and prepare yourself for the crazier day ahead.

On Oct. 22, our friends at the Victor Yoga Studio will host a 65-minute Karma Vinyasa Restorative Yoga class with Amy Warcup at 6:30 p.m. It is a donation-based class and all proceeds go towards the agency and its autism initiative.  The studio recommends a suggested contribution of $10-$16.

The class will begin with 45 minutes of heat-building vinyasa practise, followed by 25 minutes of relaxing and open restorative yoga.  Vinyasa is breathing synchronized movements -- typically a series of poses done in a sequence.  It's a great way to try something new, unwind from a week of work, and support Ontario ARC.

Hope to see you all there!




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Agency to host "Benefit Basics" seminar on Oct. 19

Social Security and Supplement Security Income can be very intimidating -- but very important for people with developmental disabilities. Not only does it help financially, but it can provide a sense of security for the individual and their family.

To help you through this process, Ontario ARC will host an educational seminar -- "Benefit Basics -- on Oct. 19 at its Main Facility. The seminar will feature speakers from the Western New York Advocacy for the Developmentally Disabled (WNYADD) -- including Roger Nellist, WNYADD's executive director, and Jennifer Blais, WNYADD's benefits specialist. Nellist and Blais will cover topics such as eligibility, how to apply for benefits, and how other resources and employment can affect your benefits. In addition, the night will include a social hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation starting 7 p.m. Not only is it educational, but it is a great networking opportunity as well.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kathy Kanada at 585-919-2149.

BT's 9th annual Halloween Bash!

I don't know if anyone else noticed -- but the Halloween candy and costumes were out early this year!  Summer wasn't even over and I saw a whole aisle dedicated to the October holiday in a local store.  Now, it has really kicked in and I can hear people buzzing in the hall ways here at Ontario ARC about their plans for the upcoming holiday -- especially from one person in particular.

Every year, Bob Taddario -- known in these parts as just "BT" -- hosts his annual Halloween Bash at The Sons of Italy in Geneva.  BT is a substitute enclave supervisor and works closely with participants, helping them achieve their professional goals while on the job.  For his annual Halloween celebration, he books great rock bands, tarrot card readers, and fun "tribute" guests, such as Flavor Flav, Elvira, and Linda Blair from The Exorcist.

BT and Sons of Italy 2009 president Jamie Kaim drop
off a check from last year's Halloween Bash.  
From left: Donna Auria, Bob "BT" Taddario, 
Bill C., and Jamie Kaim.

What makes his Halloween Bash so special?  He donates back one dollar for each ticket sold to Ontario ARC -- and the proceeds go towards support our wide variety of programs and services.  Not only does he work for Ontario ARC, but BT is also an avid supporter of the agency.  He strongly believes in our mission and vision and it is reflected in his work with participants and in his philanthropy.

Tickets to the Halloween Bash are $5/person and $10/couple presale and $7/person and $12/couple at the door.  To purchase tickets, contact BT at 315-694-2416 or The Sons of Italy at 315-781-2242.

News Round Up

• IrishCentral.com -- Mark Kennedy Shriver celebrates mother's legacy in Ireland
• Cincinnati.com, serving the Cincinnati, OH-area -- Group looks to offer disabled housing option
• Physorg.com, a web-based news service about science -- New registry to accelerate research on Fragile X syndrome 

October is National Disability Employment Month

Click to read official Presidential Proclamation at whitehouse.gov

Each year, Congress and the President of the United State mark October as National Disability Employment Month -- providing a "renewal" focus on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the country.  In addition, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) -- a landmark piece of legislation that worked to ensure equality for people with disabilities.

Here's PSA featuring President Obama issued in July through Disability.gov

 

 Here at the agency, we committed to finding meaningful, employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and hope to share some our success stories with you this month.  A big "THANK YOU" goes out to the local businesses in the Finger Lakes region and local Rochester-area that hire people with developmental disabilities.

In the meantime, please enjoy some previous, work-related posts:

•  A Very Busy Week
• Happy 100th to G.W. Lisk
• A Tribute to Abbey Industries

Museum of disAbility History

I love going to museums -- I find them to be absolutely fascinating, like an extremely large, building-sized time capsules that gives us a glimpse into the stories and lives of people from other times.  As a child, I was able to visit museums in various cities -- Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C -- thanks to my father's line of work. I'm always on the lookout for interesting museums to visit -- from the fun and playful (such as the Jello Museum in LeRoy) or the serious and historical (like the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto).

click to visit site

Today, I found another one to add to my list -- the Museum of disAbility History in Buffalo, NY.    Its mission is to collect, preserve, and display artifacts that speak to the history of people with developmental disabilities.

The great thing about this museum is that if you aren't heading out to Buffalo anytime it is available in a virtual format online, where it focuses on Media, Medicine, Society, Education, Advocacy, and New York State.  Why specific to New York State?  It's funded by a grant from great people at the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and People, Inc. 

But, if you are traveling to the Buffalo area, I highly recommend you stop by the museum, which is having its grand re-opening on Oct. 15.  According to it's Web site, the Museum of disAbility History is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. 

Congrats, Ike!

Ike Ditzenberger -- a 17-year old student at Snohomish High School in Washington state-- scored his team's only touchdown during a Sept. 24 game against Lake Stevens.  He ran 51 yards with ten seconds remaining on the clock. The play -- called The Ike Special -- is below.

If you are anything like me -- meaning you aren't sure what a "first down" is and think football is played in innings -- the story appears to be a replay of a typical high school game. But, what makes this story so special is that Ike has Down syndrome.

Ike practices every day with his team mates and is on the school's junior varsity roster. He joins the varsity team's practice for their last plays. In addition, he hopes to join the school's wrestling team.

Here's the clip from KOMO-TV, Channel 4 in the Seattle area:

Congress eliminates the "R-word" from health, education, and labor laws

In a victorious move for people with developmental disabilities, the House of Representatives has approved a bill that eliminates the "R-word" in federal government language.  The bill -- also known as Rosa's Law -- changes the language from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability," bringing it up to par with language used at the CDC, U.N. and the White House.

Proposed by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), the bill was named after Rosa Marcellino -- a girl from Maryland with Down syndrome.  After she was labeled "retarded" by her school, her mother Nina teamed up with other parents to change the terminology in Maryland's state law. 

 “The Marcellinos’ story is a perfect example of effective citizen advocacy. They pulled together to pull us all to another way of thinking,” Senator Mikulski said. “The bipartisan support of this bill shows that this is an issue where we can tip our hats to boys and girls with intellectual disabilities by checking our party hats at the door.”

The bill will now go to President Barack Obama's desk for his signature.

In honor of this terrific news, please enjoy the video from The Arc of the U.S.'s YouTube channel.  I think it sums up the feeling.

 

More information available here:

• Patricia E. Bauer's Disability News: "House OK's Rosa's Law"
• Senator Barbara Mikulski's Office:  Mikulski, Enzi applaud passage of Rosa's Law
• CNN.com's Paging Dr. Gupta: Congress eliminates the R-word

ARC Life available!

The agency's new newsletter is now available online and in print!  Enjoy!

Unique Opportunity at HWS

Mary Kelly, PhD, our liason, developed the class Transition and Disability: Life after high school. This allows the college students and the ARC individuals to be integrated in a class together, for the first time.

The ARC individuals are broken into groups with the college students. They have to participate, present and do all the homework that is expected of the HWS students. There are field trips, discussions, service learning projects, and various collaborative activies inside and outside the classroom.

Each and every individual is so pleased with themselves when they leave class, it is such a great feeling to see the inclusion on the HWS campus.

News Round Up

• SouthOrangePatch, serving South Orange, NJ:  Jepsy opens the doors of Judi's House
• Journal-Times, Racine, WI: Unified work group drives changes in special education
• WPRI-TV, Cranston, RI:  "Retardation" removed from agency name

Toronto Film Festival alert!

For you film and movie enthusiasts out there, the Toronto International Film Festival ends this Sunday on Sept. 19.  Many new stars come out of the movies viewed there -- but, there is one particular that everyone is buzzing about.

His name is Evan Sneider -- a 31 year old actor with Down syndrome and the breakout star of "Girlfriend."  Read The Wrap's article about him and view the trailer for his new movie below.

It's been quite some time...

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

Here's an update about what's going on at Ontario ARC!

FLCC College Experience volunteers for the Alzheimer Memory Walk

We were approached by Jody Thomas, Coordinator of Aging Services for ARC, to see if we would be interested in baking mini muffins for the upcoming Alzheimer Memory walk on Sept. 11th. Because we love to volunteer, we jumped on this opportunity to use one of our cooking days to try a nice healthy recipe for zucchini muffins. We used the kitchen at the Risser Road IRA house and each individual had a small part in baking the finished product. We had a great time and look forward to our next volunteer opportunity.

Giving back at Crosswinds Church

On Friday Septemeber 10, Kristen L. And Robert G. and myself went to volunteer at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua. The church was having a training for it's sunday school teachers last weekend. We were asked to put together a training book and then put it along with an evaluation sheet and a pen into a bright orange bag for all attendees to recieve. We had a good time. We met Angie from the church and she was very excited to have us there to help her get ready. We hope to help them again in the future.

FLCC College Experience and the Community Experience volunteer for the Seniors Picnic!

Everyone at Ontario ARC try to live by our value words and put them into practice. On Friday, Aug. 27, the FLCC College Experience and the Community Experience individuals demonstrated one of our value words, being Teamwork by assisting at the Ontario ARC Aging picnic.

The Ontario ARC Aging Services and the Kiwanis Club of Canandaigua sponsored a senior’s picnic at Ontario ARC in the pavilion. Area seniors came from around the community to eat lunch, play games and enjoy music and good company.

We were not the only volunteers helping at the picnic. The Aktion Club, a division of the Kiwanis Club, and the Aging Advisory Panel, a committee made up of Individuals and community members advocating for our aging individuals in the agency also joined the volunteers. We all worked together in set up/clean up, manning the games, assisting seniors and socializing with everyone. We all really enjoyed spending our afternoon in the presence of some great people and look forward to helping next year.

Community Centers 1st Annual Picnic

In early August, all of Ontario ARC's Community Learning Centers and the College and Community programs gathered in Clifton Springs for the first annual CLC picnic.

There were many fun activites for the everyone to participate in. Some made sun visors, some had strawberry shortcake, and some went "fishing" for gold fish. The HWS College Experience hosted a face painting booth. Sarah and Jenny were great artists and did many tattoos for people.
Everyone is looking forward to next year!

Community Experience Volunteers

On July 22, the Community Experience group helped Speak Up, Speak Out! The Self Advocacy Group of Ontario County with their car wash fundraiser.

We began helping long before the actual day came by making little potpourri sacks to be hung on the rear view mirror. On the day of the event, we passed these out to each patron after their car was washed. We also helped set up all the supplies needed, collected the donations and washed lots of cars.

MPNnow.com -- Carnival capers at Eberhardt Center

Daily Messenger photographer Carrie Ann Grippo stopped by the Eberhardt Center's carnival last week and got some great pictures of staff and participants enjoying the festivities.  Check it out!

click here to view pictures

A very busy week...

This week was great week for Ontario ARC!  Here's a quick review of July 19 - 23 for everyone out there...

Monday
Ontario ARC was featured in the Daily Messenger -- right on the front page!  Reporter Mike Maslanik recently visited the agency to speak with Matt, Scott and Jeff, who recently completed the College Experience program at FLCC.  Each young man has already found employment.  I won't give away the whole story -- read the rest for yourself!

click here to read the story

Wendesday
News 8 reporter Meghan Backus visited Marty Becker -- a member of the agency's crew at Maco Bag.  Marty had a heart attack during his lunch break at work back in April.  And, thanks to quick thinking and reaction from Emily Stohner -- Ontario ARC's enclave supervisor at Maco Bag -- Marty is already back to work.

click here to watch and read the story

Thursday
Thursday was -- hands down -- the busiest day this week.

Dan Prong gets splashed by David H.

First up, the Eberhardt Center put on its annual carnival -- which was an absolute blast.  Both participants and staff made it out to enjoy the great weather and fun activities. 

Music, games -- such as a ring toss and bowling -- and some sweet treats filled the parking lot.  In addition, pet therapy, massages, and a "tattoo" parlor was available for use.

A big shout out goes to the Eberhardt Center's Et Al Committee for their hard work and great planning!

Jen hard at work and washing cars.

Speak Up, Speak Out! Ontario County's Self Advocacy Group held its annual car wash at the Main Facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  All of the proceeds go towards the group's various activities throughout the year.  The group's hard work definitely paid off!  Congrats to the group for their success!




Last, but certainly not least, our good friends at Roseland Waterpark donated all of the proceeds from its "Dunk a Lifeguard" booth to Ontario ARC!  I won't spill all the details -- you'll have to read Becky Castano's post about how the HWS College Experience crew helped out.  But, certainly a big THANK YOU goes out to Roseland Waterpark for thinking of the agency and donating its proceeds from the booth that day!!


So... as you can see...Ontario ARC is never lacking in the "things to do" department.  Especially this week.

Have a great weekend! 

HWS College Experience visits Roseland Waterpark to raise money for agency

On Thursday, Roseland Waterpark's "Dunk a Lifeguard" booth raised money for Ontario ARC's Recreation program. Shirley Wells, community habilitation assistant, along with Ron and Sarah encouraged spectators and people walking by to step on up and dunk the life guard!!

Ron said that it was a lot of fun and wouldn't have minded being dunked himself. Sarah said that there were a lot of people and not everyone was able to hit the bullseye.

News Round Up

• The Arc of the Use, based out of Washington D.C: The Arc launches National Disability Needs survey
• Sun Journal, Rumford, MA: Rumford teen gets 'piece of heaven' at camp 
• Trib Today, Cleveland, OH: Ohio woman fights against mistreatment of disabled

"Difference Makers" to recognize direct support professionals in New York State

Parent to Parent of New York State has teamed up with the Direct Support Professional Alliance of New York State to recognized "Difference Makers" -- an initiative to recognize direct support professionals, who have truly made a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.  "Difference Makers" will be awarded quarterly to direct support professionals nominated by family and friends. 

To learn more about "Difference Makers" and nominate a direct support professional, please see the Parent to Parent of NYS and DSPANYS press release.

Roseland Waterpark's "Dunk a Lifeguard" booth to raise funds for Ontario ARC

If I had more time this summer, I would get myself to a waterpark.  I mean, really, what is better than a waterpark in the summer?  Especially after reading an article about how this June is the hottest month recorded ever.

Well if you are looking for a good reason to go, then I have one for you:  on Thursday July 22, Roseland Waterpark's "Dunk a Lifeguard" booth will be raising money for Ontario ARC.  Get three tries for one dollar.

Admission costs to Roseland Waterpark is available on its web site.  And -- as I'm sure you already know -- more information about Ontario ARC is available at our Web site.  Or if you have a specific question, leave a post on the blog and I'll get you the information as soon as humanly possibly.

Daily Messenger features FLCC College Experience program

Get your copy of today's Daily Messenger to read about Ontario ARC's College Experience program at FLCC and the incredible journey of its three recent graduates -- Matt, Jeff, and Scott...

Another round of congratulations is order for these gentlemen!  Also, a big thanks to reporter Mike Maslanik!

A closer look: Travel Training

Ontario ARC offers a wide variety of programs and services -- all with the same goal of helping people with developmental disabilities live an independent lifestyle while creating opportunities for personal growth.    Here's a closer look at the agency's brand new Travel Training service...

Ontario ARC's Travel Training is a short term, yet intensive, instructional service offered to individuals with developmental disabilities who are interested in using public transportation and traveling independently.  It empowers participants to travel safely while increasing their self confidence.  This service is multi-faceted and offers supports in the following areas:

• Time management -- "What time should I get to the bus stop if I have to catch the 1 p.m. CATS?"
• Planning routes -- "If I need to get to Eastview Mall from Geneva, how many times do I need to transfer buses?"
• Proper transportation etiquette -- "Is it OK to take up two seats or listen to my headphone loudly on the bus?"
• Emergency situations -- "What should I do if the bus I'm on gets into an accident?"
• Pedestrian safety -- "What's the best way to cross a busy street?"
• Problem solving -- "What should I do if I miss my bus?"

Travel Training also includes support in personal safety, reducing anxieties about traveling, reading bus schedules, and "stranger danger."  In addition, this services offers participants the opportunity to enhance basic math skills, learn how to purchase a reduced fare pass, and money management concepts.

Interested in learning more?  John Hurlburt -- the agency's travel trainer -- can provide you with more information about this exciting, new service.  If you are interested in signing up, please speak to your service coordinator or call JoEllen Meath -- the agency's central intake coordinator -- at 585-919-2118.

From OMRDD to OPWDD...

Today, Governor Paterson has signed a bill changing the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Governor David A. Paterson today signed into law a bill which changes the name of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) to the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The historic legislation removed the words “Mental Retardation” from the name of the State agency and from State statute and regulations, and will take effect immediately.

See the governor's official press release here: Governor Paterson Announces OMRDD to Become Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Exploring living options

We have been talking about the variety of living options in Ontario County such as group home living, supervised apartment living, living with friends or family or in your own apartment. We then decided we would go visit an apartment complex.

We toured Camelot Square Apartments in Canandaigua and was able to see a one bedroom apartment they had for rent. We learned that when renting an apartment at Camelot that the heat, hot water and cable is included in your rent. You also have access to storage space and a laundry room in the basement. If you would like to have a pet, you have to pay an extra deposit.  But, no big dogs are allowed at Camelot Square.
We really learned a lot about renting and that each complex is different so you have to ask lots of questions when looking for a place to live. This information will come in handy as we plan our futures after college.

News Round Up

• Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale,FL: JAFCO celebrates groundbreaking of facility
• Journal Star, Linclon, NE: Mini Grants enhance the lives of Nebraskans with developmental disabilities.
• The Charlotte Observer, South Charlotte, NC: Autism didn't knock out this athlete
• The Chapel Hill News, Chapel Hill, NC: A place to belong

TCNJ launches college program for students with developmental disabilities

A great story coming out of my old neighborhood in New Jersey...

From the Daily Record:  College program in NJ welcomes 

Morris Township student with Down Syndrome

The College of New Jersey -- also known as TCNJ -- is a prestigious four-year university located in Ewing, NJ.  Its Career & Community Studies program is a four-year, post-secondary certificate program designed for students with developmental disabilities.  The goal of the program is to provide each individual with a comprehensive course of study that includes career exploration and preparation, personal discovery, self improvement, and independent learning opportunities.  

Here a video clip from the TCNJ Web site:

TCNJ CCS Documentary from TCNJ CCS on Vimeo.

HWS College Experience delivers Meals on Wheels

Twice a month, the program delivers 21 meals to elderly people throughout the city of Geneva. We volunteer through the Ontario County Meals on Wheels program.

Percy says, "I love to see the older people, because they remember me and like to see me coming"

Sarah says, "I love to help people, so this is a nice way to do that"

It is a rewarding experience to watch the individuals make friendships with the regular people on the delivery route.

Happy 100th to G.W. Lisk!

Congratulations to our good friends at G.W. Lisk, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary!

Read more at the Daily Messenger: G.W. Lisk celebrates auspicious anniversary

G.W. Lisk is one of the many local businesses in the Finger Lakes region that support Ontario ARC.  The agency has placed several individuals in competitive jobs at G.W. Lisk through employment services.

Congrats on this milestone!

Autism bill sent to Gov. Paterson

New York State legislators have approved the Autism Insurance Bill -- a law that will require health insurance companies to provide coverage for screening, diagnosing, and treating autism spectrum disorders. It is on its way to Gov. Paterson's office for his signature.




Read more...

• WHAM-TV, Channel 13 -- Legislature Approves Autism Insurance Bill 
• New York Times -- Bill passed in Albany to make insurers pay for autism care

Cruisin' on Facebook

Are you on Facebook?  Well, so is Cruisin' for a Cause.  This year, we've put the event on Facebook to help spread the word throughout Ontario County.

Click on the logo to the left to log-in into your Facebook account and RSVP to Cruisin' for a Cause.  And, while you are there, don't be afraid to invite your friends and family or post it to your own Facebook page. 



Remember, RSVP'ing to the event on Facebook doesn't mean a ticket purchase.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, feel free to contact myself or Donna Auria.  More information is also available at our Cruisin' for a Cause site.

Epilepsy Education & Book Signing

The Epilepsy Foundation of Binghamton-Syracuse-Rochester is hosting a free book signing and education event at Wood Library in Canandaigua on June 29, 3:30 -  5 p.m.  The event will feature Erica Dunton, the author of Seven Days at Camp EAGR.  Books are available for purchase at the library for $10 each.  All proceeds go towards Camp EAGR. 

The event will also feature a presentation by Dr. William Kingston entitled Seizure Types and Accessing Epilespy Services.  Dr. Kingston is a epilepsy expert from Ontario Neurology Associates.

To attend, you must RSVP as seating is limited (click here for RSVP info or call (800) 724-7930).  Refreshments will also be served.