Blood Drive at FLCC

The week of April 19-23, the FLCC College Experience group volunteered to recruit college students to give blood for the American Red Cross Blood Drive on April 27 here at the college. We each took turns standing out by the Student Life Center for asking people as the walked by to give blood at the blood drive. The first day we recruited, we had 14 people sign up. As the week went on, we had smaller numbers of sign ups but never a day without less than five.

On the 27, we were in charge of the refreshment tables. We encouraged the students to come have a snack and juice or water to allow time for their bodies to adjust to giving blood. There is a high risk of fainting if you don’t take time to eat something. We also have to watch each student for signs of fainting and if it seems a person needs help we ring a bell for a nurse to come and help that person. We really enjoy volunteering for the Red Cross as it makes us feel like we are helping to take care of the people who gave the “special gift” of blood to help others.

After the blood drive we received an email from Tom Priester Assistant Director of Student Life Center stating that we had a big impact on the blood drive by recruiting people. Tom stated that the Red Cross had a goal of collecting 50 units of blood at the college and they surpassed their goal!! Great example of teamwork between FLCC and the College Experience!

Welcome new bloggers!

I'm very excited to announce that we are adding three new contributors to Ontario ARC:

• Jen Cairns, community habilitation specialist at the FLCC College Experience program
• Becky Castano, community habilitation specialist at the HWS College Experience program
• Dawn Jansen, habilitation specialist at the Community Experience program

All three will be blogging about different activities going on at their site -- and believe me, there is always something going on!  In fact, Dawn has already posted about what the Community Experience did for the United Way's Day of Caring. 

So, be sure to check back here for updates on what's going in our programs!

Day of Caring

On April 15, the Community Experience program, FLCC College Experience program and some of our residential individuals paticipated in the United Way Day of Caring. We went to the Granger Homestead and raked leaves and picked up tree branches to help make the yard look nice for the summer. We were provided lunch and afterward we placed labels on mailings.

We had a gorgeous day, the sun was shinning and it was warm. It felt good to give back to the community. We hope to do it again next year.

News Round Up

• SouthJerseyLocalNews.com, serving Southern New Jersey -- For the love of Dominic
• Brainerd Dispatch, Brainerd, MN -- Speech pathologists teaches parents new ways to use books
• Downtown Journal, Minneapolis, MN -- No 'special needs' here

Film Workshop at Hobart & William Smith

As I'm sure you already know, the Disability in the Arts Festival is going on this week at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.  This morning, I had the chance to hang out with the agency's College Experience program as they attended the Film Workshop -- led by Anthony DiSalvo, executive director of Sprout,  and Prof. Mary Kelly, HWS professor.  Mr. Di Salvo talked about this experiences creating films with people who have developmental disabilities and the Sprout Film Festival.  In addition, he showed two of the short films he created -- Sherri & Paul and How I Feel About That.  If you didn't get the chance to attend one of viewing sessions held yesterday, I highly suggest checking out their Web site and YouTube channel.

The College Experience crew was also brought on stage, along with the HWS Inclusive Film Crew and Prof. Kelly, to discuss their experiences making films together.  They showed their short instructional video on "How To Make A Pancake Breakfast" (which looked delicious, by the way).  They even showed a sneak peak of their interview with Steven Kuusisto, Ralph Savarese, and Susanne Antonetta, who led a workshop about poetry and writing on April 9. 

The group broke out into smaller groups to create their own films -- which is what they are doing right now.  I'm excited to see what they've created, and I'm hoping that we can get some of those films up here for you to view.

Also -- on a side note -- I know I keep mentioning the films.  But Ontario ARC also has some of the artwork created by participants in the Creative Expressions' Art Program being showcased during this phenomenal festival -- tonight, 6:30 - 9 p.m., at Hobart & William Smiths' Vandevort Room in the Scandling Campus Center.   If you are looking for more information about the artwork being featured, contact Pilar Nadal -- Ontario ARC's art specialist -- at 585-919-2056.

Sprout Touring Film Festival is today!

As you might know, Hobart & William Smith Colleges are hosting the Disability in the Arts Festival at its campus in Geneva.  The festival showcases the various talents of artists with disabilities by displaying their craft.  In addition, the festival is also hosting the Sprout Touring Film Festival -- a celebration of individuals with developmental disabilities through film.  Anthony DiSalvo -- the founder and executive director of Sprout -- will be on-hand during both viewing session (1-3 p.m. and again at 7-9 p.m.).  In addition, DiSalvo will also be leading a film workshop on Friday (10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and again at 1-2:30 p.m.).  If you haven't had the chance to stop by the campus and experience this exciting event, I highly suggest you do! 

Update: CNN's iReport: Parenting with Disabilities

CNN published its story about parenting with disabilities, which we featured in an entry yesterday.

Just wanted to pass along: For Disabled Parents, challenges are bonding point

Congrats to the graduates!

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit the College Experience program at Finger Lakes Community College to celebrate the graduation of three young men, who will be moving on to working world.

Over to the right is Jeff, Matt, and Scott.  After countless internships, auditing college classes, learning various life skills, and becoming fully immersed in the collegiate atmosphere, they are each excited to begin this new chapter in their lives.  I know for a fact they will be missed at the program by the other participants as well as Amy and Jen -- the phenomenal ladies who work at the site.

This year, all three will be joining FLCC's commencement exercises.  This is a huge milestone, as this is the first time FLCC has invited College Experience participants to join.

Congratulations to this year's graduates at FLCC!!!!

Where's ARC Notes?

As you know, we recently restructured the way we issue newsletters at Ontario ARC.  We decided to bring back ARC Notes on a bi-monthly basis to keep Chapter member, families, friends, and local businesses in the loop on what's going on at Ontario ARC.  We issued our January / February 2010 issue on February 1st (as scheduled).  

For the March / April 2010 issues, we wanted to honor Abbey Industries -- our shelter workshop, which will be closing soon.  And, most importantly, we wanted to do it right.  Abbey Industries holds a very special place in a lot of people's hearts around here.  So instead, we decided to forgo March / April and issue a May / June edition. We'll bringing you the personal stories of Ontario ARC staff and the participants that worked there, along with pictures and a brief history. 

For those of you who just can't wait, I've posted a few entries called "A Tribute to Abbey Industries":

• Who is Maxine Abbey?
• Laying the foundation for a sheltered workshop
• Abbey Industries opens

I'll post another one tomorrow.  Of course, I'll keep you updated on the newsletter's status right here on the blog.  But if you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know by leaving a comment.

On a side note:  Chapter members receive ARC Notes right in the mailbox, every month.  If you aren't a member and want to join, please contact Donna Auria at 585-919-2191.

A Day In the Life

When I talk about volunteerism and giving back to our community, I usually highlight projects that participants from our different programs are involved in.  Last week, staff -- as well as participants -- from across the agency joined the United Way for its annual Day of Caring.

Pictured to the left our members of our Residential Services team -- from left, Lenny Bills, Ray Lincoln, Karen Gardener, and Tammy Erick.  They -- along with other members of the residential services department -- gave their time and energy to cleaning and disinfecting items at the Canandaigua Early Childhood Center at the V.A. Hospital.  Their spirit of giving back was also matched by the agency's management team, which consists of all program directors.  They took the trip out to Cummings Nature Center to tidy up some of the trails.  Overall, the United Way of Ontario County estimates that more than 500 local residents turned out for this year's event -- the most they've ever had.  And, the agency is proud to say that several of those volunteers were from Ontario ARC.

We don't just encourage participants and residents to volunteer -- staff from all departments across this great organization lead by example and give back to their local communities all the time.  And, they do it of their own accord.  Its a testament to the type of people we have working here at the agency. 

On a side note:  The United Way funds our Recreation Program, which offers fun athletic and entertainment opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Thanks to Lisa Philipson and Barb Davis for the photos!!!

Harley-Davidson 2010 FXDB up for grabs!!

A few weeks ago, I posted an entry about the Harley-Davidson up for grabs in our annual raffle.  Thanks to our good friends at Geneva Harley-Davidson, this year's first prize winner will receive a 2010 FXDB (Street Bob) motorcycle. 

Not a motorcycle person?  Me neither.  But there's lot of other fabulous prizes too -- like $500 cash, $250 cash, and more courtesy of Geneva Harley-Davidson.  Plus, a portion of the proceeds will go towards Ontario ARC's programs and services. 

The drawing will be held at Geneva Harley-Davidson -- 1103 Routes 5 & 20 -- on June 12.  Don't wait until the last minute to get your tickets!  Contact me directly via e-mail or at 585-919-2123 or Donna Auria, director of development, via e-mail or at 585-919-2191.

Creative Expressions Winter art and horticulture projects!

Last week, Ontario ARC's Creative Expressions program held three days of graduation ceremonies for its Winter term participants.  As promised, here's a slideshow of some of the amazing things they've created!  Enjoy!!

CNN's iReport: Parenting with Disabilities

This morning, CNN posted a story about Marlee Matlin's new YouTube series called "My Deaf Family," which chronicles the life of a 15-year-old boy who communicates with his deaf parents through sign language.  Matlin's show looks at the challenges and demands of parents with disabilities. 

In order to further explore the story, CNN put a call out to all of its iReporter to share their stories about being a parent with a disability.  One woman -- a 26-year-old woman named Sarah -- already shared her story about being a mom with Athrogryposis Multiplex Congentia (ACM) to her eight month old son.

Abbey Industries Open

In March 1973, Ontario ARC moved both the State Street and Exchange Street programs to 75 E. North Street in Geneva.  At the suggestion of Janice B. Boyle -- a board member at the time -- the facility was named Maxine Abbey Industries, after the Chapter's founder, who started the local movement for individuals with developmental disabilities.

"Clients" -- as they were referred to during this time -- at Maxine Abbey Industries received a wide variety of services to assist individuals pursue their own personal vocational goals.  Adult basic education, evaluation, job and personal adjustment training, transportation, placement services, as well as recreational activities were offered.  The focus was not only on work and job-related practices, but to also help individuals become active members of their local communities.  To stress this point, the Board of Directors officially changed the name of the workshop to Abbey Industries and Training Center in order to "give clients a better identity" while strengthening business relationships and reinforcing the idea of person-centeredness.

Eventually, the agency began to outgrow its East North Street facility -- as children served began to grow up, they wanted to receive services from Abbey Industries and Training Center.  By the end of the 1970s, the Board of Directors began to move forward with a plan "to seek funds to establish a new and enlarged training facility in a central location of the county..."  Ontario ARC located a spot on County Road 46 in Hopewell and began building in 1982.  Less than a year later, the agency moved into its permanent home -- where it currently resides -- at 3071 County Complex Drive.

Creative Expressions Winter Term graduates this week

Today, I had the chance to stop by the first session of graduation ceremonies for the agency's Creative Expressions winter term...

Sally E. gets ready for her musical performance during the graduation ceremony.

The program's participants had the opportunity to showcase their musical talents through drums lead by the agency's music therapist, Liz Hedger.  Sally E., above, also performed a vocal solo accompanied by Liz on keyboard of  "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off."

In addition, the ceremony's attendees had the chance to view some of the wonderful artwork and horticulture projects completed during the term.

We'll be posting more artwork and horticultural later this week through our Online Art Gallery here on the agency's blog.

Congratulations to all of today's graduates! 

FYI -- The Creative Expressions is located within the Eberhardt Center and the team consists of Pilar Nadal, art specialist; Liz Hedger, music therapist; and Kate Bellows, horticultural specialist. 

News Round Up

Here are a few recent articles about developmental disabilities.  Don't be afraid to leave a comment!

• WOAI, Channel Four in San Antonio, TX: Center for disabled celebrates new and improved campus
• CNBC.com: Families upset over closure of Mo. facility
• The Globe and Mail, Toronto, Canada:  For autistic kids, iDevices are life changers

Supporting Ontario ARC by Becoming a Member of the Agency

Membership growth and retention are essential to the survival of Ontario ARC and NYSARC, Inc. It fulfills many needs, including advocacy efforts on the state and local level, financial support, public awareness, volunteers for agency involvement, and other important activities of the agency.

As membership increases so does Ontario ARC’s voice and strength on local and state levels. Membership gives the agency, through NYSARC, the voice it needs to influence decisions made by state legislators and policymakers by effectively advocating on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Membership in Ontario ARC is open to all individuals who are interested in the welfare of persons developmental disabilities.

Your membership enables Ontario ARC and NYSARC, Inc., to:

• Fund person-centered programs and services for people with developmental disabilities.
• Provide advocacy to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families through state legislation and policy.
• Provide advocacy for people with developmental disabilities in your local community.
• Provide a base of volunteers for agency involvement.
• Inform and educate the public at large about people with developmental disabilities.
• Awareness is the first step in creating society-wide acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.
• Bring people together who share our commitments.

Benefits of becoming a member of Ontario ARC include:

• Participation in NYSARC, Inc., the largest not-for-profit organization in the state (75,000 members statewide) for families and individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Participation in the national organization, The Arc US, which offers resource materials, in addition to a Legislative Action Center website (http://www.capwiz.com/thearc/state/main/?state=NY) for advocacy efforts.
• Participation in the affairs of Ontario ARC.
• Opportunities to contribute time and talent through volunteerism.
• Access to NYSARC’s Guardianship and Trust programs.
• Receipt of Ontario ARC’s newsletter, ARC Notes, with up to date information concerning the agency.

How can you become a member of Ontario ARC?
Membership in Ontario ARC automatically makes you a member of NYSARC, Inc. and The Arc U.S. Please call us at 585-394-7500 or email dauria@ontarioarc.org to join in our membership today!

Laying the foundation for a sheltered workshop

This is part two in a four part series about Ontario ARC's Abbey Industries work center, which is scheduled to close this spring.  This week's post is about the earliest beginnings of Abbey Industries.  Last week, I posted information about Maxine Abbey, who is widely considered one of the first advocates for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario County.  The work center was named in her honor.

As Ontario ARC grew in the 1960s, it  realized the needs for a vocational program that would assist individuals with developmental disabilities.  By 1967, the agency was sponsoring a pre-vocational training class for adults in Geneva, where students worked on "reading signs, safety, home economics, and socialization." Now, they needed place to work and continue expanding upon the skills learned.

In November 1970, Ontario ARC has established its first "sheltered workshop" -- a supportive work environment for individuals with developmental disabilities to learn job and employment skills.  Located at 70 State Street in Geneva, the workshop originally provided 26 adults with vocational training and employment.  A year later, the program was so successful that the Chapter rented space at 258 Exchange Street in Geneva to accommodate its expansion.  Among its first contracts were Sarah Coventry Jewelry, Stern's Nurseries of Geneva and Seneca Knit.

By 1973, the Board of Directors and Chapter staff faced the same problem again -- as the contracts came pouring in, the limited space at both facilities became an issue.  Sarah Coventry Jewelry had doubled its work need and an International Paper Co. contract promised to be more expansive than that.  In addition, Gould Pump , the local March of Dimes chapter, and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce were all looking to negotiate contracts.  The agency realized it needed one central work location for its work contracts and vocational training.

Pictured: 70 State St., Geneva -- the home of Ontario ARC's first sheltered workshop

Book List: Autism

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, here is a short list of books about autism that come recommended from Borders.com...

• Not My Boy!: A Father, A Son, and One Family's Journey with Autism by Rodney Peete
• Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports From My Life With Autism by Dr. Temple Grandin
• Side Note: Dr. Grandin has written several books on the topics of autism and Aspergers, as well as her work with cattle and animal husbandry. A full list is available on Borders.com.  We also wrote earlier about this book, as it was turned into a movie by HBO.  You can also watch Dr. Grandin speak about autism in our March 1 post.

• Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

Disability and the Arts Fesitval 2010

Disability and the Arts Festival 2010

Sponsored by:
Hobart and William Smith Colleges and
The Collaborative of the Finger Lakes

All the events take place on the Campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges

April 8: 4:30 p.m., Sanford RoomAutism, Blindness, Neurodiversity and the Lyric Body: A Writer's SymposiumA Symposium on writing and disability in connection with the publication of the Seneca Review Special Issue called The Lyric Body which focuses on writers and disability. Stephen Kuusisto, Ralph Savarese, co-editors of the issue and Susanne Antonetta, whose essay "Dis" appears in the issue will participate in a symposium moderated by David Weiss, editor of Seneca Review.

April 9: 1-3 p.m., The Fisher CenterThe Poetry of EmbodimentA writing workshop with Stephen Kuusisto, Ralph James Savarese, Susanne Antonetta for interested teachers, students and writers.
Space is limited so please contact David Weiss at weiss@hws.edu if you have people who are interested in attending.

April 2 - 30: Art Show, Houghton HouseNo Destinations Beforehand: Three Artists with AutismAn art show featuring the work of Larry Bissonnette, Jonathan Lerman, and Jessica Park.

April 9: 7 p.m., Houghton HouseOpening of Art ShowAt 6:30 pm before the Opening, Doug Biklen, Dean of Education at Syracuse University will show his film about Larry Bissonnette, "My Classic Life as an Artist" and talk about Larry and his art.

April 14: 7:30 p.m., Winn SeeleyAxis Dance Company***The Collaborative has seats reserved for this event please register if you would like to attend- See Registration Form on page 2***A wheelchair dance company will perform at Winn Seeley Gymnasium on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

April 15: 7:15 p.m., the Sanford RoomActing Disabled: The Problem of Representing Disability in Film and TelevisionLennard Davis, author of, among other books, Enforcing Normalcy, will speak about his experiences and the problems of representing disability in the media.

April 22: two sessions; 1-3 p.m., 7-9 p.m., the Vandervort RoomSprout FilmsFilms will be shown and introduced by Anthony DiSalvo of Sprout Films. Specific film schedule:

April 22: 1 - 3 p.m., Vandervort Room

Hands Away
Tying Your Own
King of Camp
Svefn-G-Englar
Karate Ruler
Street Anthem
House
Difference is Normal


April 22: 7 - 9 p.m., Vandervort Room

Hands Away
Acting Normal
Rudely Interrupted
Outsider
Street Anthem
Difference Is Normal
My Classic Life as an Artist

April 23rd: 10 - 12 p.m. and 1 - 2:30 p.m.Film Workshop ***Limited Space Available. Please register if you would like to attend-See Registration Form Below***.Film workshop with Anthony Di Salvo.

10am-12pm-The morning session will be an opportunity to learn the basics of film making. Anthony will get you excited about making a video and you will leave the session with increased knowledge of film making and of the necessary equipment needed to get started.
Break for Lunch- You are on your own to enjoy the opportunity to have lunch on campus!
1pm-2:30pm-OPTIONAL INTERACTIVE SESSION- For the second session you will have the opportunity to experiment with a camera in a small group setting. Staying for this part is optional.

April 23rd: 6:30 - 9 p.m., Vandervoort RoomFinal EventA Celebration of Local Artists with Disability: included will be an Art Show, Sprout Films, Video Montage of the Festival, Refreshments and Final Remarks.

April 30th: 3 -6 p.m., Katherine Elliot Studio Art BuildingEye to EyeA live Art Event featuring presentations and a graduation ceremony.

Registration Form

Name:______________________ Agency:_________________
I would like to attend:
□ Axis Dance Company –April 14th @ 7:30
Wheelchair seating □ Yes □ No
□ Film Making Workshop- April 23rd
□ Morning Session Only
□ Full Day Workshop
Please return to Michelle Jungermann by April 7th.

April is Autism Awareness Month

This month, people across the world will be doing their part to educate others as April is designated Autism Awareness Month.  At Ontario ARC, we will be posting the latest news, information, and studies about autism, ASD, and Asperger Syndrome.  Tomorrow, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. 

What can you do to raise awareness?  Here are some sites and resources...

• Autism Society
• Autism Speaks
• Autism Fact Sheet