Give back with gift wrap

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone!  As we do each year, Ontario ARC has kicked off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth at Eastview Mall.  Our booth -- located between J.Crew and Clark's -- is manned by nearly 400 volunteers who help us wrap presents and spread holiday cheer.  Proceeds from the booth go towards our new program, Pet Connections.  This innovative, multi-faceted program connects animals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities right here in Ontario County.  We hope you'll stop by and let us help you get ready for the holiday season by wrapping your gifts.

Thanks to Channel 10 and Ted Fioraliso for stopping by on our launch day, Black Friday, and letting people know we are ready to wrap!

Agency hosts first annual Aging Symposium

If you have checked out Ontario ARC's Facebook page, you'll notice that we are a pretty busy place.  We always have something going -- from hosting chamber socials to offering presentations to families from national and local experts.  This week, we are hosting Teens & Sexuality and another meeting of UNYFEAT Ontario Connections.

In addition, we are also hosting our first ever Aging Symposium on November 18 right here in our Main Facility (3071 County Complex Dr., Canandaigua, NY).   This event begins at 8 a.m. and focuses on the challenges of senior citizens and aging individuals.  It features Dr. Mary Brady, Dr. G. Allen Power, Cheryl Cramer, LSW, Mike Kephart, ABS, Laura Robinson and Jody Thomas.  The seminar costs $35 to attend.

To register, download our presentation brochure or contact Jenna DeBrock at 585-919-2219.

iSpy on Ontario ARC!

The Daily Messenger was able to stop by the Tri-Chamber Social hosted by Ontario ARC on Thursday,  October 27.  Check out their iSpy online photo gallery to see what's going on at the agency!

NYSID grant helps purchase equipment, continue vocational training

Putting the new machine to work!

Recently, our agency received a grant from New York State Industries for the Disabled -- or NYSID -- to help purchase a brand new liquid filling machine.  This machine will not only replaced a much older one, but also greatly improve the agency's abilities to help the people we serve gain more vocational skills and greatly increase production time.

The partnership between Ontario ARC and NYSID has provided work for hundreds of people with varying disabilities for nearly three decades.  Countless amounts of bottles of bath oil, geriatric shampoo, aloe body wash, skin lotion and tearless shampoo have been filled by Ontario ARC participants and then sold across NY State.  These bottling operations have also given our vocational program the chance to pursue private contracts and provide even more opportunities for people with disabilities.  The skills learned at these program help people find employment in community-based environments for competitive pay.  Which gives National Disability Employment Awareness even more to celebrate.

Graduating into a job

Graduating from college is no doubt a landmark in any person's life.  For Ron, it meant much more.  About five years ago, Ron joined the agency's College Experience program at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva.  This innovative program is right on campus, giving participants the opportunity to get involved in any college activity -- from student activities organizations to special interest clubs.  The people who attend the program also get the advantage of auditing college classes alongside their peers.  In addition, the program helps its participants expand their life, social and work skills through customized curricula and internships in any field of interest.

Ron took advantage of all of these options.  He audited several classes and participated in campus life.  Ron even had the chance to spend the night at the colleges' O'Dell's Village -- a townhouse complex on HWS campus.  All of these event cultivated into one big event -- his completion of the College Experience program and joining his friends in the colleges' commencement exercises this past May.

But, it doesn't end there.  Ron's recent internships with the Canandaigua Y's Child Watch Center turned into a job.  He now works there part time and receives assistance from Abbey Employment Services through his job coach, Bonnie Ross. 

Another great story and another great reason why we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Every October, Ontario ARC and other organizations across the country celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  This designated month puts the spotlight on the employment of people with disabilities and the valuable contributions these individuals make to America's workplace and economy.  To "celebrate" via blog, we'll be introducing you to the stories of people working right here in Ontario County.  Enjoy!

The crew working with LeChase Construction at FLCC

This past April, a work crew of the agency's participants assisted LeChase Construction, LCC with its cleanup operations at Finger Lakes Community College.  The college recently added an 80,000-square-foot addition to its campus. 

This particular work crew had their work cut out for them.  The clean up was an extremely important part of the process, as the company was seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation.  LEED is an internationally recognized green building certificate system with very strict guidelines for all phases of construction -- including cleanup.    The workers assisted at the site three times a week cleaning up debris inside and outside the building shell.

"Ontario ARC's workers are doing a very good job -- they are always on time and motivated to help.  As soon as we provided the participants with safety training, hard hats and a tour of the site, the were ready to go to work."
                   Jim Wasley, project manager, LeChase Construction

Abbey Employment Services -- the agency's employment and job support services -- has people just like the LeChase work crew, who can make a positive impact on your business.  To learn more about hiring people with disabilities, contact Abbey Employment Services at (585) 919-2141.

Upcoming agency presentations and seminars posted

In our quest to give families, professionals and caregivers the latest information about supports available to people with developmental disabilities, we have announced our upcoming presentations and seminars.  All of these wonderful offerings will be hosted at our Main Facility, located at 3071 County Complex Drive in Canandaigua.  For those unfamiliar with Ontario ARC, directions our posted on our website.

Are you on Facebook?  All of the events have been posted there too -- check it out.

UNYFEAT Ontario Connections October 5, 4:30 p.m. We've partnered with our friends at UNYFEAT to bring this support group to Ontario County. Geared for parents of teenagers with autism and other related diagnoses.	The Father Factor: Understanding the Special Needs of Fathers October 21, 7 p.m. Presented by Dr. Robert Naseef, this seminar will focus on the special needs of fathers and male caregivers.  Attendees will be guided in discussion of raising children with autism.
Children with Special Needs & Family Life: Taking Care of Everyone's Needs October 22, 8 a.m. Join us for this half-day seminar with Dr. Robert Naseef, who will draw upon his clinical and personal experiences to address a variety of issues facing families and children with developmental disabilities.	Teens & Sexuality: The What, The Why, The When, The Where and The How November 8, 6 p.m. Get the best strategies for discussing issues around sexuality, maintaining personal safety and learn how to identify trustworthy, appropriate resources.
UNYFEAT Ontario Connections November 9, 4:30 p.m. Another meeting of this great support group for parents of teenaged children with autism or other-related diagnoses.	The Seven Senses December 3, 10 a.m. This presentation will address the sensory needs of children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorders. It will also cover tips on how to help your child be successful in situations where the environment is not sensory-friendly.

Cruisin' for a Cause raises a record $90,000!

Prior to the event this year, I had a chance to chat briefly with our executive director, Bill Castiglione, who gave me the short version of Cruisin' for a Cause's history. The first year of the event was just on the Canandaigua Lady, which can hold approximately 120 people.  At this point,  Steamboat Landing didn't even exist!  These were the days before the live auction, silent auction and complimentary wines. As it continued to grow, the event was moved inside the restaurant's ballroom and one cruise was split into two.

Well things have definitely come a long way. Not only did 650 local resident attend this year's festivities, Ontario ARC raised more than $90,000 -- a record breaking amount in its 19th year!  

And from the looks of things, attendees had a blast! 

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Cruisin' for a Cause is definitely a labor of love for all that are involved. It takes hard work and dedication -- but it always pays off!  We are always looking for dynamic people who are willing to get involved by joining the Cruisin' for a Cause committee.  If you or someone you know is interested in participating, don't wait until next year!  Contact Donna Auria today at 585-919-2191 and make a difference for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario County!

A special thank you this year's committee:  Elizabeth Palmatier (committee chair), Rob Anania, Donna Auria, John Beca, Lynn Bessell, Bill Castiglione, Jim Colizzi, Joan Curry, Miriam Gould, Karl Hagen, Ginny Kellogg, Kris Kriegelstein, Denver Lannon, Mike Mancuso, Daye Parsons, Jill Peek, Diane Pogoda, Kim Stewart, Margaret Urlacher, Michele Wistner, Denny Wyckoff.

Dr. Naseef returns to Ontario ARC

Dr. Naseef speaks to families during the grand opening of
The Autism Center at Ontario ARC.

If you had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of The Autism Center back in April, then you undoubtedly heard the buzz about Dr. Robert Naseef. Founder of Alternative Choices -- a mental health facility in Philadelphia -- Dr. Naseef is a psychology and renowned expert. If you missed the grand opening festivities, then you are in luck -- Dr. Naseef will be returning to Ontario ARC on Oct. 21 and 22 to give additional presentations.

• The Father Factor: Understanding the Special Needs of Fathers on Friday, Oct. 21, 7 - 9 p.m.:
• Children with Special Needs & Family Life: Taking Care of Everyone's Needs on Sat., Oct 22, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m:  

Of course, if you have "liked" our Facebook page then you already know about this unique and innovative presentations.  For more information, head to Facebook and check it out.  Like Ontario ARC.

To reserve your seat today, please contact The Autism Center at Ontario ARC via email or call 585-919-2188.

Companionship Program celebrates another successful year

The Companionship Program is a partnership with Erin Hopkin's second grade class at Canandaigua Primary School and participants from Ontario ARC's YMCA and Congregational Church Community Learning Centers.  This was Ms. Hopkin's first year with the program and she did a superb job!  She encouraged her students to learn the names of individuals and assisted with monthly projects.  Erin said the parents were very pleased with the program and that their children would come home and talk about their experiences.

At the end of the school year, the Companionship Programs has a party at the Sonnenberg Garden picnic area to celebrate new friendships and wish each other well.  The Centerfield Homemakers Association graciously volunteers each year and provides a lovely lunch of full of nutrious veggies, chips, hamburgers, watermelon and a choice of dessert.  The Canandaigua National Bank staff returned again this year to offer their assistance as well.  They set-up an activity table with choices of bracelets, rub-on tattoos and trinkets.

Thank you to all of the parents who assisted the program, the Centerfield Homemakers Association and staff from Canandaigua National Bank.  What a perfect example of inclusion for the Canandaigua community!

Autism resource library open to general public

The Resource Library at The Autism Center at Ontario ARC is now open to the general public.  Its wide collection of books, journals, DVDs and sensory toys are available to borrow by registering with The Autism Center.

Books are available to borrow for two weeks and DVDs are available for a one week period.  Internet access and a television with DVD player are also available at the library.  The library's regular hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Among the library's vast collection are:

• Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability by Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D.
• The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph and Growing Up Autistic by Jason "J-Mac" McElwain
• Temple Grandin -- the HBO biopic featuring Claire Danes as renowned Dr. Temple Grandin and her challenges growing up with autism.
• House Rules by Jodi Picoult, a fictional account of a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome and his experience with the legal system.

The Autism Center and its Resource Library are located with Ontario ARC's Main Facility in the Ontario County Complex.  Looking for books or information?  Contact The Autism Center at 585-919-2188 or theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org.

Community Experience Volunteers at Purple Haze Center

Pictured left to right Angel and Jerrell

The Community Experience individuals volunteer at Purple Haze Center once a month. Purple Haze is located next to Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington. The organization assists with adoption through The Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program of retired race horses. The Community Experience individuals assist with cleaning the horse stalls by wiping down the doors and bars to the stalls. We also spend time with the horses petting and feeding them peppermints. The Community Experience individuals enjoy volunteering in the community.

Making people happy!

The individuals at the HWS College Experience like to make people happy, so this month they made lots of greeting cards for the residents at the Geneva Living Center South.

The individuals were very excited to deliver cards to another ARC participant recovering from surgery at the Living Center.

The staff at the Living Center are very grateful for the cards that the College Experience makes. They told them they really make the residents happy when they deliver the cards to them.

Ontario ARC seeks volunteers for 14th annual carnival

Ontario ARC is currently seeking volunteers for its annual Eberhardt Center’s carnival on July 21.

To assist the agency with the carnival, interested individuals must be at least 14 years old and able to work in between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Volunteers will be assigned to run games and activities, as well as assist with the set-up and break down of the carnival.  The even will feature music, dancing, and festive games.

For more information how on to get involved with the “Seuss Carnival,” contact Amanda Moore at 585-919-2058 or Heidi Keiser at 585-396-3060.

Details are also posted on our Facebook Page's event section.

Find Us On Facebook!

I'm excited to announce that Ontario ARC has officially launched its very own Facebook Page!  The page, so far, features events -- like our upcoming Cruisin' for a Cause -- newsletters, and interesting tidbits from the World Wide Web.

If you are a Facebook member, we hope you'll "like" us and share with your family, friends and colleagues.  Help us grow as we begin this new journey with social media. 

As always, thank you for your support!  See you on Facebook!

Congratulations, Barb Davis!

In our upcoming issue of ARC Life (June / July), you are going to read about many staff changes going on in the agency.  One of those changes, revolves around the retirement of Barb Davis, who served Ontario ARC for 28 years.  She is enjoying her first Monday morning as a retired person.  Barb was the agency's director of quality assurance and staff development.  But she wasn't always a director...Barb was worked in different departments within the agency, including transportation.  She is always the first person to volunteer and help out whenever necessary -- a true example of Teamwork, one of the agency's Values.

And, even though she's not working here, we all know we will see Barb around -- whether she's just dropping by the Main Facility, helping out with our annual residential camp, going to the Eberhardt Carnival or visiting our participants.  And, I'm sure we'll see her at the agency's major fundraiser, Cruisin' for a Cause.  We all wish her the best as she enjoy this time with her friends and family.

See you around, Barb!

FLCC College Experience

Every spring the FLCC College Experience individuals volunteer at Sonnenberg Gardens through the summer. This year we are volunteering two times a month, doing yard work, sweeping and on rainy days we wash windows in some of the buildings. The staff we encounter while we are there are always very pleasant and it gives us a good feeling to be helping to maintain a historic location in our local community of Canandaigua.

Summer of gardening

This year the HWS College Experience group is maintaining both gardens at the Highland Avenue, IRA. The individuals are very excited to have planted three types of gardens. They are growing an herb garden, a flower garden, and a vegetable garden.

The group waters the gardens, faithfully, and are waiting patiently for the produce and the flowers. Once the crops are in, the group is hoping to sell their products at the main ARC building and then choose a charity to donate the money to.

We would like to thank the Horticulture Group for donating some plants to us and the Highland Avenue, IRA for watering in between our visits on the extra dry days.

Blocked Exit

The Community Experience recently teamed up with the Safety Committee and made 23 blocked exit signs. The exit signs are for the Community Learning Centers, Main Facility, Eberhardt and the residential homes to use during fire drills to simulate a blocked exit. We used white fabric and a large fire shaped stencil. We then used fabric spray paint to complete the blocked exit sign. Great teamwork Community Experience and Safety Committee!

Pictured left to right: Brian, Kristen, Tiffany and Jason

Sensory Friendly Screening of How To Train Your Dragon at Smith Opera House

NYS Assembly Leader Brian Kolb, along with The Autism Center at Ontario ARC, are sponsoring a free, sensory friendly movie screening of "How to Train Your Dragon" at the Smith Opera House on June 11, 12 p.m.


The environment is ideal for children with autism and other developmental disabilities because families will be able to watch the movie with relaxed light and low sound suited to meet their often sensitive audiovisual needs.  "How To Train Your Dragon" -- which is rated PG by the MPAA -- features the voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard
 Butler, America Ferrara, and Kristin Wiig.

The Smith Opera House is located at 82 Seneca Street in Geneva.  For more information,  download our promotional poster or contact Noreen Quinn at (585) 919-2022 or nquinn@ontarioarc.org.

Thank you to NYS Assembly Leader Brian Kolb for his support and making this special event possible!

What is in store for Ron Wilson?

Ron has overcome many challenges through-out his life. Ron suffered from a brain tumor when he was younger. He went on to attend highschool and graduated. After graduation he started the HWS College Experience in April 2007.

While at the College Experience, Ron learned many social skills. Ron's favorite part of his college experience was meeting all of the HWS students. Ron audited college classes, attended many internships, and has blossomed into a responsible adult.
Ron is going to be graduating, Sunday, May 15th with the other college students. After that, Ron will be working at the Canandaigua YMCA, in the child-watch program. He is very excited to start this endeavor.

Congratulations Ron!!

 

Community Experience helps United Way

Matt recently began a new volunteer opportunity at the United Way on Parkside Drive in Canandaigua. Other individuals from Ontario ARC assisted at the United Way prior to Matt starting. Matt shreds old documents every Monday for 45minutes. Matt enjoys shredding and this is a new opportunity for him to give back to the community.

FLCC College Experience

Every year here at FLCC college, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) club hosts a day of celebration, called May Day, where the students participate in small activities, get to enjoy games and recieve free items. This years themes was a carnival. Alyse, Stephanie and Jeff are members of the CAB club here at the college and volunteered by handing out shirts and cups with coupons in them for free food. They worked along side other college students in getting the morning preparations completed for the celebration in the afternoon. The annual May Day celebration was a another big success this year and we are proud to have been apart of it.

FLCC College Experience

This year the FLCC College Experience wanted to give back to the college for Arbor Day. Through a little bit of planning and a lot of help, we planted a Blooming Plum Tree here at the college. Since the college is going through a remodeling phase, we thought we could help by beautifying the grounds. With special thanks to Ryan Smith, Ontario Arc's Rehabilitation Counselor who donated the tree and Al Stetler, FLCC Landscape Maintainer who assisted us with the placement and planting the tree, can be viewed from our window where we will be able to see it grow throughout the coming years.

PBS NewsHour's Autism Now series

Last week, I accompanied our senior associate executive director Noreen Quinn and applied behavioral specialist Mike Kephart to WXXI's studios in Rochester.  We were there to promote the opening our of autism center and the new, wide range of resources available to families, educators, and the community. 

Our visit actually coincides with the part 5 of PBS NewsHour's Autism Now series.  Robert MacNeil returns to PBS to explore the rapid increase of autism diagnoses.  MacNeil shares his own personal story with autism -- his grandson Nick was diagnosed at 15 months old. 

Part I, II and III are available to view online at PBS NewsHour.  They are also being aired locally on WXXI Channel 21.

And, just in case you are wondering -- Noreen and Mike will appear on this Friday's episode of Need To Know Rochester at 8:30.  Thanks to Steve Dawe for inviting us up to the station and bringing attention to this important issue.

Disability and the Arts Festival 2011

Through the month of April there have been many activities on the HWS campus for people with disabilities. Some have included an Abstract Art workshop, Journal writing workshops, Movement workshops and Creating Video Advertising workshops.

The individuals at the HWS College Experience have really enjoyed themselves and have met many new friends from other ARCs that have attended.

Wednesday, May 4th is the Arts Gala Finale from 5-8pm on the campus in the Vandervort Room. Every ones art will be displayed. Hope to see you there!

FLCC College Experience Helps with Day of Caring

United Way Day of Caring was another fun adventure for us this year. We signed up to volunteer and were asked to work at Sonnenberg Gardens for the day. We were given the responsibility of helping to clean the inside of the mansion, such as dusting, sweeping and vacuuming. We met some great people and really got to appreciate the beautiful mansion and gardens.

In case you missed it...

We've been hard at work in the PR / Development department, putting the finishing touches on the grand opening of The Autism Center at Ontario ARC.  Yesterday, we had a great turn out with our workshop for teachers and educators.  A special thank you to all to everyone who volunteered -- both staff, members of our Autism Advisory Board, and participants from our Community Experience and College Experience programs at Finger Lakes Community College and Hobart & William Smith Colleges.  Its back to work for me, but I just wanted to leave you with some of the great media coverage we've gotten over the past few days.  Thank you to Ted Fioraliso at Channel 10, Patrice Walsh at Channel 13, Julie Sherwood at the Daily Messenger and Mike Hibbard at The Finger Lakes Times for bringing attention to autism spectrum disorders and letting people know that there are resources like Ontario ARC for support.




Patrice Walsh's story after the jump...

The Community Experience helps the United Way

The Community Experience has enjoyed a pizza party in the past when we have saved enough money from their pop cans and bottles. Recently we decided to spend the money on non-perishable food for the United Ways food drive. We went shopping at Aldi's and purchased as much food as we could. We kept track of the total amount using calculators. We then delivered all the food collected by the Eberhardt Center and the Main Facility to the Zion Fellowship Church on Thursday April 14th.

News Round Up

• Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY: More help for autism in the Finger Lakes region
• The News Star, Monroe, LA:  Darius Rucker to give special performance at ACMs on Sunday
• NYSARC, Inc., Delmar, NY: The Arc of Schuyler Executive Director to retire

The Autism Center at Ontario ARC official grand opening festivities during April 14 -16

One in every 110 children will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  When I first saw the number, I thought I had misread the information.  But after thinking about it, I realized how many people I know that have relatives with the diagnosis.  The community we live in has a need for services and supports for people with autism -- and, Ontario ARC is responding.

On April 16, the agency will hold the grand opening of The Autism Center at Ontario ARC -- a regional clearinghouse for information, sharing, referral and services.  The official ribbon cutting is at 1 p.m. with special guests, including: Congressman Tom Reed, State Senator Mike Nozzolio, Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, and Assemblyman Sean Hanna.

We hope that you'll join us on April 16 for our big day.  But, don't forget -- the festivities are ongoing during April 14 - 16.   We'll be hosting a variety of signature presentations relating to autism spectrum disorders.  Take a look at our invitation.  If you have any questions, please contact the center at theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org or leave a comment here.

As always, thank you for your support!

Community Experience helps Compassionate Care Inc.

The Community Experience delivered flowers for Compassionate Care Inc. Compassionate Care Inc. is a Hospice location in Canandaigua that cares for terminally ill patients. The Community Experience picked up 120 bouquets of flowers on March 2nd at Stella's on 332. We then delivered them to 4 different schools in the Marcus Whitman School District. FLCC College Experience also helped deliver 150 bouquets of flowers to Midlakes High School. Shelly Jensen, Habilitation Supervisor delivered 160 to the main facility. Prior to the delivery Abbey Day Hab. CLC sold the bouquets at $8.00 each. Thank you to all those who participated in this volunteer opportunity.

Learning to ride Public Transportation

The closer individuals get to graduation and plan for work in the community, the question
that comes up is "how will I get there?" Riding the public transportation, CATS, is something that we work on, here at program. The individuals learn how to ride the bus and the necessary steps it takes to get to and from different locations around the county.

By the time graduation approaches, most individuals can ride the bus by themselves and will be able to navigate around the county. The individuals have a sense of ful-fillment once they have mastered riding the CATS bus. This confidence boost will continue on in other aspects of their lives.

FLCC College Experience active in volunteering

This month FLCC sponsored a United Way event called "The Taste of the Finger Lakes". Joe Nairn, Executive Assistant to the President, put us right to work putting together the pledge forms for the faculty and staff here at the college. We then began hanging the United Way posters around the college and distributing table tent fliers throughout the lounges and cafeteria areas. We then also worked the day of the event by collecting admission and stamping hands. We really enjoyed working the event and seeing new and old friends.

Baking for the Loaf and Laddle

Early this month, the HWS College Experience group made several dozen, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They donated them to the Granger Homestead, to be used for the Loaf and Laddle fundraiser, which is a lunch and dinner event.

The Loaf and Laddle is an event the Granger Homestead sponsors each year. They put together lunches and dinners for the people to purchase throughout the community. Because some of the individuals in the HWS College Experience are familiar with food allergies, they thought it would be nice to make gluten-free cookies.

Teamwork made the baking possible. The individuals were excited to deliver the cookies to the Granger Homestead, knowing they were helping someone else.

FLCC College Experience

Our friends in Student Life, here at the college, participated in raising funds for the annual polar plunge. Again this year, we were invited to partner with them in raising the money for the FLCC team. We jumped at the chance to help out! The Polar Plunge is held every year to raise funds for the Special Olympics of New York. With the team's hard work, we helped them raise $1140 this year. The polar plunge was held Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Charlotte Beach in Rochester, N.Y.

Community Experience joins Cobblestone Arts Center

Pictured below AchiAlisha Bellavia, Visual Arts Teacher and Tiffany P.

The Community Experience has been collaborating with Cobblestone Arts Center and the Pathways program every Friday for seven weeks. Cobblestone Arts Center is a non profit organization offering dance, theater, music, and visual arts to people of all ages and abilities. Throughout the seven weeks indviduals will be participating in yoga/dance, music, and art. In the final performance the group will be doing dance pieces from Grease, Michael Jackson and other artists. They also will be displaying art pieces replicating the styles of Picasso and Pollock and learning their history. Please join us and watch the performance on March 18th at 1pm at the newly remodeled space in Abbey's.

Resource Alert: Alternative Choices

As we gear up for the launch of The Autism Center at Ontario ARC, our staff are always on the look out for connections and materials that can provide a new avenue of resources for families. 

Such is the case with Alternative Choices  -- an independent health clinic in the Philadelphia-area.  Within the clinic is the Special Needs Families Resource Center directed by Dr. Robert Naseef.  Dr. Naseef is a nationally renowned autism expert and father to a young man with autism spectrum disorder.  His also the author Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-author of Voices from the Spectrum.  Dr. Naseef gives presentations all over the country and will becoming to Canandaigua soon!  Stay tuned for more details about this valuable training sponsored by the agency...

J-Mac to speak and sign autobiography in Geneva

Jason "J-Mac" McElwain

Ontario ARC is sponsoring a free autism symposium featuring Jason "J-Mac" McElwain -- a young man with autism who is most famous for his 2006 game at Athena-Greece High School, where he scored 20 points in less than three minutes.  J-Mac and his father, David, will speak about the game that changed everything and life with autism.  J-Mac will also be available to sign copies of his autobiography, The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph, and Life with Autism.  In addition, a panel of local experts -- including our own Maggi Sullivan, the agency's autism coordinator -- will discuss autism spectrum disorders and host a question and answer session. 

The event is a part of the Geneva Reads project -- a series of community events based around books to promote literacy in the community.  This series revolves around The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.

Details! Details! Details!
Who: Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, local autism experts
When: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Time:  6 p.m. -- Book Signing; 6:30 p.m. -- presentation begins.
Where: Geneva High School Library, 101 Carter Road, Geneva
Cost: None, event is free to the community and no need to RSVP
More info?  Contact Noreen Quinn at (585) 919-2022

Watch the video that started is all after the jump.

Cartridges for Kids

This month, the individuals worked very hard to collect lots and lots of computer and printer cartridges around the campus.

We have numerous collection boxes around the campus. Once everyone returned from gathering the cartridges, we prepare and package them for shipping. Many people on the campus are glad to get rid of their cartridges and say thank you, when we collect them.

When the box is ready for shipping, we call Fed Ex and they come and pick up the package. In a couple weeks we will receive a check for the work we did.

The checks aren't a lot of money, but we put them toward a group activity that we agree on.

The whole process takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

FLCC College Experience

Recently, we invited Lynn Bessell, Administrative Coordinator at the Eberhardt Center to speak with us about the process of buying a home. Our monthly theme this month is Home of your own, so we thought we would try something new and learn a bit about Real Estate.






Lynn works as a part time realtor for Realty USA and she was kind enough to invite a few friends with her from 1st Priority Mortgage. The ladies handed out packets explaining the process and answered questions we had prepared for them. They made a difficult process a lot easier to explain. We really appreciated Lynn’s help and the friends we made in our community.

Alert: Medicaid hearing for NY State in Rochester on Thursday 1/20

The Medicaid State Redesign Team is hosting open public forums across the state to hear what you have to say about reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving quality of the system.  Their next meeting will be held in Rochester...

Thursday, January 20

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Strong Museum of Play

One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Additional materials and information is available at the state's Web site.  Take an active role in this very serious matter!

Related news stories:

• Daily Messenger, serving Ontario County: State solicits public input on Medicaid hearing on Thursday in Rochester
• Democrat and Chronicle, serving Rochester, NY: State team on Medicaid resign to hold forum here

Dad develops iPad ap to help son talk

We've document several news stories here about how the iPad can help people with disabilities communicate.  But, here's the story of a father who created a simple and very affordable application for the iPad.




For more information, visit Verbal Victor online.

Community Experience gets a visit from its new four-legged friend

The Community Experience had a special visit from some new friends at the Ontario County Sheriff's Department -- Deputy Pat Fitzgerald, his 7 year old German Sheppard Frankie and Sgt. Greg Shaffer. Deputy Fitzgerald spoke to the group about Frankie and how she is used for finding illegal drugs, protecting people and locating people. Frankie is from the Czech Republic, like our other furry friend Daphne, another dog from K-9 unit. Deputy Fitzgerald explained how he and Frankie started working together and how she was trained. The group got the chance to pet Frankie as she is very gentle and well trained. Deputy Fitzgerald explained that Frankie would be retiring in the next couple years because German Sheppards are in active duty until they are approximately 9-10 years old. The Community Experience will be baking a new batch of dog treats for the K-9 unit and visiting them again soon.

News Round Up

• Sun Sentinel, serving southern Florida: Springs woman with disabilities lights up the business world
• Observer-Dispatch, Utica, NY: Service meets spiritual needs of disabled
• The Washington Post, based out of Washington, D.C.: Vaccine's link to autism discredited again with finding of fraud in research
• The Associated Press: Simon, Still, Weir sing on autism film soundtrack
• WebMD Health News, WebMD.com: Back to back pregnancies may increase autism risk

Happy Birthday, Ann!

Who doesn't love a birthday party?  What isn't there to love?  Cake, frosting, singing, candles and being surrounded by friends, family and all the people you love -- those are all things that bring a serious smile to even the most grumpiest of  faces.   

Sarah gives Ann a hug and rose during Wednesday's festivities.

Ann Lupo -- an agency volunteer through the Senior Companion program -- recently celebrated her 90th birthday.  And to mark this special occassion, our Canandaigua-based community learning centers threw her a surprise birthday party inviting her Ontario ARC friends and family.  Participants got together to make a healthy lunch of spaghetti and meatballs and decorated the tables with angel centerpieces. 

We don't just have birthday parties for anyone -- Ann is a great friend to the agency.  Her volunteer efforts give individuals in our programs the opportunity to one-on-one time in the community  It also allows our staff to find more activities tailored to meet the needs and wants of participants.  She is much loved by both staff and participants at the Congregational Church Community Learning Center. 

Happy Birthday, Ann!