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.