ILGR

Press release:

One of the greatest privileges we have as American citizens is to vote for the elected leaders that we choose – but for many individuals with disabilities who wish to do so in person, getting to their polling place may be a challenge.

In Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming counties, Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) can help!

Independence Express, the transportation branch of WNYIL, will provide van rides, free of charge, to people with disabilities who need one to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5^th).

Independence Express has wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those with mobility challenges, and ambulatory people can get transportation, too. While we can’t help anyone up or down stairs, and they must rely on friends or relatives for that, we can take people to their voting place and then back home or to work, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., (except during drivers' lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.).  

If this is appealing, please email transportation@wnyil.org with “Election Day” in the subject, and provide this information:

• The rider’s name;
• Address;
• Phone number;
• If rider uses a wheelchair (or write "WC"), or if rider is ambulatory ("AMB");
• The name and address of the polling place (i.e., Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020);
• If anyone is going with them, such as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
• [If more than one extra person or PCA, give the number of PCAs -- we can only take up to three people at one time];
• The rider's first choice of the time to go to the polls.

Alternately, one may call Christian at 716-836-0822, ext. 108, to set up a ride. If there is high demand at times, requests will be honored on a "first-come, first-served" basis.  

Voting is your right – and we can help you exercise it!

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), which works to improve the quality of life of people with any disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming County (GOW) area, has support from the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY), the lead Continuum of Care (CoC) agency for most of Western New York, via a grant to The Housing Council at PathStone in Rochester, to offer the federal Rapid Rehousing Program (RRP).

This is an exciting new resource for individuals and families which have faced long-term homelessness, particularly that due to disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has designed Rapid Rehousing as a "best-practice model" for alleviating homelessness by helping families and individuals quickly exit homelessness with both housing identification and financial assistance, and to help them achieve long-term housing stability.

In addition to housing identification, other core components of RRP are move-in and rental assistance, and case management and services. In particular, the program is focused on assisting the homeless who are currently staying at shelters.

Its intent is to secure permanent, stable housing as the foundation for addressing other challenges they face. RRP can serve families, individuals, or be used as a bridge for the chronically homeless while they are waiting for Permanent Supportive Housing.

Rae Frank, the director of ILGR, notes that program eligibility will be determined based on a number of criteria, including the results of a housing assessment and the need to accommodate participants' disabilities.

More information is available from Dominique Johnson at djohnson@wnyil.org and (585) 815-8501, ext. 405.

The program for GOW builds on the lessons learned in the initial 2014 demonstration project, the Buffalo Rapid Rehousing Program (BRAP), which resulted in the Rapid Rehousing Performance Benchmarks and Program Standards.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a free “Meet the Candidates” Day to enable local residents with disabilities -- or anyone from the community -- to hear and discuss issues with some on the ballot in the November General Election.

Our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the state and national leaders of tomorrow!  So, whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!

The event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, ILGR’s Main Office in the Crickler Executive Business Center, 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, in the Douglas J. Usiak Multipurpose Room.

To date, we have confirmations from Batavia City Court Judge candidates Durin B. Rogers (R, C, I) and Benjamin J. Bonarigo (D, WOR, GRE); and Batavia City Council Ward 3, Deborah Kerr Rosenbeck (LBT).

We have also invited those who are not running unopposed in the following positions, although not all will attend: Genesee County Legislators District 8; Batavia City Council wards 3 and 5; various local positions: Alexander Town Clerk; Bergen Town Clerk; Bethany Town Council; Byron Town Supervisor and Town Council; Darien Town Supervisor, Town Justice and Town Council; Pavilion Highway Superintendent; and Pembroke Town Justice.

They will address their constituents and take questions.

(The party abbreviations (in alphabetical order): C – Conservative, D – Democrat, GRE – Green, I – Independence, LIB - Libertarian, R – Republican, WOR – Working Families.)

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The building is fully disability accessible.

To RSVP or get additional information call Donna at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Sixth Annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Ascension Parish -- Slomba Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.

Guests can try some signature dishes of the Genesee region’s finest restaurants, plus a Live Auction, a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

Among the restaurants that have signed on (in alphabetical order): Batavia’s Original Pizzeria; Black Creek Cidery; BW’s Restaurant & Banquet Facility; Eat Well Grill – Batavia; Eden Café & Bakeshop; Farmer’s Wife; Fishtails Hideaway; GVEP (Genesee Valley Educational Partnership) BOCES; Main St. Pizza Company; Pizza 151; Pizza Land; Smokin’ Eagle BBQ & Brew; T.F. Brown’s Restaurant; Tim Hortons; and Wegmans Food Market (Brockport).

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Bronze Sponsors: Crickler Vending Company Inc.; Design & Drafting by Gina LLC, Elderwood Residences, Fidelis Care; iCircle Care; United Healthcare Medicare Insurance; and Friend Sponsors: Fox Farm; and Gerace Realty. Additional sponsors would be welcome.

Tickets are $20 and can be picked up at the new ILGR office in the Crickler Building (former Pepsi Building), 319 W. Main St., Suite 10, Batavia. Space is limited!

To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna Becker at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email: dbecker@wnyil.org

Funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are in emergency situations with employment, or moving forward with life goals, when there are no other financial resources available. 

ILGR's services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, diabetes self-management classes, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing and employment assistance, Social Security and Medicaid assistance information and referral, and many more.

Press release:

While "mindfulness" as an avenue to better health, is a concept that's been spreading, so have the misunderstandings about how you can benefit from it.

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), will provide much needed perspective with a seminar that's FREE to the public, "Healing through Mindfulness: Incorporating Mindful Strategies into Practice."

With the support of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Inc. (NYAPRS) and Recovery WOW -- a program of GCASA, the event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the ILGR office, 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

The presenter is Robert Statham, CESP, training and technical asistance facilitator for the Western & Central New York Region of NYAPRS.

While mindfulness has gained widespread attention and popularity for its extensive health benefits, there continues to be much confusion around what it really means and how to “do it!”

This workshop will address what mindfulness really is, what the current research has to say about its ability to help people recover from a diverse range of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, and its potential for achieving overall wellness.

It's of particular interest to social workers and licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), as they can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this training.

For more information or to register, please contact: Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411, or dbecker@wnyil.org

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Inc. (NYAPRS) is a statewide coalition of people who use and/or provide recovery-oriented, community-based mental health services, dedicated to improving services and social conditions for people with psychiatric disabilities or diagnoses, and those with trauma-related conditions by promoting their recovery, rehabilitation and rights so that all people can participate freely in the opportunities of society.

Recovery WOW (WithOut Walls) is a program of GCASA that offers a variety of safe, sober opportunities and activities for individuals in recovery and their families to enjoy.

Press release:

If you have Medicaid-funded personal care or home health services, you may have heard that the Federal 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 requires Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), in the interest of fraud prevention.

As you will probably have questions, the State Department of Health has set up New York State Listening Sessions on Electronic Visit Verification this month. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is accommodating those of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties by covering the Listening Session, from 6 to 9 p.m., on Thursday, July 11, at the ILGR office in the Crickler Executive Center, in the Douglas J. Usiak Multipurpose Room, 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Pat McAllister, by calling (585) 815-8501, ext. 402, or emailing pmcallister@wnyil.org. 

All who use Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS) and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are encouraged to attend this FREE event and give their input on changes that could affect their privacy and rights to personal choice.

ARTiculations Ability Exhibition® -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on July 12.

Titled "Declarations from the Heart," it features the poerty of Jacqueline Fields. Her poetry is being displayed with graphic art provided by the UHAA.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30th. The Opening Reception is Friday, July 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ILGR’s office 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, at the Crickler Executive Business Center (former Pepsi distribution building).

Fields will be present to share information about her work at the reception.

From the artist: "I have been writing poetry for about 41 years which started from simple rhymes I included in letters and cards to friends and family. The gift of expression, especially in the form of poetry, is one of the greatest gifts from God, because I feel that it’s the doorway to the heart and mind."

Other artists with disabilities residing in the area of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations® planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

Independent Living has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions® have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will soon begin an ongoing Autism Support Group for adults age 18 or older with a disability on the autism spectrum, who are able to participate independently in a group.

Autism is an '"umbrella term" that includes a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders found statistically in 1 of 59 children, that affect socialization and communication.

FREE for the attendees, the Autism Support Group will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. on alternative Tuesdays, starting July 16 at ILGR’s office in the Crickler Executive Center, 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

The agendas for the gatherings will be determined by the participants and could include social activities like board games or bowling, getting training or professional development, or other pursuits they feel would be beneficial.

Participants must pre-register to attend; to sign up or get more information, please call David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 414, or email him at ddodge@wnyil.org.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 29^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Contributing to the fun will be the University Heights Art Association (UHAA), which regularly partners with ILGR on the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition in the Independent Living reception area.

Artists with disabilities are given the opportunity to display and sell their artwork at the Center. UHAA will bring projects and materials that will enable picnickers to creatively celebrate the birthday of the ADA. 

To ensure that we have enough food and materials for the fun, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections.

This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

We look forward to having you celebrate with us, but please remember to R.S.V.P.!

Press release:

A number of organizations that promote good mental health, such as Mental Health America (MHA), the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), have set aside May as Mental Health Awareness Month.  

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has singled out a principal threat to good mental health as STRESS, defined as "our body’s response to pressures from a situation or life event" or, "the degree to which you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope as a result of pressures that are unmanageable

The causes of stress can vary widely, depending on an individual's sensitivities and life experiences, and some stress can even be beneficial, as when hormones, such as adrenalin, briefly cause a "fight or flight" response, so one can react quickly to dangerous situations.

However, when the stress is not short-lived, and persists over time or occurs repeatedly, leading to a nearly continuous state of "fight or flight," this can take a serous toll on one's body and mental health.

The potential avenues to stress-reduction are many, including: identifying the cause(s); making lifestyle changes; developing supportive relationships; adopting a healthy diet; engaging in mild physical exercise; moderating smoking and drinking; getting restful sleep; taking time for oneself; trying mindfulness meditation, and so forth.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is making its modest contribution by holding a Stress-Relieving Coloring Contest. A full-size version of the illustrated "Anchor of Hope" coloring page is available at their offices, 319 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Color the page and we will hang it in our lobby for the month. Enter your page in our Mental Health Month contest for a chance to win a gift basket full of items sure to relieve stress.  

Another FREE stress-relieving activity, "Keep Calm and Bingo On," will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the ILGR Batavia office. Token prizes will go to those who indeed get to shout – calmly – BINGO!

ILGR in Batavia has moved into a news space; it's at 319 W. Main St. Batavia.

For more information, call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

The Centers for Independent Living in Buffalo, in Niagara Falls and in Batavia will join our sister Centers for Independent Living (CILs) nationwide, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and chapters of the grassroots disability rights advocate ADAPT to participate in a national conference from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 15.

The occasion is the reintroduction of the Disability Integration Act (DIA, S.910, H.R. 2471) in Washington, D.C. This bill would make more enforceable the right of people with disabilities, who require long-term care, to live in the least restrictive and most integrated setting, (usually outside of institutions), a principle from the Americans with Disabilities Act asserted by the U.S. Supreme Court's "Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W." decision.

So that the nationwide public can tune in, as well, NCIL and ADAPT will be making a video and audio of the introductory event available to stream online. An American Sign Language for the Deaf Interpreter and live open captions will be visible on the streaming video, and a live Spanish translation will be available by phone on a conference call line.

It was thanks to the ongoing efforts of ADAPT that Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) set Jan. 15^th as the date to reintroduce the DIA in the new 116th Congress. It is the hope of disability rights advocates that the enthusiasm generated by this early introduction will help build momentum for the DIA in this new Congress.

Local friends of disability rights are invited to observe potential history in the making: at Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL), 3108 Main St., Buffalo; at Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC) at 746 Portage Road in Niagara Falls; and at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR)'s brand new office at 319 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Refreshments will be served, and participants will be urged to contact their elected federal legislators to encourage them to support the DIA.

For more information, call Marykate Waringa at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146. 

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Due to substantial expansion of their services and staff in the last few years, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is leaving their Batavia office at 113 Main St. for new quarters, also in Batavia.

As of Jan. 2, its 18 employees will begin providing their extensive array of programs from 5,800 square feet of new office space in the Crickler Executive Business Center at 319 W. Main St., the old Pepsi distribution center.

The other good news is that ILGR's phone number will not change! The agency can still be reached at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

ILGR needs the extra space for its many programs serving citizens with disabilities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Some of the services include: peer support; benefits advisement; job search; life skills instruction; information & referral services; and individual advocacy at appointments for public benefits.

Through the Taking Control Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS) individuals receiving Medicaid are able to hire an aide of their choosing and remain living in their own home.

In addition, ILGR has Medicaid Facilitated Enrollers and NYS-Marketplace-Certified Application Counselors to assist with applying for health insurance benefits. Specialists in the Ticket to Work Program will help Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries to obtain employment without automatically losing their benefits.

We also have a durable medical equipment loan closet with free items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches and more. Please look for us in our new location in 2019.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

The Independant Living Center of the Genesee Region is calling for entries of artwork to be exhibited in the "Art of the Town" free public art display on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The exhibit will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moonjava Cafe, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

For information and submission guidelines, contact Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

The exhibit is presented by ILCGR, Moonjava Cafe and the University Heights Arts Association.

Press release:

Organizers are making an open call for entries to "Art of the Town," a FREE public art exhibition at the Moon Java Café at 56 Harvester Ave., south of McKinley Avenue in Batavia.

There will be an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The evening reception will showcase two-dimensional work.

The reception at Moon Java Café is in support of the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition Program, which regularly exhibits work by artists who are disabled at the Independent Living Center in Batavia.

Art of the Town sponsors include University Heights Arts Association, Independent Living of the Genesee Region and Moon Java Café. This unique opportunity highlights artwork from artists with disabilities.

This a juried competition and will include a cash prize for People’s Choice and Best of the Show. There are no fees to participate.

Exhibitors are welcome to offer their work for sale; or not. Those interested in offering their works, or seeking other information on submission guidelines, should call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

For more than two years, ILGR has been “art partnering” with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that their exhibitions have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque at ILGR with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

The Moon Java Café is one of several businesses and artistic enterprises that operate in the Batavia Industrial Center, a mixed-use facility made from the former Massey-Ferguson farm equipment factory, which was the world's first business incubator program.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Fifth annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

It's taking place at Batavia County Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, Batavia.

The event will offer guests a chance to try some signature dishes of the Genesee Region’s finest restaurants, plus a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

Tickets are $15 and can be picked up at the ILGR office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. RSVP -- Space is limited!

To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna Becker at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email dbecker@wnyil.org.

The funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are in emergency situations with employment, or moving forward with life goals, when there are no other financial resources available.

ILGR's services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, Diabetes self-management classes, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing and employment assistance, Social Security and Medicaid assistance information and referral, and many more.

The participating restaurants include:

• Batavia's Original Pizzeria;
• Big Pauly’s Pizza;
• Black Creek Cidery LLC;
• Capish! Pizza-ristorante;
• D & R Depot Restaurant;
• Eden Café & Bakeshop;
• Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn;
• Farmer's Wife LLC;
• Fishtales Hideaway;
• Ken’s Charcoal Pits & Bar-B-Q;
• KMC Custom Cakes;
• L.B. Grand Steak and Spaghetti House;
• Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill;
• Subway Restaurant;
• T.F. Brown’s Restaurant;
• The Eli Fish Brewing Company;
• The North Pole;
• The Wild Rican;
• Tully’s Great Food & Good Times.  

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Gold Sponsor: R.A. Haitz Co., Inc.; Bronze Sponsor: Platt Properties. Friend Sponsors: BGW Properties LLC, Fox Farm Antiques, High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing, and Sikes Enterprises Inc.

Press release:

Genesee County Office for the Aging and Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be holding a FREE six-week Living Well with Type II Diabetes workshop for the community, beginning on Friday, Sept. 7.

The peer-led health education program complements the health care participants may already be receiving. The purpose of the workshop is to enhance one’s skills and ability to manage one's health and maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. 

* Contributions are appreciated but are not required for participation.

The program content includes: decision making and problem-solving skills; developing and maintaining a safe, long-term physical activity program; preventing complications; dealing with anger, depression and difficult emotions; communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals; using prescribed medication appropriately; healthy eating; blood sugar monitoring; skin and foot care; and planning for future health care.

Snacks will be provided.

The workshop takes place at The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave., Le Roy, over six Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; on Sept. 7^th, 14^th, 21^st. 28^th, Oct. 5^th and 12^th. Participants who complete the series will receive a great resource book and a gift card.

For individuals with disabilities or language interpretation needs, requests for reasonable accommodations should be made with at least five days’ notice. Preregistration is required by Sept. 5^th. You can receive more information and sign up for the workshop by contacting The Greens of Le Roy at 585-768-2740. 

Again, please be sure to RSVP if you are interested! 

This program is made possible through funds from the NY State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature, and in partnership with Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), in cooperation with the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC), is hosting a public meeting Tuesday, Aug. 14, to gather consumers' input on how to direct the use of Federal Independent Living funding to provide full access for people with disabilities in their community.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at ILGR's main office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia.

NYSILC representatives will collect participants' experiences, comments, critiques, and ideas to formulate New York's 3-Year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for 2020 to 2022.

NYSILC is committed to providing full access for people with disabilities. Like the other SPIL comment Public Meetings being held across the State, it is open to the entire community, with materials provided in alternative formats.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) for Deaf participants, and Assistive Listening Devices for hard-of hearing attendees will be provided. To be friendly to those with allergies, it is a "smoke-free" and "fragrance/scent-free" gathering. Questions about the hearing can be directed to Brad Williams of NYSILC at 518-427-1060.

The State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is designed to improve Independent Living (IL) services for individuals with disabilities in New York State. The IL State Plan also helps to identify the needs and priorities of consumers, providers, and other stakeholders involved in the Center for Independent Living (CIL) network to highlight and identify common strategies to direct the use of Federal IL funding.

For those unable to attend, written comments must be submitted to NYSILC before 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31. Comments can be sent via mail to NYSILC, 111 Washington Ave., Suite 101, Albany, NY 12210, faxed to (518) 427-1139, or emailed to bradw@nysilc.org.

Comments can also be sent by visiting the NYSILC website at www.nysilc.org. Click and follow the menu options provided on the home page for "SPIL Comments."

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), and our colleagues in our sister agencies in the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies (WNYIL), offer our warmest congratulations to ILGR Independent Living specialist in Batavia David Dodge, as his service to citizens with disabilities across the Empire State was recognized last month.

Sheila J. Poole, the commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) issued a Citation to Dodge, recognizing his "Outstanding Service to the Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC) of the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)."

In addition to his ongoing contributions as "a loyal and dedicated member" of the SRC, the document particularly lauds Dodge, (who is, himself, legally blind), for his work: on NYSCB's Assistive Technology Task Force (ATTF); advising the Commission on the development and reinvestment in seven Assistive Technology Centers in all regions of the State; helping to advance the personal development of children with visual impairments through use of appropriate technology; and working to improve AT services, generally.

It goes on to single out his ability to function as a guest speaker with little notice.

Dodge has also been scheduled in advance for some venues, such as: sharing the podium with ILGR Director Rae Frank for "Diversity in Disability sharing Universal Design Principles with the Community" at the New York Association for Independent Living (NYAIL)'s 2017 Statewide Conference and Expo, "Purpose. Progress. Power." in Troy; and presenting alongside Esther Greenhouse of Cornell University at Access to Independence of Cortland County Inc.'s June Workshop "Universal Design Strategies: Developing Environments for the Lifespan!"

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 28^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Contributing to the fun will be the University Heights Art Association (UHAA), which regularly partners with ILGR on the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition in the Independent Living reception area. Artists with disabilities are given the opportunity to display and sell their artwork at the Center. UHAA will bring projects and materials that will enable picnickers to creatively celebrate the birthday of the ADA.

To ensure that we have enough food and materials for the fun, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections.

This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

We look forward to having you celebrate with us, but please remember to R.S.V.P.!