Inclusion Desk

When a member of your family is in a wheelchair you may not think taking off on a kayaking adventure together on the Erie Canal is possible. However, it is. On this Need to Know segment we join in on the experience with an area mother and son sharing this special moment together for the first time through Rochester Accessible Adventures. We also learn about the work being done by RAA in an effort to revolutionize inclusion when it comes to eliminating barriers to active lifestyles for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

A living wage. That’s what a coalition of advocates and community agencies that support individuals with disabilities have been calling for in our state. The focus of that fight - the more than 120,000 New Yorkers who work with and care for individuals with disabilities. They’re called Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and according to the New York State Chapter of the Arc they’re in chronic short supply While the governor allocated $55 million in the budget this year to support a wage increase for these professionals working with nonprofits - is that enough to recruit, train and sustain employees? We examine the current state of DSPs and the challenges they’re continuing to face on this Move to Include edition of Need to Know.

A hard-fought wage increase battle saw some success this year. But workers who help those living with disabilities say they are still in need of support. On this edition of Need to Know we’ll discuss what a profession that some call underpaid and undervalued is looking for in an effort to help our most vulnerable and those trained to care for them.

Also on the show, a revolution in inclusion. We’re checking out a local group on a mission to get businesses and organizations equipped to offer recreational activities to people of all abilities.

The weather was perfect for a ball game as Challenger Miracle Field in Webster celebrated it’s grand opening Saturday morning.

The inclusive multi-use field is specifically designed for individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges. The cushioned, turf field has wheel chair accessible dugouts and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers.

Barriers which Wendy McCarthy's son Liam had trouble with at other fields.

A dream that has been years in the making will become a reality Saturday for hundreds of local children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities as the ribbon is cut on the Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

The Webster athletic and multi-use facility has wheelchair accessible dugouts and a rubberized field surface to prevent injuries. 

AutismUp celebrated its 5th KiteFlite celebration at Capelli Sport Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The parent founded, parent lead organization provides programs to individuals in our community with autism.

The KiteFlite parade/charity walk culminated on center field where participants formed a giant human kite for an aerial photograph illustrating the strength of the community rising up for autism.

Director of Education and Training Rachel Rosner said the kite has been the organization's logo since day one.