Inclusion Desk

There was a fundraising event Friday night to mark 60 years of service by an organization that helps those in our community with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Monroe County provides a variety of programs for more than 1,700 people and their families.

The Arc Foundation manages the organization's funds.

Executive Director Eric Scheele says the Arc has always been a leader in employment services, and now they are helping families develop new options for housing.

Rochester City Court Judge Caroline Morrison has recused herself from a case regarding the attack of an autistic teen, claiming her continued involvement may spark public perception of bias and confusion.

Morrison made her announcement in court Friday, after the accused, 57-year-old Martin MacDonald of Pittsford, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree harassment charge. 

“I think it’s appropriate that this case start over with a new judge,” Morrison said.

Members of the Rochester community are forming groups and speaking out following the alleged assault of Chase Coleman.

The autistic teen from Syracuse was running with his school’s cross country team in Cobbs Hill Park on October 14, when 57-year old Martin McDonald of Pittsford allegedly got out of his car, approached Coleman and shoved him to the ground.

"It hit us right in the gut in a really profound kind of way," said Lauren Hall.

First hour: Are open offices and coworking trends or the future of business?

Second hour: Second Opinion LIVE - Down Syndrome

Rochester Police officers are reaching out to a Syracuse area teen who was the victim of an alleged assault last month at Cobb's Hill Park.

The incident involving a non-verbal autistic teenager on October 14th has garnered national attention.

According to his mother and eyewitnesses, 15-year-old Chase Coleman was participating in a cross country run at Cobb's Hill Park, when a middle-aged, Rochester-area man got out of his car, approached Coleman during the race and shoved him to the ground.

Syracuse city councilwoman, Susan Boyle, is questioning the Monroe County District Attorney's office about why there was no arrest in the alleged attack of a non-verbal, autistic teen.

According to his mother and eyewitnesses, 15-year-old Chase Coleman was participating in a cross country run at Cobb's Hill Park on October 14, when a middle-aged, Rochester-area man got out of his car, approached Coleman during the race and shoved him to the ground.

Boyle sent a letter to the DA's office requesting an explanation, after a warrant application for the man's arrest was denied.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — An investigation of state employees stealing from developmentally disabled people in their care has prompted a call for better oversight by the agency overseeing group homes for the disabled.

New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott says Thursday that her investigation found a widespread pattern of "preying on a vulnerable population by those charged with their care."

Some people who need a service or emotional support animal have been denied housing.

That's according to the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, Helen Diane Foster.

She says such animals are a protected class and denying housing on that basis is discrimination.

State officials joined local advocates at a forum today at the Strong in Rochester.

Foster says in regard to housing, 'no pet' clauses don't pertain to a support animal.