On October 19, the Center for Disability Rights hosted a candidate forum on disability issues. WXXI’s Hélène Biandudi Hofer moderated the event last year where one question continued to come up for area politicians: Will you vote to approve ride-hailing even if companies are not required to ensure people of all abilities can access rides? Fast-forward 12 months and now Uber and Lyft are both operating in Rochester. But are they operating for everyone? Biandudi Hofer recently met with Center for Disability Rights Board Member Kenyatta DaCosta to get his take.
It’s a phrase some of you have likely heard more than once: “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” While researchers say the precise attribution is questionable, some would say the meaning behind the phrase bears some truth. But for the more than 10 percent of unemployed Americans with a disability - which is nearly double the unemployment rate of those without a disability - finding a job is the ultimate goal.
You’ll meet Justin, a young man who found a job he loves. A local organization believes Justin’s story is one of many that drive home the importance of building inclusive work communities to help understand the diverse strengths of all abilities.
Philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano was honored Friday at RIT for his contributions to global health, specifically through Special Olympics.
Golisano’s effort to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities is being celebrated with a special exhibit in the atrium of the College of Computing and Information Sciences that bears his name.
Golisano donated $37 million to start what is called ‘Healthy Communities ‘ five years ago, which helps screen Special Olympics athletes for a range of health issues.
Individuals with autism can be at risk when law enforcement and first responders do not know how to react to them during an incident. But a recent training seminar hosted by Arc of Seneca Cayuga in Auburn was meant to bring more awareness of the autism community to first responders.
Some people call it the “daily grind,” but on this edition of Need to Know you’ll meet others who describe it as a “daily dream.” We discuss power of employment for individuals with disabilities and why this month federal and local agencies are on calling on more companies to diversify their workforce.
Also on the show, ride-hailing companies now operating in upstate New York are intended to make getting from point A to point B easier. But do their services work for everyone?
And with Halloween right around the corner we look into what it takes to make the holiday’s festivities accessible and inclusive for all kids in our community.
The state comptroller has announced that New York is joining 28 other states in offering a program that will help parents with disabled children save money for their future.
The program is modeled on the college savings program, which also is operated by the comptroller’s office. It allows an account to be set up in the name of any New Yorker who is diagnosed with a disability before the age of 26.
A new apartment complex in the town of Sweden is providing affordable homes for people with disabilities and low to moderate income individuals and families.
The 56-unit complex is co-owned by Lifetime Assistance and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, a housing development and property management firm.
Whitney MacIntyre, housing transition coordinator at Lifetime, says the new development is an inclusive environment where neighbors know neighbors and they can ask each other for help.
Despite the gray sky outside, inside the studio was quite cheerful.
The bright, colorful space housed three girls chatting about the weekend while glazing handmade bunnies.
Sarah Beren is a licensed creative art therapist and owns Spotted Rabbit, a studio with art classes, art therapy and an apprenticeship program for a population within the disability community she saw was underserved.
Julie Cataldo is strapped into a harness as she sits in her wheelchair just a few feet from the edge of the Erie Canal. A hydraulic lift hoists her from the chair and swings her out over the water.
The lift lowers her into a kayak, and its operator adjusts her seat.
Local disability rights advocates say they and others are starting to make progress in their efforts to change the national conversation around health care.
Over 20 Rochester-area residents were among the 101 people arrested for disrupting a Senate health care hearing in Washington on Monday. It was the second time this year protesters saw Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act fail.
