25th Anniversary Report
ARISE - 25 Years of Opening New Doors to Independence
1979 - 2004
Join us as we journey back in time and celebrate the accomplishments of ARISE’s first 25 years as an Independent Living Center . . .
History of the Independent Living Movement
The attitude that disability is a natural part of life was fairly new in the 1970s. The federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 helped usher in a new way of thinking, stating that disability does not diminish the rights of individuals to live independently, make choices, pursue careers, or enjoy integration in mainstream American society.
This important act authorized the establishment of Independent Living Centers (ILCs), consumer-controlled agencies promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the community. ILCs have five key characteristics: they are consumer-controlled, community-based, non-residential, non-profit, and provide cross-disability services. The centers work with people of all ages who have all types of disabilities as well as with families, community organizations, businesses, and government. Core services include peer counseling, independent living skills, information and referral services, and individual and systems advocacy.
The first ILC, the Berkeley Center for Independent Living, was founded in Berkeley, California in 1972. In 1978, the federal government began providing funding for ILCs. That year, the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York became the first ILC in New York State. ARISE, established in 1979, was one of eight original ILCs formed in the state.
1979
ARISE is established as an Independent Living Center in Syracuse, New York.
During the Independent Living movement that swept the country in the 1970s, ARISE opened its doors in Syracuse to advance the idea—which was revolutionary at the time—that people with disabilities should have equal rights.
Michael Crinnin, ARISE’s first Executive Director, remembers the obstacles they faced, “There were no curb cuts, no accessibility in transportation, mostly because there was no law calling for it. Any accommodation was an act of good faith.” Crinnin, with one other full-time employee, worked in an old laundry room of Saint Mary’s Hospital, then occupied by United Cerebral Palsy (now known as Enable).
In its first few years, ARISE was already at the forefront of a number of national issues affecting people with disabilities and helped to bring about positive changes in the community. Michael Peluso, who was with ARISE for its first 10 years, was active in early advocacy efforts. “In the beginning, ARISE’s advocacy focused on transportation and public accessibility,” Peluso said. “Syracuse was one of the first cities in the country to have a number of facilities and services accessible for people with disabilities, years before any were mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”
According to Peluso, the advocacy efforts of ARISE and other disability rights organizations led to several victories that were models for other parts of the country. These victories included having the City of Syracuse install numerous curb cuts even though they were not required to do so by federal law and making seating at the Carrier Dome accessible for people with disabilities. Efforts also helped establish the Onondaga County “Homebound” transportation program, Syracuse’s Home Access Program, benefits advisement, and a statewide systems advocacy program. In addition, ARISE staff played a major role in making McDonalds restaurants accessible to people with disabilities across the country.
1986
ARISE promotes accessible recreation, helping to establish a wheelchair-accessible fitness course at Onondaga Lake Park.
More than a decade before ARISE & Ski and ARISE at the Farm, ARISE realized the importance of creating healthy, enjoyable, and beneficial integrated recreational activities for people with disabilities in Central New York. One of its earliest endeavors was a “fitness course for wheelchair users” constructed at Onondaga Lake Park in 1986. As part of an effort to increase integrated recreational opportunities at the park, this course offered a fun and stimulating challenge for people with a variety of abilities.
1986
Five local advocates block a Centro bus in downtown Syracuse to protest the lack of accessible public transportation.
THEN
In 1986, ARISE was at the forefront of the struggle to obtain accessible public transportation for people with disabilities. Years before legislation mandated that public transportation be accessible, ARISE—working with other advocacy groups—was in the midst of a heated effort to have fair and equal access to public buses in Central New York.
Darryl Storie, who still works for ARISE in 2004, said of the November 1986 protest: “Opponents said we could never have accessible buses in a northeastern city like Syracuse. I remember being very nervous that day. We didn’t really know what would happen when we blocked that bus.”
NOW
Early advocacy efforts, such as the 1986 protest, paid off. In 1987, Syracuse was one of the first cities in the Northeastern United States to have accessible public transportation. “We proved our opponents wrong; now people with disabilities use public transportation all the time,” Storie said.
As a result of advocacy efforts locally and across the country, the most sweeping piece of civil rights legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was signed into law in 1990. A major component of the ADA guarantees people with disabilities access to public transportation.
Today, all new fixed line public buses in the US come equipped with wheelchair lifts. All of Centro’s fleet of over 200 buses are fully wheelchair-accessible, complete with wheelchair lifts, ramps, and tie downs. These features not only give people with disabilities equal access to transportation, they also offer greater access to the community.
“It’s difficult to imagine a time when the buses weren’t accessible at all,” Storie said. “Without those early advocacy efforts, we might still be left waiting at the curb even today.”
1989
ARISE helps establish the Sheriff’s Handicapped Ambulatory Parking Enforcement (SHAPE) program.
Onondaga County was facing an epidemic of abuse of accessible parking for people with disabilities in the late 1980s. ARISE worked with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and Legislature to establish the SHAPE program as a solution. SHAPE volunteers are deputized by the Onondaga County Sheriff and empowered to write parking tickets for people who violate accessible parking laws.
One of the first of its kind in the nation, the SHAPE program has served as a model for other municipalities throughout the country. The program works well and, since its inception, has helped reduce the problem of illegal parking in accessible spaces not just by writing parking tickets, but also through effective public education campaigns.
1994
ARISE launches its Employment Program, increasing job opportunities for people of all abilities.
In the early 1990s, the community started to focus on helping people with disabilities work in more integrated places of employment. As employers began to realize the value of hiring people with disabilities and worked to comply with the ADA by creating reasonable accommodations, they reaped the benefits of having dependable and productive employees.
In 1994, ARISE was one of the first agencies in the area to connect employers with qualified employees of all abilities eager to enter the workforce. Over the years, ARISE’s employment programs have flourished; they successfully help people with disabilities find gainful employment and also ensure that people are employed in friendly and productive work environments.
“It’s the employees that make this program work,” said Lori Mokry, ARISE Employment Services Manager. “Without the people we serve constantly proving to employers again and again the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, the program would never have been so successful.”
1996
ARISE opens a satellite office in Oswego, New York.
After providing services to residents of Onondaga County for 17 years, ARISE opened its first satellite office in Oswego County on March 18, 1996. Located at 104 West Utica Street in Oswego, the office brought a full-range of independent living services to residents of the county, particularly migrant workers who have disabilities. his focus was unique—ARISE’s Oswego Office was the first independent living center in New York that targeted services to migrant workers, who can be at risk of job-related injuries and may not have access to medical treatment.
1996
The ARISE & Ski program is created, introducing new recreational programming.
In 1996, ARISE Executive Director Melissa Weiss, in partnership with Toggenburg Ski Center, created ARISE & Ski as a pilot program. This innovative effort has made it possible for individuals with disabilities to ski with their friends and families. Each winter since 1996, ARISE has provided the innovative, adaptive equipment for skiers, and volunteers assist skiers in using the equipment and navigating the slopes. The program is still thriving today, 70 children and adults skied with program volunteers at Toggenburg in 2004.
1998
ARISE at the Farm begins with the donation of a horse farm in Chittenango.
THEN
In 1998, ARISE received an 84-acre farm in Madison County as a gift from Dr. James Marshall and incorporated the site as ARISE at the Farm, a 501(c)3 organization. Over the years, the Farm has offered year-round, accessible recreational activities to hundreds of children and adults with disabilities, their families, and the entire community. The Farm features an indoor arena, accessible fishing deck and pond, Project Adventure ropes course, and petting zoo. The Farm also offers adaptive horseback riding, horse cart driving, biking, seasonal day camps, and after-school programs.
NOW
Six years later, ARISE at the Farm continues to be a pioneer in designing and piloting adaptive, inclusive recreational programs for the community. Not only is a wide range of programming offered at the Farm, but also ARISE—with funding from the U.S. Department of Education—has assumed a key role in actively developing, coordinating, and sharing information on recreation opportunities at sites throughout Central New York.
History of Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Many people with disabilities have relied on the removal of architectural barriers and improvements in technology to navigate their homes and communities. This became especially apparent in the early 1950s when World War II veterans with disabling injuries wanted to lead productive lives in the community but were hindered by countless architectural and technological barriers.
Slowly, barriers began to come down and attitudes shifted, but it was not until the 1970s that American architect Michael Bednar introduced the idea that removing environmental barriers enhances everyone's functional capacity. People started to realize that universally-designed products benefit people of all abilities.
The concept of universal design was brought to the attention of the general public in 1988. The New York City Museum of Modern Art exhibit, "Designs for Independent Living," showcased products selected for their beauty as well as their consideration of the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. In response to increased interest from the public, universal design features that were once undesirable became affordable, attractive, and even marketable.
1998
ARISE Syracuse Office opens Universal Design Center.
THEN
Following closely on the heels of the Independent Living movement, ARISE introduced other important concepts to Central New York: universal design and assistive technology.
“When we opened the Universal Design Center at our office on 1065 James Street in 1998, it was one of just a few in the country,” said Ron Champion, ARISE Information and Technology Manager. “It was exciting because universal design was a fairly new concept.” Even though the concept was new, generating interest in the center wasn’t too much of a problem. “Once people began to use and became familiar with the universal design features and assistive technology we showcased at the center, the ideas sold themselves,” Champion said.
NOW
ARISE showcases the latest universal design and assistive technology concepts at our state-of-the-art Accessibility and Technology Resource Center (ATRC), built in 2004 with generous support from the Central New York Community Foundation. In the ATRC and throughout ARISE’s 635 James Street office, visitors can observe innovative products and designs that people of all abilities can use to increase their independence at home and at work.
“Today, you see aspects of universal design philosophy incorporated into all sorts of architectural and product designs,” Champion said. “I think more people are starting to realize that items originally designed with people with disabilities in mind work better for everyone.”
Assistive technology has evolved and become more affordable over the years, allowing more people to work and live independently. A fairly elaborate piece of assistive technology, such as voice activation software, that used to cost more than $30,000 now costs under $200.
Many people prefer using universally designed products even if they do not have a disability. Champion said, “The examples are everywhere, many of us couldn’t get through the day without items such as spell-check, voice activated telephones, a thicker pen, or better grips on a potato peeler. All of these products have their roots in assistive technology and universal design. We have had more breakthroughs in the last 25 years than ever before. It’s exciting to imagine how far we will go in the next quarter century. The possibilities are endless.”
1999
Child and Family Service and ARISE merge to become one of the leading agencies addressing urgent human needs in Central New York.
In 1997, ARISE moved into a new building located at 1065 James Street with several other agencies: Exceptional Family Resources, Liberty Resources, Rape Crisis Center, and Child and Family Service. The agencies were enthusiastic about this opportunity to work closely and share ideas and resources.
Two years later, Child and Family Service and ARISE began exploring the possibility of merging the two agencies to better meet the needs of the community. By combining independent living services and mental health services, the two agencies could offer a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life for the people served.
The two agencies officially merged on August 1, 1999 and became known as ARISE Child and Family Service, Inc. (known as ARISE). The new agency offers more comprehensive, enhanced, and integrated services to people of all abilities in the community.
Special Section: History of Child and Family Service (1878-1999)
When ARISE merged with Child and Family Service in 1999, it partnered with an agency that had provided a variety of human services in Onondaga County for more than 120 years.
Reflecting on the history of Child and Family Service, ARISE Director of Child and Family Services, Jodi Valentine, said, “The emphasis on strengthening families has always been a cornerstone of the work we do. The ‘family’ is not as it was 25 years ago. For many of our clients, family does not mean someone you are related to by blood or marriage, but rather can be friends, roommates, or life partners, all of whom play the same role as ‘family’ once did. The goal of our work with many clients is helping them to identify and develop ‘natural supports’ and social connections they can turn to for support.”
The following is a chronology of major events in the evolution of Child and Family Service:
1878
The Bureau of Labor and Charities began providing services to children, women, and families in Onondaga County. This agency worked closely with families and helped establish Syracuse’s first public playground, probation service, well baby clinic, and prenatal clinic. Over the years, the many transitions and collaborations of this agency served to create the Children’s Bureau and the Family Society.
1881
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was formed as a division of the Bureau of Labor and Charities and is the beginning of child welfare services in Syracuse. This agency was responsible for investigating conditions in a home that might lead to the neglect or abuse of children. The Society also pioneered temporary foster care services for girls in Onondaga County.
1949
The Family Society and the Children’s Bureau merged to form Child and Family Service. In 1951, the agency moved to a new site, offering 20 offices and meeting rooms, at 728 James Street. Child and Family Service provided many services, including case management for families, assistance to unmarried mothers, and adoption services.
1978
Child and Family Service celebrated its 100-year anniversary at an event at the Hotel Syracuse on May 17, 1978. At the celebration, staff noted that, in 1977, the agency’s staff of 30 offered counseling to more than 6,000 people, provided child care services to more than 55 children in the Syracuse Day Care Center, offered travelers aid services to 427 people, and responded to 178 adoption inquiries.
1996
Child and Family Service received licensure from the Onondaga County Office of Mental Health to provide outpatient services to children, adolescents, and adults. In the May 1996 Focus on Child & Family Service newsletter, Director of Professional Services Rosalyn Syp said, “It is exciting to be at this point in opening these critical services. We have worked very hard to prepare for opening these services so desperately needed by our community.”
1997
Child and Family Service moved to 1065 James Street in Syracuse.
2001
Advocates, including Kara VanderVeer, urge the passage of legislation that ensures people will not lose Medicaid benefits if they work or marry.
In 2001, Kara VanderVeer attended a rally at the State Office Building in Syracuse to support Medicaid Buy-In legislation. This legislation would allow people, such as Kara, to earn a modest income, acquire and maintain assets, and—best of all—be married without risk of losing any Medicaid benefits. Since 1999, Kara and her fiancé have postponed their wedding because they would lose their Medicaid benefits if they were to marry.
In response to advocacy efforts by ARISE and others across the state, Medicaid Buy-In legislation was passed in 2003. People with disabilities who are Medicaid recipients can now live more full and independent lives.
Kara VanderVeer plans to get married in 2006. “We faced a lot of opposition on this legislation over the years,” she said, “What a relief to finally have Medicaid Buy-In available in New York.”
2003
ARISE opens an office in Oneida, New York.
In 2002, ARISE launched a non-site-based day and residential habilitation program for residents of Madison County. Part of a collaborative pilot initiative, the program was the first of its kind in the county.
In June 2003, ARISE established a formal presence in Oneida by opening an office in the One-Stop Career Center. This site gives people with disabilities in the area more options for independent living services and provides disability sensitivity training for Madison County businesses and organizations.
2003
ARISE receives licensure for Shea Middle School, Dr. Weeks Elementary School, and Dr. King Elementary School to be satellite mental health clinics.
ARISE began an innovative initiative in 2003 to offer mental health services and supports right in the school to families and children who have persistent behavior issues or have experienced a crisis that affects their well-being and school performance.
Susan VanCamp, Coordinator of ARISE’s School Based Mental Health Programs, said of this effort, “We are truly making a difference, resulting in improved academic success, increased family involvement, and healthier communities.”
2004
ARISE opens a full-time extension office in Pulaski, New York.
Rather than ask the people we serve in Northern Oswego County to come to the City of Oswego on a regular basis, we decided to bring the services to them. In 2002, ARISE took a big step in reaching out to people with disabilities in rural areas by opening a part-time extension site in Pulaski.
In response to an increasing demand for services, we moved to a new, larger office at the Pulaski Courthouse in 2004. This full-time office makes our services much more accessible for people living in the most rural areas of Oswego County.
Conclusion
Over the past 25 years, we have made great strides in advancing the right of people of all abilities to live full and independent lives of our choosing. An accessible building and bus have become more the rule than the exception. People with disabilities are active members of the workforce. Recreational activities, such as skiing and fishing, are available to more people through the use of adaptive equipment.
We still have much to do. We look ahead to challenges near at hand and in the distance. Please continue to join us as we work to create a fair and just community in which people of all abilities can fully participate.
ARISE Locations
ARISE Main Office and Onondaga County Office
635 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: (315) 472-3171
TTY: (315) 479-6363
Oswego County Office
253 East Tenth Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 342-4088
TTY: (315) 342-8696
Pulaski Office
2 Broad Street
Pulaski, NY 131421
Phone: (315) 298-5726
Madison County Office
1006 Oneida Plaza Drive
Oneida, NY 13421
Phone: (315) 363-2400
ARISE at the Farm
1972 New Boston Road
Chittenango, New York 13037
Phone: (315) 687-6727
Report Credits
The Herald Co., Syracuse, NY © 1951/1978/1980/1986/1996/1998/1999/2001. Herald Journal. Herald American. The Post-Standard. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.