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 ARISE Newsletter — Summer 2010

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 In this Edition

 Celebrating 20 Years of the ADA

As a Center for Independent Living, ARISE worked with many organizations and individuals to help ensure the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The landmark piece of legislation guaranteeing the rights of individuals with disabilities was signed into law in July 1990. It is the culmination of decades of work by advocates, and grew out of Civil Rights movements of the 1960’s and the Independent Living movement of the 1970’s – the movement that led to the creation of ARISE.

On July 26, 2010, ARISE will be proud to join with other members of the ADA Committee and Exceptional Artworks to march in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ADA. At the end of the march, Representative Dan Maffei, along with local, State and Federal officials, will proclaim July as Disabilities Awareness Month.

Even as we celebrate the many positive changes that have occurred because of the ADA, there is still more work to be done. At a recent ARISE Consumer Council meeting, members reflected on outcomes from the ADA and opportunities for improvement.  

 “I was hired before the ADA,” said Keith Mulcahey, who uses a wheelchair. “After it passed, my employer made sure my desk was raised and that there was an accessible stall in the men’s room.”

Council members agreed that the changes to building structures and the addition of lifts have been the largest positive impact of the ADA.

 “Syracuse and Centro did a great job,” said Agnes McCray about making the bus fleet accessible following the ADA’s passage. “They asked us to be patient so they could get lifts that would work in the snow.”

While the ADA sought to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, some council members feel that the results 20 years later have not been what the original framers of the ADA had in mind.

“After I was caught up in downsizing, I don’t think the ADA helped when I was trying to find a new job,” Keith observed. Many potential employers responded that they found another candidate who was “a better fit.”

Always an optimist, Agnes reflects. “No, it’s not perfect,” she said. “We still have a ways to go, but it has done so much and will grow as we go.”

As a Center for Independent Living, ARISE has worked for more than 30 years to advocate for and celebrate Americans with disabilities living, working, and participating in the community. We mark the anniversary of the ADA each year.

This year’s ADA march on July 26 will begin at ARISE on 635 James Street in Syracuse and proceed to the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. People will begin to assemble around 9:15 a.m., and the march begins at 10.  For people who cannot travel long distances, or in the case of inclement weather, please meet at the Oncenter at 11 a.m. for the proclamation and the entertainment that will follow. Refreshments will be provided during the march, and an interpreter will be available for the proclamation. 

The Oswego County Legislature on July 15 at 2 p.m. will  issue a proclamation making July 16 ADA Awareness Day. ARISE will have a display in the Oswego Chamber of Commerce window throughout the month of July, and had a float at the July 4 parade in Oswego.
We hope you will join us in celebrating this important anniversary. Together, we will continue to work so that people of all abilities can live in a community where they can fully participate. For more information on getting involved, contact Beata Karpinska-Prehn at 671-2929 for Onondaga County celebrations or Sabine Ingerson at 342-4088 x 210 for events in Oswego County.

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 Thank you to ARISE volunteers

On April 30 ARISE held a reception to thank the volunteers who give their time to help the organization, and recognized the 2010 Volunteers of Distinction:

  • Keith Mulcahey
  • Danielle Fralick
  • Eric Rasmussen
  • Gregory Ewing
  • Andrew Friebel
  • Bev Hamilton
  • Mary Anne Agan
  • Kevin Devlin
  • Wayne Hamilton
  • Genevieve Roarick

Congratulations to these volunteers and thanks to all the volunteers who help ARISE in so many different ways.

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 New Managers and Directors

New Director of Development:  Nancy Kronen has been named Director of Development and Public Relations. She brings an extensive background in establishing effective relationships with supporters on an individual and organizational level. She will oversee ARISE’s new development initiative and marketing plans. Nancy is a member of the board of the Central New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Nancy comes to ARISE from The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area, where she served as Director of Development for six years.

New Manager of Independent Living Services in Oswego: James Karasek joins ARISE as the Manager of Independent Living Services in Oswego County. Jim has experience in management positions at Oswego County, Rescue Mission and, most recently, at Penn Traffic.

Jim is very enthusiastic about joining ARISE and is looking forward to the day to day involvement in creating positive change in the lives of our consumers lives.

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 ARISE & Ski volunteer named FEAT’s 2010 HOPE Volunteer

On April 11, Families for Effective Autism Treatment  of Central New York (FEAT of CNY) recognized Christopher Weiss as the 2010 HOPE Volunteer for his ongoing work with ARISE & Ski.

 “It came as a wonderful surprise and honor,” Christopher said.

The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant difference in the community or in the lives of FEAT’s families through volunteer work.

Christopher has served as the backbone of ARISE & Ski’s volunteer corps for over a decade, giving up his evenings and weekends to grow the accessible ski program for individuals with all kinds of disabilities and their families. He notes, “Keeping up with the technological advances and the cutting edge approaches to working with a diversity of participants is difficult and complex work, but the rewards are immeasurable.”

Congratulations Christopher for your achievement and thank you for sharing your time and talents with ARISE & Ski.

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 Dancing in Day Habilitation: Light of the World Ballet performs for ARISE participants and staff

The Light of the World Ballet delighted the ARISE group day habilitation program participants when the dance troupe visited ARISE on April 29. ARISE staff also stopped in to watch the performance of “You Are Special.” Following the performance, the dancers stayed to have their pictures taken with the day habilitation participants, and to teach a quick lesson about ballet.

Light of the World Ballet is an internationally-known professional dance troupe based in Syracuse. They perform at area schools and abroad.

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 New Ramp is Like Christmas in June

In March 2010, Colleen Nickolas woke up and was shocked to find she was unable to stand up. She was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia; however it was the additional diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis that changed her life. After intensive rehabilitation in a nursing home, she was released home at the end of May.

Unable to navigate stairs on her own, the split-level home where she resides with her husband and children felt more like a prison. “Getting in and out of the house twice a week for physical therapy was dangerous and scary, and required considerable help from my family,” Colleen said. The transition was difficult for the independent woman who enjoys the outdoors.

On June 19, Colleen’s life changed again when the ARISE Oswego County Ramp Project constructed a ramp on her home. She was so excited the night before that she couldn’t sleep.

 “It’s like Christmas,” she said, as she watched the volunteer crew install the ramp.

The Ramp Project is an ongoing program that provides ramps to individuals with disabilities who otherwise cannot afford the home modification. With United Way support, ARISE finds and selects families to receive the home modifications, while volunteers from the First United Methodist Church and in the greater Oswego County community design and construct the ramps.

The project’s largest expense is the cost of materials – which determines the number of individuals that we can help.

With the assistance of Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, ARISE recently received $20,000 in funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to purchase building materials for 15 to 20 ramps. A June 13 “Ride for Ramps” organized by Jason Noyes also brought in resources for the project. There are more than 20 people on the waiting list for ramps— people like Colleen, who want to stay in their homes and communities.

 “With the ramp, I am getting my independence back,” Colleen said.

To learn more about the project or find out how you can give the gift of independence, contact Jim Karasek at ARISE at 342-4088 ext. 206.

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 Self Advocacy Group Presents at Regional Conference

Members of the Self-Advocacy Council of Oswego County presented at the May 22 Regional Self-Advocacy Conference sponsored by the CNY DDSO. The representatives shared how participation in the group has taught them to speak up for themselves and others.

They encouraged people of all abilities to participate actively in self-advocacy groups and to join or create one. The ARISE Self-Advocates also participated in a roundtable discussion on the Spread the Word to End “The Word” Campaign—bringing up the March event at SUNY Oswego that the Self Advocacy Council organized.

Contact Ken Skillen at 342-4088 x 226 to learn about self-advocacy opportunities in Oswego County or Beata Karpinska-Prehn at 671-2929 about opportunities in Onondaga County.

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 Summer 2010 Farm CampSchedule!

Summer is a busy time of year for ARISE at the Farm with weekly day camps already in full swing!

Children and young adults with disabilities can enjoy the summer  camp experience or learn to ride horses at the remaining 2010 sessions. For more information, contact Laura Little at 687-6727.

Horsemanship Camp
July 12—15, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Fee: $175

Horsemanship Camp
July 19—22, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Fee: $175

Horsemanship Camp
July 26—29, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Fee: $175

Adult Camp
July 26—29, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Fee: $275

Tot Camp (ages 3—6)
July 26—29, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Fee: $150

Farm Camp
Aug. 15—20, 9 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Fee: $350 (eligible for waiver)

Farm Camp/Oswego County
Aug. 23—27, 9 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Fee: $350 (eligible for waiver)

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ARISE Oneida Office Opens up to Art

The conference room at the ARISE office in Oneida has taken on a second purpose. People with disabilities who work with ARISE can now arrange to visit the office and use the conference room as an art studio.

 “They love it!” Ellen Englert, Program Coordinator, enthuses. “It’s been so wonderful. People look forward to coming and being social while making the art. We will be putting some of their artwork in Exceptional Arts displays.”

ARISE has a long history of promoting the artistic visions of people with disabilities. UNIQUE, the ARISE Art and Literary Magazine, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. “Art and creativity is something that spans people of all abilities.” says Elizabeth Dunn, UNIQUE Managing Editor. “Through art, people can express emotions and communicate ideas. It can bring people together.”

The creative art purpose of the conference room provides an accessible space where artists with disabilities can freely create. Having the space at ARISE also connects the artists with opportunities to show their art to the public, such as Exceptional Arts displays or publication in UNIQUE .

For more information on when the conference room is used as an art studio, contact Ellen Englert at 363-4672 x224.

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“Learn to Ride with Kelcie” features the Farm

As the Adaptive and Therapeutic Riding Programs began the 2010 season in the spring, new riders were able to use a new tool – the newly-published book “Learn to Ride with Kelcie!” by Kelcie Conley with photographs by James R. Evans.

The 36-page book uses ARISE at the Farm as a backdrop, and leads the reader through a session of riding from grooming to more complex horse commands. Kelcie, who will be entering her third year of horsemanship at the Farm, created the book to help visual learners like herself remember the basic steps of grooming and riding.

Both the author and photographer were on hand April 15 for a book-signing, where they signed and gave copies to ARISE for future horsemanship participants.

Contact ARISE at the Farm at 687-6727 to join in the fun!

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“Complete Streets” Are Safer Streets

When traffic lights turn green, the pedestrian crossing signals also turn to a white outline of a person walking. Pedestrians gathered on the street corners begin to cross; however some do not have enough time to cross very wide streets before the traffic signals change again.

On April 22, ARISE partnered with the local AARP chapter to audit Syracuse City streets. They looked at the state of repair for curb cuts, which allow people who use wheelchairs or who push strollers to easily navigate from the sidewalk to street level and back.  They timed the signals to see if the lights allowed enough time for people to cross safely, and checked if crosswalks were marked.

This effort is part of an ongoing AARP initiative to make streets safer for older Americans. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one quarter of all pedestrians killed in car accidents in 2008 were over the age of 60. Solutions that make intersections safer benefit all pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities.

Some solutions are as simple as ensuring sidewalks are in good repair or that crosswalks are distinctly marked on the pavement. Other solutions include changing the time of traffic lights, or making sure crosswalks have a countdown for time remaining and sound for individuals who have vision impairments. Some solutions, such as islands of refuge on wide, busy streets require prior planning.

There is “Complete Streets” legislation proposed in New York State, which requires the Department of Transportation to make accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians of all abilities in the road-planning process.

Contact Beata Karpinska-Prehn at 671-2929 to get involved.

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Build Awareness! Accessible Sidewalks

CNY winters filled with ice and snow lead to cracks and upheavals in sidewalks when spring comes.  For many people, the cracking and buckling of sidewalks that happen over time are an annoyance. For people who have limited mobility or who use wheelchairs, sidewalks in disrepair present barriers to travel and are unsafe.

Repair and upkeep of sidewalks are generally the responsibility of the property owner. If you need to repair your sidewalk, check your local ordinances. Some areas have specific materials, widths, and thicknesses for sidewalks.

Even on well-maintained sidewalks, there are ways to make them more accessible to everyone.

  • · Try not to walk three- or four- abreast on sidewalks, particularly when you see someone coming.
  • Please do not put yard waste on the street or sidewalks. Not only does it block a pathway, but in many areas it violates local ordinances.
  • Please do not block sidewalks when you park in a driveway.
  • If you see a pot hole, report it to the government that maintains the road: City of Syracuse: 488-CITY; Onondaga County: 435-3245; Oswego County: 349-3437; Madison County: 366-2221; New York State: 1-800-POTHOLE.

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Letter from the Executive Director: More Than the Way We Were

We have come a long way in the last 50 years in the way we view and treat individuals with disabilities.

I remember when I was a child that a girl in my neighborhood was bussed to “Percy Hughes” school. The name of the school became a phrase for teasing others. I also remember that a young woman across the street left home from time to time for prolonged stays at “Marcy” for her mental health needs. That name too became a term used to deride others.

When my grandmother had both of her legs amputated as a result of severe diabetes, she could no longer live in a second floor flat. My grandparents built a “visitable” ranch house in Liverpool, though it would be decades before the term for basic accessible features was coined. It was unique at the time.

Organizations like ARISE grew out of the Independent Living movement in the 1970’s and challenged common perceptions about people with disabilities. Advocates won legislative support when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed 20 years ago. We no longer accept that (1) providing accommodations is the responsibility of the family solely, (2) segregating people with disabilities is the norm, or (3) name calling is anything other than demeaning.

We still have a long way to go. Too few people with disabilities are employed despite strong evidence of their talent. Contributions from people of all abilities have led to more than 30 successful years of ARISE activities. Please join us as we celebrate the great progress we have made, and continue to advocate for the rights and benefits we have yet to achieve.

Tom McKeown
Executive Director

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New Grants Awarded!

ARISE thanks the following organizations for their recently-awarded grants to ARISE:

CNYDSO—Family Support Services
$23,902 to support a Summer Day Camp at ARISE at the Farm for 25 individuals aged 6-21 who live in Oneida County and have a diagnosis of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

CNYDSO—Family Support Services
$14,680 to expand the Onondaga County Summer Day Camp at ARISE at the Farm to include 15 additional individuals aged 6-21 who have a diagnosis of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

CNYDSO—Family Support Services
$5,913 to continue the Central Square Social Group for approximately 15 youth with developmental disabilities in Oswego County.

 CNYDSO—Family Support Services
$5,868 to create “Community Connections,” a support group for young adults, aged 22 to 30, who have developmental disabilities. Many of the members are aging out of existing teen groups.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services/Senator Darrel J. Aubertine
$20,000 for materials to build approximately 15 to 20 ramps for individuals with disabilities or their families who live in Oswego County and otherwise can not afford the home modification.

United Community Chest for the Towns of Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner
$1,300 to purchase new adaptive riding equipment and grooming supplies for ARISE at the Farm’s Adaptive and Therapeutic Riding programs.

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Thank You Donors!

ARISE thanks the following individuals and organizations who recently made donations or awarded grants to support our many programs and services from March 16, 2009 to June 15, 2010.

Carolyn M. Arney
Christopher Arnold & Ellen Yeomans
Vanessa Atwood
Isias Banggas
Roseanne Braxton
Denise Brown
Sedalia Brown-Harrison
Doretha Burke
Randie Burrows
Emily Champagne
Timothy F. & Beverly J. Chiavara
Jennifer A. Clark
Dennis Coon
Shelly D. Coryell
Patricia Cottrell
Michele Cousineau
Michael A. Cusano
Susan Dean
Denny's
Elizabeth Dunn
Scott & Linda English
Mary Failing
Cathy Fischer
Carolyn Fitzgerald
Terese Ginocchetti
John E. Giocondo
William Goodno
Raymond W. Hackbarth
Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
Brian K. Haynes, Esq.
Lawrence J. Hibbert
Stephanie Hole
Anne Kastler
Sharon M. Kwietniak
Young H. Lee
Dan Lines & Rachael Lines
Nancy Anne Linnenbach
Kimberly A. Lipke
Bettina L. Lipphardt
Laura Little
Johanna MacDonald
Anne C. Maier
Richelle Maki
Friends of Bill Magee
John T. McCann
Nancy McCarty
Jayson V. McDowell
Tom & Lynne McKeown
Marian Miller
William J. Murray
Frank Musante
Bridget A. Muscatello
Cynthia D. Newby
Susan L. O'Reilly
P. Drescher Co., Inc
Gary Panebianco
George & Mary Pelrah
Katrina Pushlar
Charles Roberts
Susan Rogers
Kathryn M. Rushmore
Albert R. Sahm
James & Pamela Sartori
Ed Schmitt
Daniel & Laura Schroth
Jennifer Schulz
Michael E. Sierotnik
Jim & Cathy Skvorak
Elizabeth Spina
Marlea F. Stannard
Marybeth Stiles
Daniel Stoughtenger
David A. Tiedemann
John & Kelly Wejko
Bruce Wichmann
Kristin Wilburn

If you would like to support ARISE, please send a check made payable to:
ARISE, 635 James Street Syracuse, NY 13203
or click here to donate online with our secure form.

Thank you!

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