"Our Ability's" Journey Along the Erie Canal

John Robinson addresses group at Arc of Orleans Day Hab site.

John Robinson had just arrived in Albion after a 27-mile ride in the hot sun on the historic Erie Canal Towpath.  He rode his 3-wheel adaptive hand cycle from Lockport to Albion, joined by his family and friends.  Most of us would have wanted to sit and rest.  Not John Robinson!  After a quick drink of water, Mr. Robinson addressed a crowd of about 50 people who had gathered to meet him along his journey.  Robinson is traveling from Buffalo to Albany, in a 16 day journey to raise awareness of people with disabilities and promote adaptive sports for amputees.

Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, shared that the trip was his nine-year-old son's idea to "travel across the state," and the entire family came along for the ride.  His words of determination were inspiring to those in attendance.  He shared, "No matter what your age, no matter what your ability, no matter how tired or how discouraged you may feel, we can all do it.  We can get up and get moving and achieve.”

While in Albion, Mr. Robinson was presented with citations from Assemblyman Steve Hawley, representative Adam Tabelski from Senator George Maziarz' office, and Orleans County Legislator and Arc Board Member Bill Eick.  The Arc's Day Habilitation group presented him with a beautiful quilt they had made, and he also received a basket of items representing the wonders of Albion and the Orleans County area. 

Robinson and crew are taking off early Tuesday morning from Albion and will continue on their journey to Spencerport raising awareness for people with disabilities along the way.  The group will also make stops in Syracuse, Rome, and Utica, along with several others, before arriving in Albany on July 8th. 

The Arc of Orleans County would like to thank the staff at Arc of Orleans who assisted with this event, NYSID for sponsoring the event, Assemblyman Hawley, Adam Tabelski, Legislator Bill Eick, and Albion Mayor Dean Theodorakos.  A special thank you to the Albion Police Department of their police escort for Mr. Robinson and family!

John Robinson receives citations from local dignitaries.

Camp Rainbow Benefits from Spell-A-Thon Fundraisers

Each year, students from Ronald Sodoma Elementary School in Albion and Holley Elementary School participate in a very special event that raises money for The Arc's Camp Rainbow, a summer day camp in Lyndonville.  Beginning in March and going into June, the students are involved in a Spell-A-Thon which includes getting and collecting pleges, taking a 100-word spelling test, and ends with a fun day for all.

 

Students from the Albion second grade have been partnering with The Arc for well over twenty-five years by taking part in the Spell-A-Thon.  This year the students raised over $6,100 for Camp Rainbow.  The top student was Nicholas Harling; he raised $607.  Mrs. Werner's class raised the most money of the six second grade classes at Albion and enjoyed a pizza party as a thank you.  The entire second grade enjoyed a "Camp Day" at their school on Tuesday, June 18th, with fun activities including story and video time, crafting, music, and games. 

Albion 2nd grade teachers

The Holley third grade students recently completed their Spell-A-Thon activities and raised almost $1,200 for Camp Rainbow.  Their top student was Alexis Blosenhauer who raised $370.  Mrs. Sevenski's class enjoyed a pizza party for raising the most money.  Unfortunately, their field trip was rained out this year. 

Holley 3rd grade teachers and Alexis Blosenhauer, top student

The Arc of Orleans County would like to thank all the teachers, students, parents, family, and friends who supported the Albion and Holley Spell-A-Thons!!



 

"Books Are Fun" Fundraisers Scheduled for June 21st & 24th

Rainbow Preschool

"Books Are Fun" Fundraisers"

 

June 21st - 11 AM to 3 PM

Batavia site, 45 Liberty Street

 

June 24th - 11 AM to 3 PM

Albion site, 243 South Main Street

 

Books, toys, games, summer items, and more!!

 

Proceeds to benefit Rainbow Preschool

 

 



Employment Listing - Direct Support Professional

                                              VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

POSITION: DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL– REGULAR FULLTIME                                                                   

REPORTS TO:  COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER – ANTHONY DINATALE

                              RECREATION MANAGER – VICKIE RANDALL

LOCATION:       COMMUNITY HAB/RESPITE/DAY HAB

DUTIES:  Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, housekeeping (lots of cleaning tasks) and laundry, etc. Assist individuals with developmental disabilities with getting involved with existing inclusive community activities. Provides support and linkage to recreational events. 

QUALIFICATIONS:    Good math & writing skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license. Must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required. Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 40lbs.                      

STARTING RATE:  Grade 7DC - $9.28/hr.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 6/26/13 to:

Human Resources Office
The Arc of Orleans County
Carol S. Fox
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY  14411

e-mail:  cfox@arcoforleans.org                                      Fax:  (585) 589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted:  6/19/13

 

Car Wash to Benefit Self Advocacy All-Stars

Self Advocacy All-Stars

CAR WASH 
This Saturday, June 22nd
 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 
at Save-A-Lot parking lot
 West Avenue, Albion
Donations only

 



See you there!!

 

DanPaul Foundation Awards $3,000 Grant to Rainbow Preschool!

The Arc received a $3,000 grant from the DanPaul Foundation today.  The funding will be used for our Rainbow Preschool programs in Albion and Batavia.  This is the second grant we have received from the foundation.

The DanPaul Foundation was established in December 2002 by Libby Moore Cornett. It is named in memory of her sons, Daniel and Paul, who were drowned along with their father, Mike Cornett, and their cousin, Bobby Lee Hurd. They were sailing together aboard the Morning Dew when it foundered on the jetty off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, on December 29, 1997.

To learn more about the DanPaul Fuondation, please go to danpaul.org.

The Arc of Orleans County Awarded Grant from NYSARC Trust!

 

The Trustees of the NYSARC Trusts provided The Arc of Orleans County a $6,000 grant to support recreational opportunities for individuals served.  The Arc of Orleans County will use the funding to provide meaningful recreational opportunities for the individuals served by our many programs.

 The NYSARC Trusts administer supplemental needs trusts that enable people with disabilities to remain in their home and community and retain their Medicaid eligible services.  The Trustees utilize remainder funds to benefit other persons with disability including unfunded Chapter guardianship as provided by statute.  In addition to the recreation grant, the Trustees awarded $1,225,500 to support Chapter Guardianship programs. 

 Information on how you may benefit from a NYSARC Trust is available by calling 518-439-8323 of 1-800-735-8924 or at info@nysarctrustservices.org.

 

 

Employment Listing - Direct Support Professional

               VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                                             

POSITION:    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL – REGULAR FULL-TIME
                                                                      2 POSITIONS       

REPORTS TO:   COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER – KATIE LOPEZ

LOCATION:     STORK ST, MEDINA

DUTIES:  Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, etc.

Qualifications: Good math & writing skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.  Experience preferred but not required.  Must be willing to work various hours to include evenings, nights, overnights & holidays. Must be able to lift, push and pull 40 lbs and must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required.

STARTING RATE:  Grade 7DC, STEP 1 - $9.28 per hour.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by June 18, 2013 to:
The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411
Fax (585) 589 – 5669                           E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted: 6/11/13

 

Employment Listing - Camp Counselor

                                      VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

POSITION:   CAMP COUNSELOR– 32-40 HRS./WK.

                        DURING 5 WEEKS OF CAMP    JULY-AUG 

REPORTS TO:  CAMP TEACHER

LOCATION:       CAMP RAINBOW, LYNDONVILLE 

DUTIES:   RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISION OF CAMPERS, INCLUDING

 GENERALHEALTH AND SAFETY. ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES WITH

 CAMPERS AND ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION TO THE BEST

 OF THEIR ABILITY.   

QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE IN MUSIC, ARTS, CARAFTS, ATHELTICS, SCIENCE AND NATURE PREFERRED.  MUST HAVE ABILITY TO TAKE DIRECTION. EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN OR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PREFERRED.  MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE.  

SALARY:   $7.66/HR 

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY:  6/17/13

 

TO:  Carol Fox, Human Resources Manager

        The Arc of Orleans County
         122 Caroline Street
         Albion, NY 14411
FAX:  589-5669                    EMAIL:  cfox@arcoforleans.com

The Arc Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer         

Posted:  6/10/13

The Arc is Hosting a Reception to Welcome John Robinson to Albion!

Please join us June 24, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the North End of the Academy Street School Campus at 16 East Academy Street, Albion, NY.

 

Mr. Robinson will share a few inspirational words and refreshments will follow.

 

John Robinson is a motivational/inspirational speaker that is embarking on a journey along with his family from Buffalo to Albany along the canal. Mr. Robinson is a New Yorker with disabilities, and he will be using an adaptive bicycle to ride along the canal.  

John's journey is being sponsored by NYSID(New York State Industires for the Disabled).  To learn more about the project http://www.ourability.com/.

In the past two years, Robinson has been from Australia to the White House discussing the Obstacles he has Overcome! John Robinson has spoken to Fortune 500 Corporations to high school students. Robinson can speak to audiences about Overcoming Obstacles in Life, Businesses or Sales!

John Robinson is the subject of a national documentary shown on Public Broadcasting Stations titled Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story. He also authored the autobiography Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination published by Syracuse University Press.

John has been married for over nineteen years and has three children. In 2001, he was selected to carry the Olympic torch as it passed through Albany, New York on its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 games.

John Robinson graduated from The Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire and Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He has lived in Toronto, Ontario; Manchester, New Hampshire; Syracuse, New York and now Albany, New York.

Please see below where and when his journey will take place.

Date	From	To	Date	From	To
6/23	Tonawanda	Lockport	7/1	Syracuse (Dewitt)	Canastota
6/24	Lockport	Albion	7/2	Canastota	Rome
6/25	Albion	Spencerport	7/3	Rome	Utica
6/26	Spencerport	Fairport	7/4	Utica	Little Falls
6/27	Fairport	Palmyra	7/5	Little Falls	Canajoharie
6/28	Palmyra	Newark	7/6	Canajoharie	Amsterdam
6/29	Newark	Weedsport	7/7	Amsterdam	Niskayuna
6/30	Weedsport	Syracuse	7/8	Niskayuna	Albany

John's Journey Along the Erie Canal is sponsored by NYSID

With additional support from New York Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Goodwill Industries, Price Chopper, NYS DEC, Parks and Rec., Disabled Sports USA, New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Listing - Direct Support Professional

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT              

                                                                                           

POSITION:  DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL – REGULAR FULL-TIME

REPORTS TO: COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER–GINA HAGERTY

LOCATION:  MARSHALL RD, MEDINA

DUTIES:   Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, etc.

Qualifications:  Good math & writing skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.  Experience preferred but not required.  Must be willing to work various hours to include evenings, weekends, overnights & holidays. Must be able to lift, push and pull 40 lbs and must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required.

STARTING RATE:  Grade 7DC, STEP 1 - $9.28 per hour.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by June 17, 2013 to:
The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

Fax (585) 589 – 5669   or    E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted: 6/10/13

 

Rain Date Set for Arc of Orleans Golf Tournament

Basket Raffle!!

The Arc of Orleans County's 34th Annual Golf Tournament was rained out this past Sunday and a rain date has been set for Sunday, June 30th. 

The tournament is being held at Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club on Lynch Road, Holley.  Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start at 9 AM.  Cost is just $80 per person/$320 for foursome.  You will receive breakfast before the start, lunch on the turn, and a chicken BBQ dinner following your day of golf, along with many raffles and prizes!!

There are a few teams who are unable to join us for the rescheduled date, so we do have openings for your foursome.  If you are interested in golfing or would like more information, please contact Denise Withey, Community Relations Specialist, at 585-589-5516 ext. 227 or email her at dwithey@arcoforleans.org.



Enjoy a fun day golfing with friends!!

Individuals We Serve and Families - You Are Invited to an Introduction to OPWDD's Front Door Initiative

If you are an individual served and/or a family member, you are cordially invited to an informational session on the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities' Front Door Initiative. It will be held Tuesday, July 16th from from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Arc's Administrative Office at 122 Caroline Street, Albion, NY.

What is the Front Door?  OPWDD's Front Door creates a consistent approach, designed to expand knowledge for individual choice and information to make better service authorization decisions, for people with developmental disabilities to access, continue or modify the supports and services they use.

• For new individuals, the Front Door encompasses interactions with OPWDD from the point of contact through service authorization.
• Individuals already connected to OPWDD will use Front Door services when they seek a change in service.

The intent and purpose of this initiative is to:

• Improve the way people find out about OPWDD and their service options.
• To help people connect to the services that best address their needs.
• To give people as many opportunities as possible to direct their own supports and services.
• To build consistency in statewide application of policies and practices, consumer experience and communication.