Stay Connected to Resources

Stay Connected - In the Driver's Seat This section connects you to resources pertaining to Self-Directed Services, Person-Centered Planning and other ideas that may be useful in your daily lives.

Regional-Finger Lakes | New York State | National | International

Regional – Finger Lakes

Community Arts Workshop, Inc. ~ Using the arts to impart new skills to people of all abilities.
FSS Directory ~ Finger Lakes DDRO Family Support Services Directory of Agencies and Programs
Respite Directory
Adapted Recreation Services ~ “promoting community integration for people with special needs through our support services, fitness, recreation and social opportunities”
The Monroe Housing Collaborative ~ An all-in-one resource for those with disabilities to create, locate, and track residential options in our community.
Differently Abled Alternative Care ~ A local business that provides in-home massage, massages at their office in Fairport and community classes.
TouchStream Solutions ~ TouchStream is a tablet-based monitoring system that helps people live independently and gives their families peace of mind.
Upstate Special Needs Planning ~ Upstate Special Needs Planning is not your traditional planning group. USNP is a comprehensive financial planning group who specializes in working with families who are caring for an individual with developmental disabilities, mental health issues or (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury.
Safe at Home ~ Learn what you need to know to prevent fires and stay safe in your home. Trainers from Prevention 1st will come to your home and assess its safety, and then provide individualized training to make sure you know what to do in the event of an emergency as well as how to prevent fires from ever happening.
Sportsnet is an adaptive sports and inclusive recreation program of Rochester Rehabilitation that celebrates the accomplishments of all athletes and abilities.
Spotted Rabbit Studio ~ Our goal is to provide all individuals, regardless of (dis)ability, socioeconomic status, and previous artistic training, with the creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to exhibit, and sell quality handmade works of art. In addition our apprenticeship program Spotted Rabbit Studio offers personalized art classes facilitated by experienced teaching artists in a wide range of visual and performing arts mediums as well as individual and group art therapy services through a partnership with Spotted Rabbit Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC.
Ability Yoga ~ 4 Wallingford Rise, Fairport, NY 14450, samu@abilityoga.com, 585-314-2450
Rochester Brainery ~ Rochester Brainery allows people to connect with their community through fun, affordable and accessible classes. Each month you’ll find a variety of classes on an unrestricted variety of topics. Learn from local authors, mixologists, actors, dancers, artists, graphic designers, beer-brewers, and more.
Anything goes as long as there is something to be learned! The best part is? All of our classes are $30 or less! We also focus on single-session classes, so you don’t have to make a long-term time commitment.
Peiter’s Life Center ~ The Mission of the Pieters Family Life Center is to provide an environment that will strengthen community and nurture relationships through recreational, educational, social, spiritual, health and wellness opportunities that are inclusive to all people. We are guided by the belief that all people are entitled to the opportunity to mature, to learn, and to grow in an environment that will support their passions, interests, dreams, and goals.
Phelps Community Center ~ The Phelps Community Center is truly the heart of Phelps! We offer a large variety of programs, events, and activities for those of all ages.
Hochstein ~ At Hochstein, our mission is simple: to provide excellent music and dance instruction to anyone who is interested – regardless of age, level of skill, background, or ability to pay.
The Animation Workshop at Animatus Studio ~ Are you interested in drawing? Do you want to see your characters come to life? Have you ever wondered what goes into shooting an animated movie? You just might be right for our Animation Workshops.
Skyzone ~ Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park. We’re the inventors of “fun fitness” and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We’ve been voted the number one “out of the box” workout and the “best party ever.” Experience WOW – the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes.
Spectrum Creative Arts ~ We provide premium quality creative arts services in the areas of music therapy, music instruction, art therapy, and art instruction for children and adults in Rochester, New York and surrounding areas. Here at Spectrum, we believe that EVERYONE is an artist, and we seek to empower our clients to create, explore, and enjoy the arts.
Wegmans Cooking Classes ~ Offering Cooking classes ranging from classical kitchen basics to great grilling.
The Webster Aquatic Center (WAC) is owned and managed by the Webster Central School District. Since its grand opening in April 2002, the WAC has become a focal point for aquatic recreation, instruction, and competition in the greater Webster area.
The Music Store Inc ~ The Music School at The Music Store has been offering the best in private music instruction for over 25 years. One-on-One lessons that can be customized to fit the needs of the individual student blended with the traditions of music learning.
Greece Community Education ~ Whether you want to get fit, master computer software, improve your job skills, pursue a new hobby, enroll your child in an afterschool program, or prepare for the TASC™ (High School Equivalency) test, we have a program for you. Classes fill quickly, so register today!
West Irondequoit Community Education ~ The Community Education program provides the opportunity for students of all ages to participate in a variety of classes and activities using school facilities and community resources. Opportunities exist for participants to teach as well as to enhance and improve skills or to acquire new ones.
Newark Central School District Community Education ~ Offering Community Classes ranging from Yoga/Pilates and Meditation to Photography and Cooking.
Seneca Park Zoo ~ Through the exhibition of animals in naturalistic settings, the Seneca Park Zoo will provide engaging and educational experiences to give our community the motivation and skills to act as stewards of the environment.
Rochester Museum and Science Center ~ A Museum/Science center with three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits in science, technology, natural science and regional cultural heritage. World-class collections of 1.2 million objects embody the community’s many stories. The Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratory (BUBL), a service of Monroe BOCES #1, is located in the Museum, as is the headquarters of the Water Education Collaborative.
LA Fitness ~ When you enter an LA Fitness, you know what to expect. The state of the art facility and equipment are familiar and comfortable, but what we are most proud of are the people who are there to serve you. The people who warmly greet you, expertly train you, enthusiastically teach you. lt is the entire team, our best resource, who is dedicated to making your fitness experience an exceptional one.
YMCA ~ The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a charitable association of members that seeks to place Christian principles into practice through its programs for the community to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Planet Fitness ~ We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone – and we mean anyone – can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end; not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, it’s all about you. As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected. – See more at: http://www.planetfitness.com/mission-statement#sthash.YuiKbk1n.dpuf
Camp Joy ~ For almost 100 years, Rochester Rotary’s summer camping program for young people with disabilities, called Sunshine Camp, has been spreading sunshine to thousands of campers in the Rochester community.
Camp Whitman ~ Camp Whitman is a traditional children’s summer camp owned and operated by the Presbytery of Geneva, in partnership with the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Each week during the summer we welcome both area youth for our traditional camp programs as well as youth and adults with developmental disabilities for our specialized Pine Camp program.
4-H ~ 4-H has a long history of helping youth “learn by doing”. When youth are thoughtfully guided through the do-reflect-apply process, there is tremendous potential for positive youth development and growth. 4-H focuses on teaching new topics and life skills development. Trained 4-H volunteers facilitate the learning that occurs in nonformal settings like 4-H club meetings and activities. The 4-H result is a fun fulfilling learning experience
Webster Parks and Rec
Pittsford Rec Department ~ http://www.townofpittsford.org/home-recreation
Chili Parks and Rec
Gates Park and Rec
Penfield Parks and Rec
Gates park and recreation
City of Rochester Parks and Rec
Henreitta Parks and Rec
Brighton Parks and Rec
Perinton Parks and Rec
Wisdom Writing ~ Record your journey of personal growth and develop wisdom by learning from your life experience.
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp
Boy Scouts of America
Girl Scouts of Western NY

New York State

OPWDD Resources ~ A variety of resources from OPWDD regarding Self-Direction Options and Self-Determination.
http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_community_connections/housing_initiatives – New York State’s Home Of Your Own program and other housing initiatives
SANYS_Volunteer_Sites (Excel Document) – accessibility of local volunteer sites and contact information. (Thanks to SANYS for this information.)
The Housing Resource Guide—July-2014 – Westchester Institute for Human Development
New York Self-Determination Coalition (NYSELFD) ~ A group of parents, and a few professionals, who care about and support self- determined people with developmental disabilities. We are not funded or paid, and we are not sponsored by any governmental or voluntary agency.
www.golisanofoundation.org/Initiatives_movetoinclude.html – WXXI and the Golisano Foundation have joined forces to launch MOVE TO INCLUDE, as initiative designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
www.nytransition.org – Institute for Innovative Transition works to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families as they transition from school age to adulthood. The Institute provides support to community members in the Finger Lakes Region to effectively address transition issues for individuals with developmental disabilities, ages 12 and older.
www.ddpc.ny.gov – The NYSDDPC is a Federally-funded, New York State Agency that operates under the direction of the Governor. For over forty years, they have been developing and funding innovative, disability-related projects which improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
www.nyspip.org – New York State Partners in Policymaking ® is an innovative model of leadership training for people with developmental disabilities, parents and family members. The overall intent of Partners is to achieve a productive partnership between people with developmental disabilities, parents, and family members, and those in position to make policy.
sanys.org -Self-Advocacy Association of New York State is an agency run by and for people with developmental disabilities. SANYS helps people with developmental disabilities speak up for themselves and others.
www.parenttoparentny.org – Parent to Parent of New York State builds a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for those with developmental disabilities.
TouchStream Solutions is a tablet-based monitoring system that helps people live independently and gives their families peace of mind.
Three modules from Westchester Institute for Human Development

National

Maryville University ~ College for students with disabilities: A guide for Students, Families and Educators
Magical Storybook Travels opened its doors in January 2015 by Owner and Travel Specialist, Nicole Thibault. Located in Fairport, New York, the Travel Agency specializes in Family Travel and Travel for Families with Special Needs. Listen to the interview: http://13wham.com/news/local/local-travel-agency-helps-plan-family-vacations-for-children-with-special-needs
The Center for Disability Leadership -An organization that supports and encourages people with disabilities to become leaders in their own lives and in their communities.
Self-Directed Services information from Medicaid
Good and Cheap recipes are designed for the budget of people on SNAP (the US program that used to be called Food Stamps). The meals use ingredients common to most low-income New York City neighborhoods. More than in most cookbooks, the recipes are flexible and encourage substitution based on availability, taste, and preference.
Florida PDF is ~Florida’s Self-Determination manual
www.thinkcollege.net/ – Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.
http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/default.aspx?TabId=212 – Self-Direction Page from Idaho Developmental Disabilities Program
SUPPORT BROKER TRAINING MY VOICE MY CHOICE – Even though this information is for Support Brokers, it will assist you with selecting your Support Broker. (Thanks to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for this information.)
http://www.mnddc.org/extra/publications/choice/Its_My_Choice.pdf – A workbook that will help you change the way you think about your life from the Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council
http://ngsd.org/news/self-determination-and-employment – Self-Determination and Employment is the second in the series of seven issues which will focus on specific topics: self-advocacy, employment, health, community services, aging, family roles, and siblings.
Citizenship for All (pdf) – Citizenship and why it’s important ~ Thanks to Simon Duffy & Wendy Perez
PATF Financial Booklet (pdf) – Financial skills to make smart decisions about money ~ Developed by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation in conjunction with Widener University (2013)
From Apartment Therapy – Connections between community and your health
Real Simple Magazine – Small changes that can improve your health
emeals.com ~ eMeals is a subscription service that sends weekly meal plans to your inbox based on information you provide. For a yearly charge of $58 subscribers can choose from several meal styles. Each week they send out a new plan along with a grocery list.
Finding a caregiver for a child with special needs:12 key tips ~ Help with finding a caregiver for a child with special needs from the dynamic Gary Dietz, a New Hampshire father of a 14-year-old boy with multiple disabilities. Gary is the editor of the new book Dads of Disability: Stories for, by, and about fathers of children who experience disability (and the women who love them). It’s an insightful collection of 41 candid essays and poems by men and women.
27 healthy and portable mason jar Meals ~ Mason jars make portable, portion-control meals a cinch—some don’t even need a second of cooking!
24 Diagrams To Help You Eat Healthier ~ Including quick and easy dinner recipes, a Paleo shopping list, a guide to portion sizes, and more.
7 Ways To Build Good Credit ~ To have a good credit history, you have to use credit responsibly. But what counts as using credit responsibly?
Building a Better Credit report ~ A Federal Trade Commission Guide with a lot of useful information about building good credit
How to Start Building Credit ~ A video that help you understand how to build good credit from scratch.
Questions to ask before renting an apartment ~ Ask these questions during your apartment search to ensure that you have a clear picture of what it will be like to live in your new place.
Five tax deductions and credits for special needs families
IRS information on ABLE program
Transition Independence ~ These are some wonderful real stories told by people with IDD living independently, working and contributing to their communities and others lives.
Hitting the open road after high school ~ how to choose your own adventure and success
www.citizencenteredleadership.org – Citizen Centered Leadership invites you to explore what others are thinking and doing in the areas of person-centered planning, leadership development, community-building, employment and organizational planning as they relate to supporting the ideals of citizenship with and on behalf of people with disabilities.
mn.gov/mnddc – Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities provides information, education and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
www.bethmount.org – Beth Mount is a premier leader in person centered planning. Beth’s website provides current information about her projects, exhibitions, projects, publications and more.
www.steamerscoffeeshop.com ~ Steamers is an enterprising
business which is sustainable, successful and inclusive.
My Autism Team is a social network and online support group for parents who have children with autism.
MEANS was started with the belief it should be easy for those with excess food to share it with those in need. If you have food that you want to donate they will come get it and deliver it to the appropriate food cupboard in your area.
Retail Savings Guide for People with Disabilities (Some of the wording in this could use updating. However, the resource is a good one.)

International

Five products that make traveling as a wheel chair user easier
A guide to building friends and building community
15 disability travel blogs that are inspirational
www.neighbours-international.com – Neighbours International is an innovative non-profit organization founded in 2009, specifically to support people with disabilities and their families in choosing and designing a life for themselves within their community.
www.ted.com/talks/browse – TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.
http://www.inclusion.com/artcreatingwhatiknow.html – Creating What I know About Community by Judith Snow
www.inclusion.com – Inclusion Press creates person-centered resource materials for families, organizations, schools, universities and government agencies.
www.in-control.org.uk – In Control is a national charity in the United Kingdom. Their mission is to create a fairer society where everyone needing additional support has the right responsibility and freedom to control that support.