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

Strike it up Artistic Center in Ontario ~ offers classes in Art, Dance and Music classes and welcomes Self Directed Students. Classes are forming based on interest, direct FI billing is accepted, individual lessons and Daytime Classes are offered. Contact Kaitlynn Schultz at 585-857-0804 or Strike It Up Artistic Center at 315-524-5330. See their Website at http://www.siuac.com
Community Arts Workshop, Inc. ~ Using the arts to impart new skills to people of all abilities.
Success & Job Coaching ~ Coaching sessions are customized to meet the needs of the individual and can include goal setting, time/task management, resume writing/interview skills as well as job specific development and proficiency at an individual’s work site.
Yoga and Mindfulness Instruction ~ Whether you are new to yoga, working on a strengthening your practice or want to become present in daily life through mindfulness, all sessions are tailored to meet the individual goals and needs of participants.
FSS Directory ~ Finger Lakes DDRO Family Support Services Directory of Agencies and Programs
Respite Directory
Abilities Movement~ “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.
Move to Include~ a partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Homesteads for Hope ~ With effortless inclusion and a focus on our region’s future, Homesteads for Hope is a one-of a kind community farm, fostering independence, promoting skills training, socialization, self-awareness and career exploration on our organically practiced farm.
HomeOfMyOwnofWNY Our mission is to create apartment communities tailored to independent individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire to live in a safe, social and integrated community with lifelong sustainability.
journeyguidelifecoach.com ~ Giving you guidance and support towards your goals. Unlock your full potential. Say hello to the new you.
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.
Spotted Rabbit Studio ~ provides art & music psychotherapy services by licensed creative arts therapists (LCATs), as well as therapeutically minded classes in the expressive arts by experienced teaching artists. We work with all ages and abilities and specialize in helping individuals increase self-esteem, build positive social skills, and develop healthy coping strategies. We also offer arts-based vocational programing for adults.
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.
Pieters 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.
Ontario ARC~ offers inclusive classes and programs throughout the year
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.
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 ~ If you are looking for a class, activity, enroll your child in an afterschool program, or prepare for the TASC™ (High School Equivalency) test, we have a program for you.
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.
LA Fitness ~ With our wide range of amenities and a highly trained staff, we provide fun and effective workout options to family members of all ages and interests.
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.
VolunteerMatch ~ With more volunteers and more volunteer opportunities than any other service, VolunteerMatch is how good people and good causes get connected.
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 ~ is open to all youth aged 5-to-19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.
Webster Parks and Rec
Pittsford Recreation Department
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

First Apartment Guide The ultimate First Apartment Guide and Checklist
Artistic Center ~Here at Strike it Up! we are not just a dance studio we are an artistic center. Music, theater, dance, art and fitness are all forms of expression, and we make it our mission to provide well rounded educational opportunities through-out all area’s of the the arts.

New York State

New York State Home of Your Own ~ OPWDD provides supports for you to live at home or in a home in your community so you can be as independent as possible.
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.
Developmental Disabilities Planning Council of New York (DDPC)~ The DDPC addresses the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the development of demonstration projects around advocacy, systems change, and capacity building efforts that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion in all facets of life.
Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western NY (DDAWNY) ~ The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.
Golisano Foundation Move to Include ~ promotes inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
New York State Access Pass ~The Access Pass provides residents of New York State with disabilities free or reduced cost passes
Center for Disability and Education ~The Center for Disability and Education provides high quality information to people navigating the world of disability. The Center provides expertise, guidance, and linkage to community members, students, families, school districts, non-profit agencies, and higher education institutions.
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.Parent to Parent of New York
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.
Three modules from Westchester Institute for Human Development
myBenefits is a prescreening tool which provides a quick and easy way for people who live in New York State to find out if they might be able to receieve Benefits in New York State.

National

Fiscal Tiger ~ a collection of writers and designers who work together as a team to bring you world-class content that helps you maximize your money. They do this by publishing well-researched articles and graphics that aim to help you make the most of your financial life.
Maryville University ~ College for students with disabilities: A guide for Students, Families and Educators
Magical Storybook Travels ~ the Travel Agency specializes in Family Travel and Travel for Families 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
Think College – Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.
Idaho’s Self-Direction Program– Self-Direction Page from Idaho Developmental Disabilities Program
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.
7 Ways To Build Good Credit ~ How to build and keep good credit
Building a Better Credit report ~ A Federal Trade Commission Guide with a lot of useful information about building good credit
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.
First Apartment Checklist ~ What do I need?
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.
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.
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.