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The theme of the podcast is independent living and advocacy for people with disabilities.
116 Episodes
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In this episode, ARISE-EFR CEO Bruce Drake is joined by Bill Rose, Program Manager of the Ombudsman Program, for an in-depth conversation about advocacy, dignity, and the rights of older adults living in long-term care settings. Bill shares his journey from professor of gerontology to nonprofit advocate and explains what ombudsmen do, how the program works across Central New York, and why this service is so critical for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. From resolving...
In this episode of the ARISE – Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, CEO Bruce Drake speaks with Beth Clark, Lead Education Advocate at ARISE & EFR. Beth shares her journey from classroom teacher and parent of three children with disabilities to advocate, and explains how education advocacy helps families navigate the complex world of special education. They discuss common school challenges, how to communicate effectively with districts, why the right language in meetings and letters matt...
In this heartwarming episode, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with 10-year-old Jace Downing, one of ARISE–EFR’s youngest participants, volunteers, and natural advocates. Joined by Jen Barkley, Community Inclusion Supervisor, this conversation shines a light on the experiences of siblings of children with disabilities and the supportive programs that help them thrive. Jace shares his love of farming, volunteering at ARISE at the Farm, helping fellow riders gain confidence, and participating in Sib S...
In this powerful and inspiring episode, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Lawton Williamson, Director of Employment Services at ARISE & Exceptional Family Resources, to explore the transformative work behind meaningful employment for people with developmental disabilities. Lawton shares his personal journey from manufacturing to human services, the moment that sparked his passion for mentoring, and the impact of more than three decades spent supporting individuals toward independence. Togeth...
Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with statewide systems advocate Phil Phren to unpack how meaningful systems-change happens in the world of disability rights and independent living. In this episode, we explore: What it really means to be a systems advocate and how that role differs from direct service. Phil’s roots in community organizing, his own connection to disability via his sister, and how that experience shaped his work. The function of independe...
Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator for their community mobility program. Discover how this incredible volunteer-driven initiative designs, builds and installs modular access ramps so individuals with mobility challenges can continue living independently in their homes. Learn about the building process, the partner churches and corporate volunteers, and the impact behind the 500-plus ramps built to date.
In this episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, host Bruce Drake talks with Sue Stalker, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with 15 years of experience, about her longtime partnership with Lawrence. They discuss how Sue became Lawrence’s DSP, the trust and consistency that have held their relationship together, and her role in supporting his daily life—especially in helping him make healthier choices, participate in community activities, volunteer, and explore new possibilities like independ...
In this episode, host Bruce Drake engages with Adaptive Design Coordinator, Connor McGough, to explore how ARISE-EFR forges meaningful collaborations with community organizations to enhance support for individuals with disabilities and their families. They discuss strategies for creating welcoming, accessible programs; the importance of mutual respect and shared goals; lessons learned from past partnerships; and how to sustain momentum over time. If you’re interested in how nonprofits, ...
In this episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, host Bruce Drake sits down with Karen Adams, Resource & Family Reimbursement Specialist, to discuss her journey as both a parent and advocate in the disability field. Karen shares how she came to work at EFR, her personal connection to services through her son’s diagnosis, and the workings of the Family Directed Supports program — a reimbursement program for disability-related expenses for individuals living at home. They explore how familie...
In this powerful episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, we’re proud to spotlight two incredible voices from our community: Laurie Penny-McGee, a passionate advocate and leader at ARISE-EFR, and Sarah Brittenham, a talented artist and person supported through our services. 🎨 Sarah shares her journey as an artist, what inspires her work, and how creativity empowers her voice and identity. 💬 Laurie reflects on her advocacy work, her commitment to inclusion, and the joy of seeing individuals lik...
In this episode of the ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources podcast, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Max Smith, the Community Inclusion Senior Supervisor at ARISE. They discuss Max’s unique path—from his early days in theater and education to his current role advocating for individuals with disabilities. Max shares personal stories, including his experiences growing up in Chittenango, his work with his cousin who has spina bifida, and his time teaching theater in Syracuse schools. Listeners wi...
ARISE/Exceptional Family Resources CEO, Bruce Drake and COO, Dan Kelley talk the agency services for people with disabilities and Dan's role as both an employee and parent of two adult children with developmental disabilities.
Welcome to another episode of the ARISE Podcast! Today, we have a special holiday message for you as our CEO, Tania Anderson, sits down with Josh Solazzo, Local Systems Advocate and Disability Rights Advocate, and Jim Cronk, Independent Living Advocate. We’ll be diving into the heartwarming details of our 14th annual ARISE Holiday Food Basket giveaway, happening on Friday, December 20th at our Oswego location. Tune in to hear about the impact this event has on our community and how you can ge...
Welcome to our podcast! We are coming up on the first anniversary of the Veterans Directed Care program at ARISE. Join us as Tania Anderson, our CEO, chats with Judy Wirt, the wife of Air Force Veteran Karl Wirt, and Gabrielle VanDuser, a Person Centered Counselor in our VDC program. Judy shares how the program has been a lifeline for Karl and herself during some challenging times. TRANSCRIPTION Podcast Recommendations: Veteran Directed Services
This week on our podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, tackles the issue of voter accessibility in Oswego County. She is joined by Josh Solazzo, a Disability Rights Advocate, and Jim Cronk, an Independent Living Advocate, both from ARISE. Together, they share their experiences with accessible voting at two different polling locations on Election Day. Podcast Transcription
In this ARISE Podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, interviews Joanna Ginnick, the long-term care ombudsman coordinator, about the Ombudsman Program. The program, staffed by certified volunteers, advocates for residents in nursing homes to ensure their quality of life. Joanna also discusses the challenges of balancing residents' rights with institutional constraints, the importance of resident councils, and the need for non-adversarial communication to foster a supportive community. T...
Welcome to this week’s episode! Today, we have a special conversation with Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, and Rory Lawrence, Director of Wellness at David’s Refuge. David’s Refuge is a local agency dedicated to providing respite, resources, and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions. Join us as Tania and Rory discuss the programs and services that empower Central New York caregivers. TRANSCRIPTION The Nothing About Us Without Us...
In this week's episode, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE talks with Billie Horr, a resident of Senate Meadows in Cayuga County, which is a special housing program supported by ARISE. Anderson also talks with Marie Phillips, Bille’s home health aide. Billie, who has a learning disability, shared her journey from an unsafe living situation to a secure and positive environment at Seneca Meadows with some miraculous outcomes. TRANSCRIPT
On the ARISE Podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO and Amy Schiminske, ARISE Mental Health Counselor discuss suicide prevention as suicide rates are at an all-time high. In this informative conversation, Anderson and Schiminske discuss risk factors, protective factors, warning signs and safety planning. Call or Text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Transcription
In this ARISE Podcast episode, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, has a conversation with Bruce Drake, CEO of Exceptional Family Resources (EFR), about the decision to merge the two organizations. Discussion centers on the strengths both ARISE and EFR bring to the partnership and their similar philosophies regarding community-based and person-centered service delivery and recruiting and retaining high-quality employees. Transcription
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