Heather is joined in the podcast today by Sonia Martinez, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, and Zaida Morell, Secretary of the Arc Oneida Lewis Board and Member at Large of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association. In our conversation, we talk about overcoming barriers, prejudices and misconceptions and highlight the similarities between our shared missions. This conversation serves to remind us all that we should seek to understand others and treat them with kindness, valuing every individual in an organization-from the entry level employee all the way up to the C suite.

https://www.mvlautica.org/

https://www.mvlautica.org/la-abundancia.html

https://www.thearcolc.org/the-arc-board-of-directors/

https://www.thearcolc.org/

Today's podcast features a candid conversation with Fred Matt, President and CEO of FX Matt Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in New York State. Fred is the 4th generation of the Matt family to serve the company, and in our discussion we uncover just what "serve" means to Fred. For Fred and his family, the legacy of the brewery is one which treats employees with compassion, fosters inclusion, and prioritizes a positive impact to the community-all while growing as a vital local business with newer multinational partnerships and a decades long partnership with the Arc Oneida Lewis.

You may think you know FX Matt Brewing, but listen and you will learn there is so much more!

www.thearcolc.org

https://www.saranac.com/

https://chefsexpressutica.com/

A comprehensive clinical evaluation is an important first step to helping a child with a developmental disability get the services and supports they need. As a parent or caregiver, understanding a child's challenges and finding the resources best suited to him/her can be overwhelming.

At her private practice, Neurodevelopmental Health Services, Dr Danielle Bronk, PhD uses her extensive background in performing evaluations of people with developmental disabilities and a strengths based approach to facilitate transition planning and diagnosis support, benefitting both the child and their parent or caregiver.

See more information on Dr Danielle Bronk at her website

https://www.cnyneuro.org/

or contact her at 315-507-7150.

www.thearcolc.org

Parents of children with special needs are their natural guardians until the child’s 18th birthday. At age 18, the child is now an adult by law. It then becomes necessary for parents to qualify as legal guardians to exercise parental supervision and provide guidance.

All families need to make legal and financial plans for the future. Parents of people with developmental disabilities must plan even more carefully because of the person’s unique needs. The planning must begin sooner, last longer, and take more details into consideration.

Parents also need to consider how their son or daughter’s needs will be met if they are not around or make decisions on their behalf.

In this Arc Splash Mini-Pod, listeners will hear about guardianship and future planning from Frank Centola and Francesca Bevivino. For more information please see our website at https://www.thearcolc.org/guardianship-2/ or call Francesca Bevivino, Guardianship Coordinator for the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-927-0088.

Within the disabilities field, the greatest and most treasured asset is the direct support professional workforce (DSP). They are the lifeline to the care and support needed to help a person with their daily living needs, to feel a part of the community, to be employed, and to achieve their dreams.

The number of individuals diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability continues to rise, yet the size of the DSP workforce continues to shrink, making it harder for individuals with I/DD to lead the enriched lives they deserve.

In this episode, Senator Mannion talks about the importance of advocacy at not only the state and federal level, but also at the community level, on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their direct support professionals. We invite you to listen, subscribe, share and advocate in your own community.

https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/john-w-mannion

www.thearcolc.org

Individuals with disabilities in New York State have an astounding 67% unemployment rate, yet those who are employed report a high rate of job satisfaction with lower rates absenteeism and turnover, and make sizable impacts on both state and federal tax rolls.

In this episode, Maureen discusses barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities, their essential roles during the COVID pandemic and beyond, the necessity of considering individuals with disabilities in all DEI discussions, and the role NYSID has in creating jobs and driving the economy of NY.

Maureen's approach to leadership, her experience as a parent advocate, and her dedication to her community and NYSID make for an authentic, informative and heartfelt conversation.

www.nysid.org

https://www.nysid.org/news/363/Rockefeller-Institute-Unveils-NYSID-s-Impact-on-NYS-Economy/

https://nystateassembly.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=8&clip_id=6401​

www.thearcolc.org

https://www.thearcolc.org/business-enterprises/

Frank Coluccio, the Chief Administration Officer at the Arc Oneida Lewis, began his career as a service coordinator in 2007. Today, he discusses Self-Direction, which began in 2011 at the Arc Oneida Lewis, means that each individual, with the help of his/her social supports, can choose the mix of supports and services that work best, how and when the services are provided, and the staff/organizations who provide them.

For more information on Self-Direction, please contact Amy Bauer at the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-735-6477 or head to our website at https://www.thearcolc.org/self-direction/

Join us in a master class in modern media and storytelling in this episode of Arc Waves where we speak with Associate Professor for the Television-Radio Degree at the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, Mr Peter Johanns. Having worked in a variety of capacities in various television stations, and also having produced several documentaries on social issues, Peter is experienced in traditional media but has also seen great success in modern social media, including with TikTok, where he has amassed over 1 million followers.

Our conversation with Peter also highlights the importance of telling a compelling story in multiple paradigms in order to reach a variety of demographics.

https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/pjohanns

https://theithacan.org/life-culture/park-professor-goes-viral-on-tiktok/

www.thearcolc.org

Steve has been an active member of the Arc, Oneida Lewis Board of Directors and of the Friends of the Arc Foundation board. During his tenure, he has been president of the Foundation, VP of the Arc Policy Board, and is currently the President of the Board of Directors. He serves on a variety of committees and is a proven leader for the agency board of directors, an advocate for those we support and staff, and is a prominent member of the community.

www.thearcolc.org

315-735-6477

Business Enterprises https://www.thearcolc.org/business-enterprises/

American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-york/mohawk-valley-region

Don't forget to subscribe to Arc Waves and share our podcast!

In this episode, Karen and Heather are honored to talk with Erik Geizer, CEO of the Arc New York, in his first ever podcast appearance. The Arc New York is the country's largest not-for-profit organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Erik shares his leadership perspective and experience as it relates to the Arc New York, and the importance of advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and the amazing direct support professionals across our communities.

We invite you to visit the Arc New York website here:

https://www.thearcny.org/

A NYS hearing is also referenced in this podcast. Please use the link below to view this important hearing:

https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/september-14-2021/public-hearing-evaluate-current-workforce-challenges-idd