There are many resources available for people with disabilities to assist with day-to-day living. One of those resources includes utilizing an animal to support your needs. But questions often arise about the difference between service animals and assistance animals, and what is allowable with each. WNYIL’s Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk joined the show to talk about the difference between service and assistance animals in the community.

For the second consecutive year, Independent Living of the Genesee Region is hosting a Parking Lot Party at its main location in Batavia. This event is designed to be a day of community and togetherness for the area. ILGR team members Kristen Lazarony and Christine Perrin joined the show to talk about ILGR’s upcoming Parking Lot Party.

WNYIL’s Mental Health Peer Connection hosts activities and events designed to bring the community together with a mental health and wellness focus. The annual Kites and Kindness cookout is one of those events. MHPC Director Kevin Smith joined the show to talk about the upcoming Kites and Kindness Cookout.

Independent Living of Niagara County is hosting its 3rd annual Cornhole for a Cause fundraiser in just a few short weeks. In addition to raising funds, this event is designed to be a day of community and support. Addict to Addict Peer Support Specialist Doug Bisher joined  the show to talk about ILNC’s upcoming Cornhole for a Cause fundraiser.

For people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, the ability to manage their lives and their health directly is paramount to maintaining their independence. The Taking Control Self-Directed Home Care program here at WNYIL is designed to support that level of independence.  Taking Control’s Speaker Series is a new component this year that touches on topics that are relevant to consumers living independently in the community. Julie Andrews, the Director of Taking Control, returned to the show today to talk about some upcoming topics covered through the speaker series.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed globally on August 31st each year. It is the world's largest annual campaign to remember loved ones lost, acknowledge the grief of families and friends, and spread awareness about evidence-based overdose prevention to save lives.  In recognition of the day, the team from Addict to Addict at Independent Living of Niagara County are hosting an overdose awareness day rally on August 31st in the city of Lockport. ILNC Recovery Peer Services Coordinator Erin Zych and Addict 2 Addict Peer Support Specialist Doug Bisher joined the show to to talk about the upcoming Overdose Awareness Day Rally in Lockport.

Supporting good mental health is part of the work we do at WNYIL through Mental Health Peer Connection. One of the options we offer for someone who is experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis is the Renewal Center in Buffalo. New this year, the team at the Renewal Center is joining with other agencies to offer a community event designed to bring awareness to the services offered in the area of mental health. Renee Law, MHPC Program Manager for the Renewal Center, joined the program to talk about the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair at the Kirsten Vincent Respite and Recovery Center.

Our focus today is on the artistic side.  The ARTiculations project is a collaboration between Independent Living of the Genesee Region and the University Heights Arts Association. This project creates a welcoming and accessible space for artists with disabilities. Rae Frank, Director of ILGR, as well as Larry and Mary Kinney from the University Heights Arts Association, joined the program to talk about the history of the ARTiculations Exhibition project.

July 26 is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities act, with this year celebrating 36 years since this groundbreaking legislation was enacted by then President George HW Bush. This legislation was followed in 1999 by the Olmstead ACT which further solidified the rights of people with disabilities to receive services and support in community settings rather than being institutionalized. Recent memos from the US Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel have challenged this long held interpretation of the ADA and the Olmstead Act. WNYIL’s Chief Policy Officer, Todd Vaarwerk, joined the show to talk about the history of the ADA and the Olmstead Act, as well as the recent DOJ memo.

The 2026 Disability Pride Festival is coming up this week on Friday, July 24 at Buffalo Riverworks. As a celebration of people of all abilities, one of the areas in focus during the festival is accessibility. Mike Rogers, chairperson of the Festival's Accessibility Committee joined the show to discuss the accessibility features of the Festival and the venue.