Indera: Independence and Access for All

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 Shops and Horsemanship Camp. Jen offers insights into Sib Shops, inclusive recreation programs, summer rec, and the unique ways ARISE–EFR supports siblings—giving them space to connect, learn, and simply be kids.

Filled with laughter, honesty, and the genuine perspective only a sibling can offer, this episode highlights the strength, compassion, and resilience that grow within families—and the vital role of inclusive programs that support them.

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. Together, Bruce and Lawton break down what employment services really are, how discovery works, what pre-vocational programs look like in action, and the essential role of volunteer experiences and one-to-one support.

With real success stories, candid insights, and Lawton’s trademark energy, this episode highlights how employment changes lives — and how ARISE-EFR is helping individuals find purpose, confidence, and opportunity every day.

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 independent living centers—what sets them apart and how they empower people with disabilities. 
  
  
• Real wins in advocacy: from improvements to accessible voting equipment to protections around source-of-income discrimination. 
  
  
• The balance between policy-wonk detail and person-centered organizing, and why trust and credibility matter in this work. 

Whether you’re a disability-rights advocate, policy-enthused citizen, or simply curious about how grassroots effort connects to institutional change, this episode offers a powerful look at how lasting impact is built—one relationship, one system, one community at a time.

Tune in to discover how empowerment, organizing, and policy intersect to move the needle on justice and inclusion.

 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 independent living. Sue also reflects on life planning, goal-setting, and the deep satisfaction and challenges in her work. 

 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, families, and service agencies can work together to create inclusive, thriving communities—this conversation offers valuable insight, practical tips, and inspiring examples. 

 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 families can navigate allowable vs. non-allowable expenses, the advocacy process, referral services, and the importance of empowering families to self-advocate and trust their instincts. 

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 like Sarah thrive.

Together, their stories shine a light on the impact of meaningful support, self-expression, and community connection.

✨ Listen now to be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the power in every voice we support.

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 will gain insight into how Max’s diverse background fuels his passion for inclusion and community engagement.

Tune in to hear how Max’s blend of creativity and compassion makes a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves.

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.