This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Elisabeth Downing, mother of two boys who benefit from the ARISE SibShops program. It took a long time for the medical community to come up with 6 year old Jax's diagnoses of Angelman. His 8 year old brother Jace has always doted on his baby brother. Protecting him and playing with him.  Elisabeth says the SibShop program for siblings of specials needs children is huge. And, it gives  Jace  a place he can be with other kids with a similar family dynamic that is so important. 

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Judy Aguirre, President of the Syracuse Spinal Association (SSA).  14 years ago, Judy fell down a flight of  stairs resulting in a C5 C6 incomplete quadriplegic disability.  Following the accident, she joined a support group which became the SSA.  The Association provides  resources, knowledge, advocacy, and support to enhance the lives of those living with spinal cord disabilities in CNY.

Recommended:
Syracuse Spinal Association
Connor McGough - ARISE Adaptive Design

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Claudia Heritage and Mia DiFrancesco, both medical students at SUNY Upstate Medical University. The soon to be physicians have been volunteering at the ARISE adaptive design workshop. Both were astonished by the impact adaptive design brings to its patients, families and to one day, their own practice.

Related Recommended Podcasts:
Adaptive Design at ARISE
The Gadgeteer

In this week’s ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Ben Verdi, Regrants Program Officer, CNY Arts, ARISE Foundation Board Member and UNIQUE Art & Literary Magazine judge. Ben tells us about his connection with the disabled community and the extraordinary experience local artists can have by participating in the UNIQUE Magazine program.

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks with Bridget Theobald. Both women have children with disabilities and discussion centers on their child’s transition to adult independence.

In this ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Jeremiah Cullen of Cleveland, NY.  It was nearly 10 years ago that the 41-year-old was involved in a horrendous motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his eyesight and leg. Cullen struggled for years before discovering how ARISE can help secure benefits and help him to live an independent life.

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, has a conversation with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator about expansion of the ARISE Ramp program into Cayuga County.  Scott discusses community outreach designed to create awareness about the program.  Some volunteer groups have already come forward to build ramps in the community.

Recommended Podcasts:
The Ramp Program
Volunteering for the Ramp Program

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, has a conversation with  Mary Donegan, a volunteer ski instructor with the ARISE & Ski program and Laura Pecori, a participant in the program. These two woman met 22 years ago for a  skiing lesson and developed a close friendship that has gone beyond the slopes. This is a wonderful story of how their relationship has grown throughout the years.

Recommended:
ARISE & Ski

This week on the ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, talks to Michael Collins, Syracuse Commissioner of Neighborhoods and Business Development about recent funding and code changes made to support affordable and accessible housing in Syracuse.  Commissioner Collins reported that recent New York State funding will make it possible for construction to begin on new housing units. In addition, recently revamped housing codes will make existing residences in Syracuse more accessible.  The Syracuse housing crisis is a 2024 priority for the Mayor’s Office. 

Recommended listening:
Syracuse Housing Study
Accessibility and Syracuse's Housing Crisis

In this week’s ARISE podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE,talks to Dr. Nienke Dosa, Developmental Pediatrician at Upstate Hospital. Dr. Dosa, who specializes in neurodevelopmental disabilities says patients benefit medically from adaptive design devices by strengthening arms, legs and core muscles. Dosa says adaptive design solutions also help children enter their peer community through play and recreation which is extremely vital for healthy development. Dosa says, “early learning is motor learning and if children can’t get to where they want to go that affects their development globally.”

Recommended related podcasts:
Adaptive Design at ARISE
The Gadgeteer