Independent Living Center- Batavia

10/31/2025

🧡 Outreach Is at the Heart of Our Mission 🤝

At WNY Independent Living, every conversation we start, every hand we extend, and every resource we share is rooted in our unwavering belief in empowerment, inclusion, and community.

✨ Our Vision is clear:
We champion diversity, equity, access, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families — creating a community where everyone belongs.

As a peer-directed organization, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through:
✅ Advocacy
✅ Strong partnerships
✅ Impactful programs
✅ Lived experience

💬 Outreach is not just a strategy — it’s how we live our Core Values:
• Respect for All 🤝
• Empowerment 💪
• Inclusion 🌍
• Integrity & Honesty 🧭
• Person-Centered Support 💡

Together, we're building a community where every person has the right to choose, to thrive, and to live independently.

10/31/2025

📚✨ October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month! ✨📚
Some kids learn in different ways—and that’s okay! 💡
Learning disabilities are real, and with the right help, kids can do amazing things! 🌟

Here are some examples of learning disabilities:
• Dyslexia – trouble reading
• Dysgraphia – trouble writing
• Dyscalculia – trouble with math
• ADHD – trouble focusing and sitting still
• Auditory Processing Disorder – trouble understanding sounds
• Visual Processing Disorder – trouble understanding what they see

Let’s be kind, patient, and help every child feel confident at school, with friends, and at home. 💙

📞 Need help or info?
Contact April Fearby
CYSHCN Program Specialist
📱 585-815-8501 ext. 401

10/30/2025

🍁✨ Our Fall Family Fun Day was a huge success! ✨🍁

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening full of crafts, games, storytime, pizza, and pumpkin painting! 🎨🎃

Your smiles, laughter, and community spirit made the night truly special. 💛

Special thanks to our partners and supporters — including the Greater Rochester Health Foundation — for helping make this event possible! 🙌

10/29/2025

❄️ What to do when it's CODE BLUE: Below 32°F ❄️

When the temperature drops below 32°F (including wind chill), Code Blue is in effect in New York State.
That means emergency shelter must be provided to anyone experiencing homelessness — no one should be left outside in the cold.

🏠 If you need shelter in Genesee County:
📞 Genesee County DSS: 585-344-2580
🚔 Sheriff’s Office: 585-345-3000
📱 You can also call 2-1-1 for help finding services.

Please share this post — a warm place can save a life. 💙

10/29/2025

World Stroke Day: Act FAST, Save Lives

On World Stroke Day, we raise awareness about stroke prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely treatment. Stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, but knowing the signs and acting quickly can save lives.

Remember the FAST acronym:
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services

Let’s take action, spread knowledge, and support those affected by stroke. Together, we can reduce the impact of stroke and improve outcomes for everyone.

10/28/2025

In case you missed it ...
our Independent Living Center in Batavia hosted a Meet the Candidates event on October 21.
Watch the video from the event: https://youtu.be/bo3VYjf9yOo

Candidates running for office in November 2025 meet with members of the Disability Community at Independent Living of the Genesee Region on October 21, 2025.

10/27/2025

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month!

This month, we raise awareness about spina bifida and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by this condition. Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects, but with the right care, resources, and support, individuals with spina bifida can lead full and active lives.

Let’s come together to promote understanding, raise awareness, and advocate for better healthcare and opportunities for those with spina bifida. Every step we take towards inclusion and education brings us closer to a world that embraces all abilities.

Join us in spreading awareness and making a difference!

10/25/2025

✨ Stand Up, Stand Out: Say No to Drugs! ✨

This week, we are showing our commitment to living healthy, positive lives and making smart choices! 🚫💊

Join us for Red Ribbon Week and take a stand against drugs. Together, we can create a future filled with opportunities, good health, and success! 💪🌟

🔴 How can YOU help?
• Lead by example: Show your friends the power of saying no.
• Educate yourself and others about the dangers of drugs.
• Share your story or thoughts using and .

🧡 Need support? You’re not alone.
WNY Independent Living, Inc. offers support for individuals and families impacted by addiction through our Addict 2 Addict (A2A) and Family 2 Family (F2F) Peer Support Programs.
Our peer-led teams are available to adults in Erie and Niagara Counties who are ready to take the first step toward recovery and a new life.

✅ Here’s how we help:
• You’ll be matched with certified and trained Peers—people in recovery themselves or family members of those with substance use disorders.
• Our Peers share their lived experiences to help guide, inform, and empower you on your recovery journey.
• We provide real-life support, resources, advocacy, and peer counseling to help prevent relapse and reduce the risk of overdose.
• Family members and loved ones can also access peer support to better understand and cope with the challenges of addiction.

When you're “Ready,” reach out:
📞 Erie County: 716-836-2726
📞 Niagara County: 716-398-4333
(You may need to leave a message—our team will respond promptly.)

Let’s make this week a reminder that the best choice is to stay strong, stay healthy, and stay drug-free. 💥

10/24/2025

World Polio Day: Together, We Can End Polio

On World Polio Day, we unite to raise awareness and reaffirm our commitment to eradicating polio worldwide. Thanks to decades of global effort, polio has been nearly eliminated, but the fight isn’t over. Every child deserves a polio-free future, and together, we can make that a reality.

Let’s continue supporting vaccination efforts, spreading knowledge, and working towards a world where polio is a distant memory.

Join us in the fight to !

10/23/2025

🎉 Thank You for a Successful Meet the Candidates Day! 🎉

A big thank you to everyone who joined us—both in-person and virtually—on October 21st for our Meet the Candidates Day! Your questions, insights, and engagement made the event a huge success. 💬

We appreciate the candidates who took the time to share their views and listen to our community about the issues that matter most. 💪

Special thanks to Independent Living of the Genesee Region staff and volunteers for making this event possible, and to everyone who tuned in via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for all. 🌟