Agencies

Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Name: Disability Pride Festival
Start: 2025-07-26
End: 2025-07-26
Location: Buffalo Riverworks

Serving people with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans Counties.

Our Vision

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a catalyst for systems and individual change, enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities, while respecting diversity, and promoting choices and alternatives for independent living in our society.

Our Mission

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a multi-cultural, grassroots, peer directed, civil rights organization that provides a full range of assistance, programs, and services to enhance the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities. Independent Living assists persons with disabilities to realize their life choices through information and referral, independent living skills, community and systems advocacy and peer counseling.

Ways We Can Help

Employment Counseling

Consider VB’s story. VB is a consumer who was interested in moving to a new place, but not in holding a job because she was receiving Unemployment Insurance payments. Our Independent Living Specialist encouraged her to consider going back to work, as Unemployment was limited. While discussing different job paths, the ILS introduced VB to the Personal Assistant position at WNYIL. After interviewing for different jobs, VB accepted a position doing laundry at a nursing home. Feeling she had more to offer, VB decided the position was not for her. She recalled the conversation about the PA position and was connected to the Taking Control PA Coordinator. After orientation, VB was hired as a Personal Assistant and maintained consistent employment 20 to 30 hours per week in her new role.

Our Programs and Services

Exclusive Programs at Independent Living of the Genesee Region

ARTiculations Exhibition

For artists with disabilities, juried competition to have artwork exhibited in our reception area for a group or solo show.

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program enhances care for children and youth with special healthcare needs. It advocates for improved public policies to increase families’ access to high-quality medical care and essential resources. By advocating for policy changes, CYSHCN strives to promote optimal care and support for children and their families.

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether they come in regularly or help at special events, volunteers offer a vital service to Independent Living.

Governing Council

If you would like the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in your community, please inquire about serving on our Governing Council. Contact Rae Frank, Director, at 585-815-8501 ext. 406 or email at rfrank@wnyil.org.

Office Help

We always need volunteers to maintain our Loan Closet and help with office cleaning and clerical tasks. Contact us at 585-815-8501 ext. 400 to inquire about ways you can help.