Host: Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL).

Our guest today is Ashley Dunham, Independent living Specialist with Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) and I'm your host. Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Ashley.

Guest: Hi Ernie. Thank you.

Host: We're privileged to have you here because you are one of the two people who oversees an exciting series of training programs called Chronic Disease Self-Management programs.

And although it's been around quite a number of years, I'm willing to bet some people listening are not familiar with it even when it serves a fair range of people around Batavia so.

First, could you tell me who it is intended to serve?

And what process there is to get them to participate in the program?

Guest: So, the chronic disease self-management program serves people with disabilities and their family members to help them manage and cope with their disabilities. Some of the conditions are arthritis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, breathing disorders and eating disorders. We go over techniques to deal with symptoms of the chronic conditions such as fatigue, pain, sleeplessness,

Shortness of breath, stress and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration.

The only thing you need to do to be able to participate in this class is to register by calling Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, ext. 400.

Host: Alright and you just came off what I understand is a successful session in Leroy, New York. What can you tell us about how that went?

Guest: It went very well. So, at the beginning of the class, we do a pre survey and at the end we do a post survey and we're able to see the progression that people get out of each class. Everybody I can say from that class learn something.

Host: That's good to hear. So that people can prepare to get their pencils out. If you could tell us when and where the next session of six classes is to begin.

Guest: So, the next session is actually going to be held out in Wyoming County, and that's going to be at Crestview Terrace in Warsaw, on Salina St.

And this is going to be held every Friday morning beginning September 8th. and ending on October 13th, and it's going to run from 9:30 a.m. to noon and we will have snacks provided at each session.

Host: Oh that's always a good thing to bring in the folks.

Independent living of the Genesee Region,. you mentioned that this is going to be in Wyoming County. What counties does ILGR serve?

Guest: So, we covered Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County.

Host: That's a pretty fair expanse, I dare say. And is there any charge for people to participate in these sessions?

Guest: There is no charge and upon completion of the program. You will get a gift card.

Host: Oh, that's something to look forward to.

Oh, and we should probably mention that when she said breathing disorders, people might be more familiar with the individual ones, which are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And I'm sure some people will go. Oh, those are what they're talking about and.

So that that that's the information that people need to sign up.

Are there any of these particular strategems that are particularly suited for one of these disorders or another?

Guest: So, are you asking about what topics we're going to cover?

Host: Well, that actually we have less than a minute left, but so if there's anything that leaps out at you in terms of. Something that's really handy for dealing with a particular disorder.

Guest: So, the only thing we really want people to understand is mutual support and success will help build the participants confidence and their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. So, it's very important to make sure that you can come to all of the sessions.

Host: Well, that’s just about it for our time. I'm sure people will have questions. How can they reach you?

Guest: So, they can reach me by calling 585-815-8501 ext. 414 if they have any further questions.

Host: Thank you so much for being with us, Ashley, and for your ongoing work as a peer leader.

Guest: Thank you, Ernie.

Host: You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Ashley Dunham, Independent Living Specialist with ILGR, and I've been your host, Ernie Churchwell.