Quality of Life grant

WNY Independent Living receives$5,780 grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for its “Assistive Technology for Western New York” initiative

Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) is proud to announce that it has received a $5,780 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 79 grants totaling over $575,704 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded over 2,700 grants totaling over $20 million since 1999. 

 

WNYIL will use the grant for increasing the availability of assistive and adaptive equipment for individuals with: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), other mobility disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and head trauma survivors. As they are among the most highly requested assistive devices, most of the grant will go to purchase wheelchairs. Loan Closets are maintained at our Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Batavia offices.

 

WNYIL Executive Director Douglas J. Usiak states, “Having provided peer support and independent Living skills instruction to citizens with any disabilities for 36 years, we have become aware of the vital role access to the appropriate assistive technology plays in improving consumers’ quality of life. Together with our consumer-directed personal assistance and other services, it can enable them to live in the least restrictive environment, outside nursing homes and institutions, if they wish. We are extremely grateful to the Reeve Foundation for their furthering our efforts.”

 

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program was created to address the myriad needs of children and adults living with paralysis, as well as provide assistance and education to their families and caregivers. The grants support innovative initiatives that aim to increase quality of life by improving physical and emotional health, broadening community engagement, and increasing independence. Quality of Life grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the US Administration for Community Living (cooperative agreement number 90PR3001-01-00).

 

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offers an expanding array of inclusive and affirming services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives. Our mission is to educate, empower and create equality and accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities to obtain accessible housing, competitive employment, independence and community integration. More can be found on our website or by calling 716-836-0822.