By Douglas J. Usiak (and friends)
After retiring as CEO of WNY Independent Living, Inc. Family of Agencies, I found myself doing what a lot of us do when we step away from our life’s work—looking back and wondering what was going on without me. So I called Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC) and set up a meeting.
And it got cancelled the morning of.
For a split second, my ego had a little retirement tantrum—Well alright then. Guess I’m not very important anymore. Then we rescheduled, and I walked into something that reminded me what Independent Living is really about.
April Fearby, ILNC’s new director, grew up with not one, but three disabilities—chronic migraines, substance use disorder, and a mobility condition that leaves her unable to walk at times. Between the pain, the mobility issues, and the cruelty of other kids calling her “penguin,” April shared with me that she never felt like she fit in anywhere.
“I just went with the crowd that most accepted me”, April recollected. “I simply followed to be part of the many. Unfortunately, by doing so, it led me to drug use. But I’m now 9 years sober”.
“What brought you to Independent Living?” I asked next.
“Even though I personally felt broken, I was working at a nursing home. During my time there I found myself disliking the way the people were treated and eventually applied for a position at Independent Living of the Genesee Region [ILGR]”.
Then she continued, saying something I haven’t stopped thinking about since:
“Independent Living saved my life. I didn’t realize how far gone I was until taking the job at ILGR. Our director [Rae Frank] demonstrated to me, through her actions and words, that not only am I important with many things to offer, but that I bring a unique perspective because of my disability.”
I found myself nodding along, because that’s exactly what Independent Living does—reminds someone who’s been dismissed or devalued that they do have value and do have something to contribute. And it doesn’t stop with the individual. When people have real access to transportation, to housing, to all the supports that make independence possible, the whole community is stronger and better for it.
During her work at ILGR, April helped initiate a program that addressed the day-to-day realities of supporting children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and their families. Now, in Niagara County, she wants to apply that same energy and practical focus to improving access to public transportation and expanding accessible, affordable housing—two essentials that can mean the difference between independence and isolation.
April is also a collaborator by nature. One of her immediate goals is to build relationships, reach out, network, and coordinate with other agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities. Because no one organization can do it all, and the people who need support shouldn’t have to navigate a sometimes complex system on their own.
April is also focused on strengthening ILNC’s commitment to the five Independent Living Core Services—peer counseling, independent living skills, transition services, advocacy, and information and referral. In plain terms, making sure people have a place to be heard, help to build the skills they need, support through major life transitions, real advocacy when the systems put up barriers, and a reliable place to turn for answers and connections.
Or as April put it:
“Independent Living of Niagara County is a place where a person with a disability is as important as anyone else, regardless of their specific situation. All people can come here and feel safe, find support, and have equal access to services.”
Before we wrapped up, April shared one more thing with me, something she wanted the people of Niagara County to hear loud and clear: that since coming to Independent Living, she’s found her voice, and now chooses the way she want to live, and so can anyone else.
And I second that sentiment. Independent Living helps people reclaim their power…sometimes for the very first time.
Douglas J. Usiak is the former Chief Executive Officer of WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies including Independent Living of Niagara County, which empowers individuals with disabilities to take part in society on an equal basis. For more information, please contact: (716) 284-4131.