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Western

Find a Self-Advocacy Group

Welcome to the Western Region Webpage!

CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE

On October 24, 2006, a monument was unveiled at a ceremony at Jollys Cemetery in Perrysburg, NY. The monument is dedicated to the past residents of the JN Adam Developmental Center, Gowanda State Hospital, and the West Seneca Developmental Center. About 400 individuals were honored in this ceremony, which was sponsored by People Inc.

Please see below for photos and comments from the ceremony.

“Just wanted to let you know how moving the ceremony was yesterday. Thank you for all of the special touches.
It truly was a heartwarming gesture that I will never forget.”

“Standing in a remote cemetery on a cold day, seeing the unmarked field where so many lie interned virtually unnoticed, and then to hear the stories and the names…it became very clear that what you accomplished at that cemetery was the right thing and a very good thing. The sun came out for a reason during the reading of those names. I congratulate everyone involved.”

memorial text

“I wanted to let you know how beautiful today’s ceremony was. It was very poignant and respectful, the perfect balance.
I was very moved by Jack’s speech; I certainly don’t think of the impact that I have on people’s life, both positive and negative, and I hope that I will be more aware of that, as well as to let those to whom I provide services know as well.”

WESTERN REGIONAL MEETINGS

Third Thursday of every month
6pm to 7:30 pm
101 Oak St Buffalo NY
For group leaders and advisors, but others can attend as well.

Finger Lakes Self-Advocacy Regional Meeting
Video Conference with Elmira and Newark
6 pm to 7:30 pm
1st Wednesday of every month
Room 3/4
Workforce Staff Development
620 Westfall Rd.
Rochester, NY 14620
Call Lyn Zyla at 585-461-8741 with questions.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE, CHANGE THE SYSTEM

Are you a person with a developmental disability who is interested in training to effectively participate in meetings or to become a member of an agency’s board of directors?

Are you someone with committee or board experience who is interested in serving as a mentor to someone in training?

For more information, contact:
Darren Jackson at the Western New York DDSO
1200 East and West Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224
716-517-3528

WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN A GRASSROOTS RETREAT TRAINING?

This one-day training and discussion session for SA group leaders and advisors would allow everyone to get together and learn about building a successful self-advocacy group. If you are interested please contact us at (716) 674-6300 x3170#.

If enough people request this training, we will make plans for one in the near future.

THINKING ABOUT JOINING A SELF-ADVOCACY GROUP? GREAT IDEA!

Self-advocacy is speaking and acting on behalf of your own rights. It’s the best kind of advocacy because no one knows better than you what your needs are. To be a good self-advocate you need to know about your rights and responsibilities. You will learn these by joining a local self-advocacy group. The group provides a supportive environment where individuals can develop confidence and independence.

HOW TO JOIN A GROUP

Click on the link below to go to the Group Directory. If you do not find a group in the city or town you live in (see Meeting Location"), try to find one nearby or call the Self-Advocacy Assn. at (716) 674-6300, extension 3170# (Buffalo) or (716) 461-8776 (Rochester) for help.

Call the phone number and dial the extension, if there is one. Ask for the contact person and let that person know you are calling about the self-advocacy group and that you would like to get more information to join up.

THAT’S IT! Join a group near you today!

TROUBLE FINDING A GROUP? CALL US AT (716) 674-6300 x3170# (Buffalo) OR (585) 461-8776 (Rochester) AND WE CAN HELP!

SA Group Directory Website
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