This 'n That

Assistive Technology is Helping Teach Life Skills at
the Center for Disability Services
Some college students have created a video game that takes people with disabilities on a virtual shopping trip through a local super market. The game aides in developing skills essential for independent living. Read more at the link below.
https://www.cfdsny.org/whatsnew/RPI%20Capable%20Shopper%20Video%20Game%20Blurb.doc

Good Buds
Aspire's Community Integration Program has spawned a close friendship. Read about it at the link below.
http://www.aspirewny.org/services/role-models-detail.php?id=powerplayers

CP of NYS Hosts Conference at Camp Jened
More than 50 people attended a one-day conference on Fitness, Recreation and Sports at Camp Jened in the Catskills on June 9. The schedule featured 10 sessions presented by experts from several different organizations providing fitness, recreation and sports opportunities for people with disabilities.

The day began with a 9:00 am keynote presentation on what goes into creating a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Susan Wilson, Associate Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the State University of New York at Cortland discussed practical ways for everyone to put more recreation and leisure in their lives.

The morning continued with a presentation on adapted physical activity programs and techniques designed by On Your Mark, an organization in Staten Island that promotes the health, fitness, cognitive and social skills of individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Other morning sessions included an overview of a baseball program for adults with disabilities presented by the founder of Touching Bases in Rockland County and an interactive session presented by Sandy Hoffman and Janet Lefkowitz of the United States Tennis Association demonstrating how adapted tennis can achieve positive results through teaching progressions.

The afternoon included presentations by Jerry McCole of Blaze Sports America on the organization’s programs, including a demonstration of the sport of Boccia. Meredith Wade from CP Rochester, conducted a workshop on how to begin a power wheelchair soccer program and Bill Collins, Director of Training for Special Olympics New York, discussed how his organization uses athletic training and competition to promote inclusion and acceptance for everyone in the community.

The afternoon schedule also included a presentation by representatives of the NYS Inclusive Recreation Resource Center at SUNY Cortland on the center’s programs designed to provide information on how best to pursue recreation in the most inclusive setting and a hands-on session from the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham highlighting some of their activities for people with disabilities, including skiing, cycling and kayaking.

Plans are underway to conduct another conference in the summer of 2009.

Walk the walk

Upstate leaders are hoping Governor Paterson will help the region.
http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1246/2008-06-13.html

Looking at Andrew Cuomo
http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1247/2008-06-13.html

Git 'er done

This Bill Hammond column in the Daily News gives Governor David Patterson a big "Attaboy" for his call to lower the tax burden of New Yorkers.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/06/03/2008-06-03_the_govs_highstakes_tax_test.html

The Syracuse Post-Standard reveals its own "To Do" list for state leaders as it adds its voice to the chorus calling on legislators to do something before going home.
http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2008/06/albanys_todo_list_hey_lawmaker.html

From around the state

CELEBRITIES HELP UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF NYC
HONOR WOMEN WHO CARE AT SEVENTH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) held its Seventh Annual Women Who Care Luncheon on May 8, 2008, to celebrate the professional and personal accomplishments of women. More than 500 guests assembled at Cipriani 42nd Street to honor six extraordinary individuals and raise more than $550,000 to support UCP/NYC.

Women Who Care was created to honor female role models representing various segments of the community. It is a celebration of women who have blazed new paths, broken glass ceilings and inspired others through their professional and charitable endeavors.
United Cerebral Palsy of New York City has a 60-year history in the disability field and currently serves more than 13,000 individuals and family members through more than 75 programs. For more information visit UCP/NYC online at www.ucpnyc.org.

WNY Woodturners Create Merry Moments for Aspire’s Children

Members of The Western New York Woodturners Association gladdened the hearts of more than 150 children at Aspire’s Center for Learning. read more by clicking below.

http://www.aspirewny.org/about/news.php?id=12

E-MODS GIVES MOTHER AND DAUGHTER A LIFT

One of Inspire's newest programs has changed the lives of two very special individuals. *This article was taken from the Winter 2007-2008 issue of Success, Inspire's newsletter. To read a full online version of the newsletter, click here. http://www.inspirecp.org/pdf/2008%20Success%20Newsletter-Winter.pdf.

Serving it up

This Albany Times-Union article by James Odato outlines the one-sided, political, and sometimes secretive nature of Pork in Albany.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=688384&category=STATE&newsdate=5/14/2008

Views from across New York

Daily News columnist Bill Hammond suggests how to save taxpayers money and stop the economic decline in NYS.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/05/06/2008-05-06_no_end_to_spending_sickness.html

This Poughkeepsie Journal article is one of many across the state reporting that New York's nurse shortage is among the most severe in the country.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/NEWS/805060315/1001/NEWS

This Albany Times-Union article by James Odato reports on NYPIRG allegations that Senator Joe Bruno has directed member Item funds to districts where fellow Republicans face tough campaigns this fall.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=686344&category=STATE&newsdate=5/6/2008

Views from around the state

This Editorial in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle shows why presidential candidates, and who they appoint to the Supreme Court, matter.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/OPINION04/804300327/1041/OPINION

This Albany Times-Union Editorial is skeptical of the motives of some political leaders calling for a reduction in gas sales taxes.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=684896&category=OPINION&BCCode=&newsdate=4/30/2008

This NY Post Editorial says the state needs to be creative and flexible regarding power generation.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04302008/postopinion/editorials/does_the_gov_mean_business__108816.htm

this 'N that

Sports and Fitness Conference Scheduled
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State has scheduled a one-day Sports and fitness conference for Monday, June 9 at Camp Jened in Rock Hill, NY. The event will provide an opportunity for staff and consumers from organizations serving people with disabilities to participate in informational sessions presented by representatives from organizations that conduct fitness, sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities. For more information click on the link below.
http://www.cpofnys.org/pages/newsevents/showNewsDetails.asp?doc_id=1295

Statewide Image Campaign Launched
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP of NYS) has kicked off its statewide public relations and image campaign, which will increase awareness of the role CP of NYS and its 24 Affiliates play as a leading resource for services and expertise in issues important to people with disabilities and their families.

New Yorkers with disabilities rely on services, support and advocacy from CP of NYS for assistance in pursuing independent, productive lives. As a statewide organization intimately familiar with the issues affecting people with disabilities, CP of NYS is also in a position to offer expertise and advice on disability issues to policymakers at the legislative and agency levels of state government.

The image campaign is comprised of a series of radio public service announcements and commercials, print advertisements, posters and a multi-media video highlighting the stories of individuals supported and served by CP of NYS and its Affiliates. The campaign materials are designed to emphasize the number of people touched by the organization through the broad range of services provided to New Yorkers both with and without disabilities.

For more information about CP of NYS, your local Affiliate or the statewide campaign, please visit our website at www.cpofnys.org or view the campaign on the web by at www.realpeoplerealizingpotential.org.