Arc Waves

Michael Seereiter, CEO of the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, shares his reasons for a lifetime of advocacy, and how he transforms his experience and expertise into a successful 3-pronged approach for supporting the intellectual and developmental disabilities community locally, regionally and at the government level.See the toolkits and resources available, and learn more about NYAII here: https://nyalliance.org/Support your local Arc Chapter, and visit the Arc, Oneida-Lewis here: www.thearcolc.org

New York State Senator John Mannion is back for his second episode of Arc Waves. Senator Mannion, Chair of the Committee on Disabiliites, discusses his ongoing and tireless efforts to advocate for the disabilities field on several fronts. He also gives insight as to how local advocacy efforts can have a big impact at the state level and encourages citizens to reach out to their representative with their concerns and feedback. Listen in to hear more about his efforts to work with all stakeholders to create a positive change.https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/john-w-mannion/aboutwww.thearcolc.org

Eve Van de Wal, Regional President Utica/North Country of Excellus BC/BS, has had diverse and extensive experience in health care delivery and health care insurance. In supporting the mission of Excellus BC/BS to provide access to high-quality and affordable health care, she also serves the community, striving to make a positive impact in lives throughout her vast region, and in the lives of her employees. Her commitment to meeting the needs of marginalized populations, such as those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and others, make her a champion for healthcare access and delivery innovation.www.thearcolc.orghttps://www.excellusbcbs.com/

We welcome Alicia Dicks, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, to Arc Waves for a discussion about the vital and evolving role of community foundations. Alicia shares the importance of collaboration and communication, both as tools to strengthen relationships with community partners, such as nonprofits like The Arc, Oneida-Lewis, and as a means to effect meaningful, sustainable change. Her commitment to the Mohawk Valley is an inspiration in this thoughtful conversation.https://foundationhoc.org/https://foundationhoc.org/about/staff-and-trustees/alicia-dicks/www.thearcolc.org

In this episode of Arc Waves, Karen and Heather are joined in the studio by Dr Marianne Buttenschon, local NY Assemblywoman and small business owner. Her commitment to the community and to the disabilities world is evident in this conversation, as is her dedication to life-long learning. We enjoy discussing much of what our area has to offer, and the role the Arc Oneida Lewis plays in the revitalization of downtown Utica.www.thearcolc.orghttps://chefsexpressutica.com/https://www.ny.gov/downtown-revitalization-initiative/mohawk-valley-uticahttps://nyassembly.gov/mem/Marianne-Buttenschonhttps://www.facebook.com/collegeworksmvcc

Today, Patricia Fralick joins Karen and Heather to discuss her role as the Lewis County Director of Community Services which ensures access to services for residents in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. With an eye towards including all the stakeholders, Patricia shares why it is important to remember there are many ways to an outcome and that the diversity of input matters when seeking solutions.https://www.lewiscounty.org/community-services-lguwww.thearcolc.org

Kristen Skobla, the dynamic and enthusiastic Director of the Center For Leadership Excellence at Mohawk Valley Community College, joins Karen and Heather for a robust discussion surrounding leadership development and the role it plays in creating a strong community. CLE (The Center for Leadership Excellence) is guided by its core values of growth, community, collaboration and awareness, and driven by a mission to connect and inspire people to work together, take action and develop the leader that exists within each of us.Listen to hear about the vast offerings and impact of CLE!https://www.mvcc.edu/cle/https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_strengths_branded_cs_ecom&utm_term=gallup%20strengths&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvZCZBhCiARIsAPXbajtUlro0oVshRfnIBWi1XAVUvJLeG_xLzwGFu8uheFe94iX758r_HMgaAhosEALw_wcBwww.thearcolc.org

We are pleased to have Dr Danielle Bronk join us on Arc Waves for a deep dive into two topics in neurodevelopment: language disorder and executive function. While each of these topics is unique, they also often overlap with other diagnoses such as ADHD or autism spectrum. Helping parents, teachers and the adolescent understand these challenges is key in developing compensatory strategies for success in the teen years and beyond. As an added benefit, Dr Bronk has provided a reference list that will be very beneficial to our listeners.ARC references.pdfhttps://cnyneuro.org/www.thearcolc.org

Mr David Mathis, Director of Workforce Development in Oneida County, has a history of giving back to his community that spans decades. In this episode, he shares why he feels one can and should always give back, and talks about the many ways in which he does so. Poignantly, he shares how searching for a program for his son brought him to the Arc Oneida Lewis in 1992, and why that experience keeps him involved many years later.www.thearcolc.orghttps://www.ocgov.net/workforcedev

To kick off season 2 of Arc Waves, we are pleased to welcome Dr Randall VanWagoner, President of Mohawk Valley Community College to our studio! Dr VanWagoner discusses strengths-based leadership and creating a culture that leans into disruption and change in order to create a learning environment that is accessible to all. His drive to be engaged in the community at all levels and his commitment to partnering with our award-winning College Works program to provide an inclusive, educational experience for people supported by the Arc Oneida Lewis is truly inspiring.

A short recap of season 1 and insight into season 2. Thank you for listening! Make sure to follow and share!www.thearcolc.org

Kara Bennett, Director of Community and Family Services at the Arc Oneida Lewis, joins Heather for another Arc Splash episode. The Arc Oneida Lewis provides so many programs and services to individuals of all ages its hard to keep track! Kara discusses our children's programs, and why they are a vital service for children and their families. As Kara says, if you want to learn more, "it all starts with a conversation."For more information, visit https://www.thearcolc.org/community-family-services/ or call Kara at 315-927-0219

Kara Bennett, Director of Community and Family Services at the Arc Oneida Lewis, shares an overview of the many programs within her department. Serving individuals from age 5 and up, Community and Family Services (CFS) offers a calendar of events and activities to cater to a variety of needs and interests. Contact the Arc Oneida Lewis to learn more!https://www.thearcolc.org/cfs-programs-for-adults/https://www.thearcolc.org/community-family-services/

In this episode of Arc Waves, we speak with Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) about the initiatives and goals for the field, and how we can all partner together on our mission to provide quality supports and services to all we serve across New York State while engaging stakeholders in the process. Commissioner Neifeld shares how she helped craft a strategic plan to guide OPWDD in order to achieve the greatest positive impact on those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.Commissioner Neifeld, who grew up near the foothills of the Adirondack State Park, has an impressive and diverse background. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University at Albany, SUNY, and her experience in the human services field provides her with the unique perspective and skills to be a leader and innovator in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://opwdd.ny.gov/www.thearcolc.org

Donna Loveland, Chief Compliance and Quality Officer, explains the main elements of a strong corporate compliance program and shares why corporate compliance is vital to fulfilling the mission of the Arc Oneida Lewis.The anonymous corporate compliance hotline at the Arc Oneida Lewis is 315-272-1545.https://www.thearcolc.org/

Arc Waves is a podcast co-hosted by Karen Korotzer, CEO of the Arc Oneida Lewis, and Heather Evans, VP of Development of the Arc Oneida Lewis. Listen, subscribe and share to learn more about the Arc Oneida Lewis and its programs and role in the community as one of the largest employers in the region. You will also hear from leaders across the region-for profit, government and non-profit-all sharing lessons that each of us can take away.

Join us as we dig deep into strategic leadership with Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive. Anthony shares why having a vision and a mission empowers his team and his community partners to create an environment of growth and prosperity.Website: https://ocgov.net/Email: ce@ocgov.netPhone: 315-798-5800Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyPicenteCE/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJPicenteJrwww.thearcolc.org

In this conversation, New York State Assemblyman Brian Miller shares his approach to politics and governing. His background as an engineer informs how he methodically and patiently approaches each challenge in an effort to make New York state a better place for everyone. He has been a long time advocate of individuals with disabilities and the people who care for them.https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Brian-D-Millerwww.thearcolc.org

CollegeWorks is an innovative program offered by the Arc Oneida Lewis in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College. Begun in 2010 as a response to a need, it has grown into its integral role as a non-degree, non-credit vocational program for people with developmental disabilities. Particularly notable is its location on a college campus-offering that important formative experience for its students.https://www.thearcolc.org/collegeworks/Brooke Burrows Director of CollegeWorksBBurrows@thearcolc.org315-792-5465

School to Work is a program offered by the Arc Oneida Lewis, in collaboration with Madison Oneida BOCES. This innovative program is offered to students with disabilities to improve outcomes after high school and provides training in work/life skills, independent living skills, job shadowing skill, job retention skills and more.For more information, please contact Brandi McCanney, Director of School to Work and Transition Services at the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-927-0127 or via email bmccanney@thearcolc.org.Parents and caregivers can also find more information, including a list of school district partners at https://www.thearcolc.org/school-to-work/

Heather is joined in the podcast today by Sonia Martinez, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, and Zaida Morell, Secretary of the Arc Oneida Lewis Board and Member at Large of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association. In our conversation, we talk about overcoming barriers, prejudices and misconceptions and highlight the similarities between our shared missions. This conversation serves to remind us all that we should seek to understand others and treat them with kindness, valuing every individual in an organization-from the entry level employee all the way up to the C suite.https://www.mvlautica.org/https://www.mvlautica.org/la-abundancia.htmlhttps://www.thearcolc.org/the-arc-board-of-directors/https://www.thearcolc.org/

Today's podcast features a candid conversation with Fred Matt, President and CEO of FX Matt Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in New York State. Fred is the 4th generation of the Matt family to serve the company, and in our discussion we uncover just what "serve" means to Fred. For Fred and his family, the legacy of the brewery is one which treats employees with compassion, fosters inclusion, and prioritizes a positive impact to the community-all while growing as a vital local business with newer multinational partnerships and a decades long partnership with the Arc Oneida Lewis.You may think you know FX Matt Brewing, but listen and you will learn there is so much more!www.thearcolc.orghttps://www.saranac.com/https://chefsexpressutica.com/

A comprehensive clinical evaluation is an important first step to helping a child with a developmental disability get the services and supports they need. As a parent or caregiver, understanding a child's challenges and finding the resources best suited to him/her can be overwhelming.At her private practice, Neurodevelopmental Health Services, Dr Danielle Bronk, PhD uses her extensive background in performing evaluations of people with developmental disabilities and a strengths based approach to facilitate transition planning and diagnosis support, benefitting both the child and their parent or caregiver. See more information on Dr Danielle Bronk at her website https://www.cnyneuro.org/or contact her at 315-507-7150.www.thearcolc.org

Parents of children with special needs are their natural guardians until the child's 18th birthday. At age 18, the child is now an adult by law. It then becomes necessary for parents to qualify as legal guardians to exercise parental supervision and provide guidance.All families need to make legal and financial plans for the future. Parents of people with developmental disabilities must plan even more carefully because of the person's unique needs. The planning must begin sooner, last longer, and take more details into consideration.Parents also need to consider how their son or daughter's needs will be met if they are not around or make decisions on their behalf.In this Arc Splash Mini-Pod, listeners will hear about guardianship and future planning from Frank Centola and Francesca Bevivino. For more information please see our website at https://www.thearcolc.org/guardianship-2/ or call Francesca Bevivino, Guardianship Coordinator for the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-927-0088.

Within the disabilities field, the greatest and most treasured asset is the direct support professional workforce (DSP). They are the lifeline to the care and support needed to help a person with their daily living needs, to feel a part of the community, to be employed, and to achieve their dreams.The number of individuals diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability continues to rise, yet the size of the DSP workforce continues to shrink, making it harder for individuals with I/DD to lead the enriched lives they deserve.In this episode, Senator Mannion talks about the importance of advocacy at not only the state and federal level, but also at the community level, on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their direct support professionals. We invite you to listen, subscribe, share and advocate in your own community.https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/john-w-mannionwww.thearcolc.org

Individuals with disabilities in New York State have an astounding 67% unemployment rate, yet those who are employed report a high rate of job satisfaction with lower rates absenteeism and turnover, and make sizable impacts on both state and federal tax rolls.In this episode, Maureen discusses barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities, their essential roles during the COVID pandemic and beyond, the necessity of considering individuals with disabilities in all DEI discussions, and the role NYSID has in creating jobs and driving the economy of NY.Maureen's approach to leadership, her experience as a parent advocate, and her dedication to her community and NYSID make for an authentic, informative and heartfelt conversation.www.nysid.orghttps://www.nysid.org/news/363/Rockefeller-Institute-Unveils-NYSID-s-Impact-on-NYS-Economy/https://nystateassembly.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=8&clip_id=6401​www.thearcolc.orghttps://www.thearcolc.org/business-enterprises/

Frank Coluccio, the Chief Administration Officer at the Arc Oneida Lewis, began his career as a service coordinator in 2007. Today, he discusses Self-Direction, which began in 2011 at the Arc Oneida Lewis, means that each individual, with the help of his/her social supports, can choose the mix of supports and services that work best, how and when the services are provided, and the staff/organizations who provide them.For more information on Self-Direction, please contact Amy Bauer at the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-735-6477 or head to our website at https://www.thearcolc.org/self-direction/

Join us in a master class in modern media and storytelling in this episode of Arc Waves where we speak with Associate Professor for the Television-Radio Degree at the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, Mr Peter Johanns. Having worked in a variety of capacities in various television stations, and also having produced several documentaries on social issues, Peter is experienced in traditional media but has also seen great success in modern social media, including with TikTok, where he has amassed over 1 million followers.Our conversation with Peter also highlights the importance of telling a compelling story in multiple paradigms in order to reach a variety of demographics.https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/pjohannshttps://theithacan.org/life-culture/park-professor-goes-viral-on-tiktok/www.thearcolc.org

Steve has been an active member of the Arc, Oneida Lewis Board of Directors and of the Friends of the Arc Foundation board. During his tenure, he has been president of the Foundation, VP of the Arc Policy Board, and is currently the President of the Board of Directors. He serves on a variety of committees and is a proven leader for the agency board of directors, an advocate for those we support and staff, and is a prominent member of the community.www.thearcolc.org315-735-6477Business Enterprises https://www.thearcolc.org/business-enterprises/American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-york/mohawk-valley-regionDon't forget to subscribe to Arc Waves and share our podcast!

In this episode, Karen and Heather are honored to talk with Erik Geizer, CEO of the Arc New York, in his first ever podcast appearance. The Arc New York is the country's largest not-for-profit organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Erik shares his leadership perspective and experience as it relates to the Arc New York, and the importance of advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and the amazing direct support professionals across our communities.We invite you to visit the Arc New York website here:https://www.thearcny.org/A NYS hearing is also referenced in this podcast. Please use the link below to view this important hearing:https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/september-14-2021/public-hearing-evaluate-current-workforce-challenges-idd

Welcome to Arc Splash! This mini-podcast highlights a program or service at the Arc Oneida Lewis. Listeners will get to know the people and innovative programs we offer throughout our community. We hope you enjoy these! In this episode, you will meet Chad Hartwig, Executive Director of Business Enterprises. A link to a video highlighting some of the semi-automated machinery Chad mentions is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNRV34I2vcVisit our website www.thearcolc.org or call 315-735-6477 for more information about the Arc Oneida Lewis, our programs, or how you can help support the Arc Oneida Lewis in its mission.

In this episode, Karen and Heather talk with Stephanie Eghigian about how she found herself working for a non profit, her philosophy on life and leading, and how that philosophy helped her guide the merger of two area non profits. More information on Empowered Pathways can be found at https://www.empoweredpathwayscny.org/ or by calling 315-724-1718.

In this episode, the tables are turned as Karen (the CEO of the Arc, Oneida-Lewis) interviews Heather (VP of Development at the Arc, Oneida-Lewis).We so appreciate our listener's patience as we navigate this incredible communication platform-PODCASTING! We are humbled to be able to engage with the community in this way.

In this episode we get to know Karen, on of the cohosts of ArcWaves. Listen in to hear about Karen's background and a touching story which filled her with a passion for advocating for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.