Since 1962, Al Sigl has helped local nonprofit agencies collaborate and adapt to changing community needs by providing critical resources and shared services. Each July, Al Sigl celebrates how individuals with special needs in our community are leading more independent lives with the help of its Member Agencies, which include CP Rochester, Empowering People’s Independence, Medical Motor Service, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upstate NY, Rochester Hearing & Speech Center, Rochester Rehabilitation Center, and Starbridge.
This summer, eight individuals – Ryder, Maria, Kayla, AJ, Jordan, Pamela, Patricia, and Rich – are sharing their stories of determination, achievement, and joy. Their success highlights the importance of having access to the right support at the right time.
Maria is thriving in CP Rochester’s adult Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA), where she also attends the Day Habilitation program. She has built independence and confidence while giving back as a volunteer in the Augustin Children’s Program classrooms. This spring marks the end of her first full year in the B.E.L.L. college program through CP Rochester’s partnership with BOCES II and Roberts Wesleyan University.
At two years old, Ryder communicated mostly through pointing and grunting when he joined the Early Intervention Developmental Group at Rochester Hearing & Speech Center (RHSC). Alyssa, a Speech Pathologist, started working with Ryder on multimodal communication such as pointing/gestures, pictures, sign language, and spoken words. In just five months, he has already begun to use a variety of nonverbal and verbal means to communicate his wants and needs. He has started to imitate Alyssa’s gestures, signs, sounds, and (most recently) words. The adults in his life are very happy to hear his voice, even when it’s an emphatic “NO.”
Each year, over 55,000 children, adults, and families rely on the programs and services offered on Al Sigl’s six campuses. Yet uncertainty, rising costs, and growing demand are putting essential programs at risk.
This campaign serves as an annual fundraiser; many across the region have already made a gift. Donors often choose to give amounts related to Independence Day, such as $13 for the original 13 colonies or $50 in honor of all 50 states.
Donations of any amount help make more success stories possible. Learn more and read the rest of the success stories at alsigl.org/independence.
Provided information
Photos courtesy of Al Sigl Community of Agencies
Maria says, “I have met so many new friends and am so excited to continue my journey of becoming a nurse.”
