Connection
August 2016  

Registration opens for Allies in Disguise

Runners cross the finish line during last fall's Allies in Disguise.

Registration is now open for the fifth annual Allies in Disguise 5K Run and Mile Walk, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Craig Park in Painted Post, rain or shine.

The disability-awareness event is AIM Independent Living Center's fall fundraiser. Both the 5K and mile walk start and finish at the Craig Park pavilion, and the course goes through Painted Post's neighborhoods. There will also be food and children's activities, and everyone is encouraged to wear a costume.

Registration is open online, and the entry fee is $20 per person, with discounts for families. Children 5 and younger can participate for free and don't have to register.

The entry fee includes an Allies in Disguise T-shirt. AIM will also be selling awareness bracelets and keychains in different colors representing types of disabilities. The parachute-cord bracelets and keychains can be ordered during registration or purchased at the event.
 
AIM is seeking local businesses to support the event, and incentive packages are available for sponsors. Volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information, contact John Zick at jzick@aimcil.com or 962-8225, ext. 116.

Last year's Allies in Disguise drew 88 runners and 85 walkers, and raised $8,000 for AIM's programs and services. 
AIM hosts summer day camps for youths

AIM campers enjoy a picnic.
 
Youths from across Steuben County took part in AIM's Youth Social Skills Summer Day Camp in late July.
 
Youths ages 14 to 21 with developmental disabilities participated in activities that taught them social and communications skills. They learned how to use the public transportation system and were given tips on personal and Internet safety. They also learned about meal planning and healthy activities.
 
The group toured Bluebird Trail Farms in the hills outside Corning, and visited one of the area's biggest tourist attractions, the Corning Museum of Glass.

The final day of the camp was a picnic with water balloon games, kickball, a scavenger hunt and other fun activities.
The program promotes individuality, gives positive reinforcement and improves self-esteem. 
 
AIM will host another day camp in late August in Elmira. The camp is already full, but the camps will be offered again next summer in Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties.

The camps are part of AIM's Youth Social Skills Development Program, funded by a Family Support Services grant from the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. For more information, call Wendy Watkins at 962-8225, ext. 223.
Call for volunteers

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. They are neighbors, friends and family members.

When their wellbeing is jeopardized, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is there to help.

Volunteer ombudsmen educate, empower and advocate for long-term care residents. They investigate complaints, resolve issues and facilitate improvements.

If you're interested in joining the passionate network of volunteer ombudsmen - or if you need assistance from an ombudsman in Allegany or Steuben counties - call Taryn Roloson, AIM's Ombudsman Program coordinator, at 962-8225, ext. 112.
Upcoming
The Chemung County Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast seminar, "AIM Navigator: Health Plans and Tax Credits for Small Businesses," from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
In the news
Workplaces can be particularly stressful for people with disabilities, a recent poll found . 
Make your voice heard
Register to vote with the American Association of People with Disabilities and make your voice heard in the upcoming election.

 

AIM Independent

Living Center

271 E. First Street

Corning, NY 14830  

Phone:  (607) 962-8225

Fax: (607) 937-5125

Sorenson VP:

 (607) 215-7836

 
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