The Arc Ontario

09/04/2026

Speak Up Speak Out Talent Showcase!

As part of our Disability Pride Month celebration in July, our Speak Up Speak Out Self-Advocacy Group hosted an amazing Talent Showcase, and what an incredible event it was!

Our self-advocates took the stage with courage and confidence, sharing their unique talents while reminding us that every person has gifts worth celebrating. The room was filled with smiles, laughter, applause, and encouragement as everyone supported one another.

Disability Pride Month is about embracing who you are, recognizing strengths, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the many abilities that make each person unique. The Talent Showcase was a wonderful reflection of those values.

09/03/2026

Put Your Green Thumb to Good Use!

Love gardening? Looking for a rewarding way to stay active, spend time outdoors, and give back to your community?

The Arc Ontario’s Community Growers Garden is looking for volunteers! Whether you’re an experienced gardener, enjoying retirement and looking for a meaningful way to spend your time, or simply passionate about helping things grow, we’d love to have you.

📅 Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
🕘 9:00 AM–11:00 AM

Volunteer once or join us throughout the season. Every helping hand helps our garden and community thrive.

Scan the QR code in the image to sign up and learn more!

09/02/2026

🧺 Come socialize with friends & neighbors at the OFA Summer Picnic!

Join Ontario County Office for the Aging for food, music, lawn games, and great community company.

DETAILS

Who: Ontario County residents ages 60 and over
Date: September 18th
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: The historic pavilion at John Brown Memorial Park (1 Spring St, Clifton Springs)
Food: Vasko’s on Wheels Food Truck
Live Music: The Arc Ontario’s “The Dapper Rats”

LOGISTICS:

RSVP Required: Please call 585-396-4040 by September 4th to save your spot!
Parking: Available on Spring Street, in the Public Library lot, and inside the Park (follow the gravel road). Please reserve the closest spots for vehicles with handicapped tags.
Transportation: Options may be available! Contact Michaela at 585-396-4043 for details.

09/02/2026

We’re hiring Direct Support Professionals!

The Arc Ontario is looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following areas:

• Direct Support Professionals for Community Habilitation & Day Programs
• Direct Support Professionals for Residential

As a DSP, you’ll make a meaningful difference by supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build independence, pursue their goals, and participate in their communities.

Start a rewarding career where your work makes an impact every day. Visit our careers page to learn more and apply today!

https://www.thearcontario.org/careers

09/01/2026

We’re proud to congratulate The Arc Ontario Executive Director John Astles on being named to the Rochester Business Journal’s 2026 Power List for Healthcare!

The annual list recognizes individuals who are helping improve the health of the Rochester community and advancing innovation across healthcare.

In his feature, John discusses how AI, adaptive technology and strong community partnerships can help create new opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also shares why the continued support of our local community gives him optimism for the future.

Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to move The Arc Ontario’s mission forward!

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

On September 17, incredible team members from The Arc Ontario are going Over The Edge and rappelling down the side of the Hyatt Regency in Rochester!

Each participant is facing their fears to raise vital funds and awareness for the programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

Read on to discover why Kristen, Ashley, and Tim are stepping over the edge, and consider donating today to support their fearless efforts!

Kristen Lankton
Having managed The Arc Ontario’s prevocational programs for seven years, I am constantly inspired by the determination of the 50+ individuals we support as they build real-world job skills with local businesses. I am going Over The Edge to raise awareness and support for these vital programs so everyone with a developmental disability has the opportunity to achieve meaningful employment. Your donation helps us create an inclusive community where everyone can succeed.
Link for Kristen: https://give.overtheedge.events/c2m5K9?ref=ab_4F73sf_ab_7uGTIqYB50N7uGTIqYB50N

Ashley Guererri
For over ten years, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and celebrating their incredible growth and accomplishments. Navigating funding challenges is an everyday effort, and agencies like ours are essential to providing these life-changing opportunities. I'm going Over The Edge (and rappelling down a Rochester building!) to raise $1,000 for this cause—whether you want to support our mission or just see me dangle over the side of a building, every donation helps!
Link for Ashley: https://give.overtheedge.events/c2kuhd?ref=ab_4F3rec_ab_7uGTIqYB50N7uGTIqYB50N

Tim Rifenberg
Despite being terrified of heights, I’m stepping over the edge of the Hyatt Regency because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face non-optional challenges every single day. Their strength inspires me to face my own fears for something bigger than myself. My goal is to raise $5,000 to help The Arc provide dignity, independence, and opportunity, and your donation or share makes a true difference.
Link for Tim: https://give.overtheedge.events/52m8ib?ref=ab_9F7uM9_ab_7uGTIqYB50N7uGTIqYB50N

08/28/2026

Comprehensive Autism Evaluations & More

Did you know that The Arc Ontario offers autism evaluation services?

Gaining an accurate, timely diagnosis is a critical first step in opening doors to personalized care, therapies, and community programs. Our team provides professional evaluations tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Ontario County Resident Eligibility
Through local support programs, residents of Ontario County may be eligible for free autism evaluations as well as personalized autism navigation support. Our navigators walk alongside families to help interpret findings, coordinate next steps, and secure long-term resources.

Ready to Learn More?
If you have questions about our diagnostic process or would like to discuss funding and eligibility, contact our intake coordinator:

Adrienne Dilella
Family Support / Intake Coordinator
📞 585.919.2118
✉️ [email protected]

More info here https://www.thearcontario.org/autism-connections

08/28/2026

Please help us congratulate the following employees that have been welcomed into our Apprenticeship Program! BillyRon Adams (Program Manager) and Alyssa Pollack (Direct Support Professional) follow in their predecessors footsteps! They're taking their careers to the next level with free college credits, new laptops, and invaluable on-the-job training.

Want to write your own success story? Contact Pleasant Foy to learn more!

08/26/2026

Get ready to take center stage! 🎭✨

Registration is open for our upcoming season of Theater Archives: Adult Musical Theater Camp!

Rather than focusing on a single large production like our first theatre experience, this session is all about exploring your creative talents in a fun, supportive environment. Participants will sharpen their skills across acting, singing, and dancing, all leading up to an end-of-season showcase recital on November 20th.

Program Details

Who: Open to all adults (18+) in the community, regardless of ability

When: Thursdays, October 1 – November 19 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Where: The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility

Showcase Recital: November 20

Looking to Get Involved?
We’d love to welcome more community members into the spotlight! In addition to regular participant spots, we have Volunteer Leader roles available—perfect for anyone who wants to share their passion for the performing arts, help facilitate fun theater activities, and support fellow performers.

Ready to join the ensemble?

Sign up today at the link below! 🎟️👇

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFA723ABFACF8-64676616-theater #/