Empowering People's Independence

Empowering People's Independence Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) provides tailored care to people with disabilities.

We are committed to empowering people with disabilities to reach their individual goals and aspirations, and to live their lives to the fullest. Mission
Our mission is to is to be a successful partner for individuals with disabilities as they strive to remove barriers to their personal fulfillment. Vision
Our vision is for all people with disabilities to be heard, to feel valued, and to live a life of their choosing.

05/30/2026

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in supporting individuals with brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, and other neurological disabilities in leading meaningful, dignified, and fulfilling lives. Through advocacy, guidance, and daily support, DSPs help individuals work toward their personal goals and greater independence.

Susan Steklof, Community Habilitation DSP, shares what it takes to be a DSP and how rewarding it is to support people in achieving their goals.

Interested in making a difference every day? Learn more about becoming a DSP and apply here: https://www.epiny.org/careers/

Would you know what to do if someone had a seizure?Join us for a free virtual training on June 12 to learn the signs and...
05/29/2026

Would you know what to do if someone had a seizure?

Join us for a free virtual training on June 12 to learn the signs and symptoms of the most common seizure types and how to respond with confidence and care.

At EPI, we love creating opportunities for the people we support to stay active, build friendships, and experience the j...
05/27/2026

At EPI, we love creating opportunities for the people we support to stay active, build friendships, and experience the joy of community.

Some of our residential participants play baseball at the Miracle Field of Greater Rochester, where they enjoy playing baseball in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment designed for individuals with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities.

From teamwork to laughter to time spent outdoors, moments like these help create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for the individuals we support every day.

Join us for Dinner with the Doctors on June 10 (new date!) in Syracuse and hear a powerful patient perspective from Kris...
05/26/2026

Join us for Dinner with the Doctors on June 10 (new date!) in Syracuse and hear a powerful patient perspective from Kristin Reilly, mother of Tristan, who recently underwent epilepsy surgery.

Kristin will share Tristan’s epilepsy journey; from his first seizures at age 3, to years of successful medication management, and ultimately the difficult decision to pursue surgery after his seizures became medication resistant. With support from Dr. Katherine Gutchess and Dr. Kathleen Knudson, Tristan underwent surgery in March and has been seizure free since.

Learn more about Tristan’s story, when to consider epilepsy surgery, and available surgical options at this special event.

Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026epilepsyevents/event/dinnerwiththedoctors-syrmay6/

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy this day with your loved ones, and take a moment to remember and honor those who served and sa...
05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy this day with your loved ones, and take a moment to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed.

We’re excited to launch a new educational webinar series presented by EPI and the Brain Injury Association of New York S...
05/23/2026

We’re excited to launch a new educational webinar series presented by EPI and the Brain Injury Association of New York State!

🧠 Brain Injury Basics: A Parent & Caregiver Webinar Series 🧠

Join us this June for two informative virtual sessions designed for parents, caregivers, and community members interested in learning more about brain injury recovery and available supports.

June 3 – Partnering with Parents
Kimberly Cicherillo, Community Integration Counselor at EPI, will discuss the importance of social communication in brain injury recovery.

June 22 – Community Resources
Alex Rutty, CBIS, FACTS Coordinator for the Brain Injury Association of New York State, will share services and resources available for individuals with brain injuries and their families.

Register in advance to receive the Zoom link. Scan the QR code, visit https://www.epiny.org/events/ or contact Denise at [email protected] or (585) 442-4430 ext. 2250.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered yesterday for United Way's Day of Caring!We were fortunate to welcome volunteer te...
05/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who volunteered yesterday for United Way's Day of Caring!

We were fortunate to welcome volunteer teams to EIGHT of our homes, where they spent the day planting flowers, completing yard work, and helping beautify outdoor spaces for the people we support to enjoy. Some of the residents even joined in and helped with the yard work alongside the volunteers! Creating clean, safe, and welcoming environments truly makes a difference and helps our houses feel like homes our residents can be proud of. 🌸🏡🌱

Special thanks to the incredible teams from Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester, Insero Advisors, LSI, ESL, Wegmans, and Enterprise Fleet Management for giving your time and energy to make such a meaningful impact. We are so grateful for your support!

When Gabby Howard began receiving Self-Direction (SD) services through EPI 8 years ago, she already knew what she wanted...
05/21/2026

When Gabby Howard began receiving Self-Direction (SD) services through EPI 8 years ago, she already knew what she wanted for her future: to attend college and pursue her dreams on her own terms.

Through person-centered supports and the dedication of her family and team at EPI, Gabby has been empowered every step of the way. She entered Self-Direction at a time when the program was just becoming more widely known in the disability community and waitlists were long, but her determination never wavered.

Gabby has always loved learning. She rarely misses a day of school, enjoys homework, and stays incredibly active outside the classroom with dance, voice lessons, boxing, Special Olympics, Unified Sports, Girl Scouts, Best Buddies, the Flower City Down Syndrome Network, and work.

This June, Gabby will graduate from Irondequoit High School with an impressive 94% GPA. In August, she’ll begin an exciting new chapter at Syracuse University through the InclusiveU program, where she’ll live in the dorms, audit classes, and major in Musical Theatre.

Gabby’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when individuals are given the opportunity, support, and freedom to pursue their goals and create the future they envision for themselves.

B.E.E. is a support group created to uplift and connect people of color living with epilepsy, and all individuals impact...
05/19/2026

B.E.E. is a support group created to uplift and connect people of color living with epilepsy, and all individuals impacted by epilepsy are welcome to join.

We’ll be meeting via Zoom this Thursday and would love for you to be part of the conversation, connection, and community.

Questions? Contact Laura Mejias at (585) 442-4430 x2754 or [email protected].

Address

1650 South Avenue
Rochester, NY
14620

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15854424430

Website

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