Veterans deserve the freedom to live where and how they choose. In this episode, ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Lauren Canaro, Assistant Director of Consumer Directed Services, to explore the Veterans Directed Care Program.
Lauren shares how the program empowers veterans of all ages to remain in their homes by directing their own care, hiring trusted caregivers, and using a personalized budget to meet daily living needs. The discussion walks through eligibility, the VA referral process, and the wide range of supports available, illustrating how Veterans Directed Care promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life.

In this episode of Exceptional Talk on Disabilities, host Bruce Drake, CEO of ARISE and Exceptional Family Resources, is joined by Mary Schwanke, Senior Community Inclusion Supervisor, for an in-depth conversation about the ARISE & Ski program.

Mary shares how ARISE & Ski has been creating access to adaptive skiing and snowboarding since 1996—empowering individuals with disabilities, ages five and up, to experience winter sports in a supportive, instructional environment. The conversation explores how adaptive equipment, skilled instructors, and dedicated volunteers work together to make independence on the slopes possible, from first-time skiers to seasoned participants who eventually become volunteers themselves.

Listeners will learn about the program’s partnership with Ski CNY at Labrador Mountain, the vital role volunteers play, and why peer support and lived experience—both professional and personal—are central to ARISE-EFR’s mission. Mary also offers powerful insight into what makes ARISE & Ski special, including her favorite moment each season: seeing empty wheelchairs at the bottom of the hill.

This episode highlights how adaptive recreation isn’t just about sports—it’s about confidence, independence, community, and full-circle moments that last a lifetime.

Recorded and produced at WCNY Public Broadcasting studios.

In this episode, ARISE-EFR CEO Bruce Drake is joined by Bill Rose, Program Manager of the Ombudsman Program, for an in-depth conversation about advocacy, dignity, and the rights of older adults living in long-term care settings.

Bill shares his journey from professor of gerontology to nonprofit advocate and explains what ombudsmen do, how the program works across Central New York, and why this service is so critical for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. From resolving everyday concerns to addressing serious care issues, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how ombudsmen advocate for residents’ voices to be heard.

Listeners will also learn how families can access support, what to expect when calling the Ombudsman hotline, and how community members can get involved as volunteers.

📞 Ombudsman Hotline: 315-671-5108

In this episode of the ARISE – Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, CEO Bruce Drake speaks with Beth Clark, Lead Education Advocate at ARISE & EFR. Beth shares her journey from classroom teacher and parent of three children with disabilities to advocate, and explains how education advocacy helps families navigate the complex world of special education.

They discuss common school challenges, how to communicate effectively with districts, why the right language in meetings and letters matters, and what “success” looks like when schools and families truly collaborate. Beth also highlights that ARISE–EFR’s education advocacy services are grant-funded and free to families, and explains how parents can reach out for support when a child is struggling or has a suspected disability.

This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver feeling overwhelmed by IEPs, meetings, or school systems—and looking for a knowledgeable partner in their corner.

In this heartwarming episode, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with 10-year-old Jace Downing, one of ARISE–EFR’s youngest participants, volunteers, and natural advocates. Joined by Jen Barkley, Community Inclusion Supervisor, this conversation shines a light on the experiences of siblings of children with disabilities and the supportive programs that help them thrive.

Jace shares his love of farming, volunteering at ARISE at the Farm, helping fellow riders gain confidence, and participating in Sib Shops and Horsemanship Camp. Jen offers insights into Sib Shops, inclusive recreation programs, summer rec, and the unique ways ARISE–EFR supports siblings—giving them space to connect, learn, and simply be kids.

Filled with laughter, honesty, and the genuine perspective only a sibling can offer, this episode highlights the strength, compassion, and resilience that grow within families—and the vital role of inclusive programs that support them.

In this episode of the ARISE – EFR Podcast, host Bruce Drake is joined by community-organizing expert Phil Preen to explore how we can turn the ideals of inclusion and accessibility into actionable strategies.
Together, they discuss:

• What it takes to build authentic connections between local organizers and people with disabilities
• Practical approaches to making public spaces, voting systems, and housing more accessible
• Stories from the front lines where policy met personal experience — and the lessons learned
• The mindset shift needed: from “service delivery” to “system transformation”
• How empowerment, collaboration, and persistence are the real engines behind lasting change

Whether you work in nonprofit advocacy, local government, or simply care about creating environments where everyone thrives — this episode offers concrete insights and inspiration for driving inclusive change.
Tune in and discover how to go from good intentions to measurable outcomes.

Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with statewide systems advocate Phil Preen to unpack how meaningful systems-change happens in the world of disability rights and independent living.
In this episode, we explore:

• What it really means to be a systems advocate and how that role differs from direct service.
  
  
• Phil’s roots in community organizing, his own connection to disability via his sister, and how that experience shaped his work.
  
  
• The function of independent living centers—what sets them apart and how they empower people with disabilities.
  
  
• Real wins in advocacy: from improvements to accessible voting equipment to protections around source-of-income discrimination.
  
  
• The balance between policy-wonk detail and person-centered organizing, and why trust and credibility matter in this work.

Whether you’re a disability-rights advocate, policy-enthused citizen, or simply curious about how grassroots effort connects to institutional change, this episode offers a powerful look at how lasting impact is built—one relationship, one system, one community at a time.

Tune in to discover how empowerment, organizing, and policy intersect to move the needle on justice and inclusion.

Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator for their community mobility program. Discover how this incredible volunteer-driven initiative designs, builds and installs modular access ramps so individuals with mobility challenges can continue living independently in their homes. Learn about the building process, the partner churches and corporate volunteers, and the impact behind the 500-plus ramps built to date.