At Options annual meeting, at the end of each September, we present several awards; among them are our Giannettino “Pethybridge” Bower Advocate of the Year Awards.
When it comes to grassroots organizing this man's picture is right next to the definition in the Webster Dictionary. If something needs to be done, he is going to get it done, even if it means doing it himself! When residents called Options about the need for accessibility design consultation on a Post Office project, the need for curb cuts along Route 90 and handicap/accessible parking in the Village of Aurora, Options called the village board of trustees and the village clerk to offer our assistance in making Aurora more accessible to residents and visitors.
One Trustee, George Farenthold, took this project head on. He came to Options with schematics of where and how the village would increase its accessibility. In fact, he went out and installed the handicap/accessible signage on the road himself, marking areas where individuals with disabilities could access curb cuts to visit area eateries and shop or do their banking in the village with ease.
To this day, he continues to look at ways to make Aurora more accessible, whether it is bridging the digital information divide for access with Wi-Fi technology or making sure that you can make your away around the village without large trucks zipping through his community. More importantly, he wants to have people with disabilities to have a chance to enjoy Aurora. He wants to make Aurora a great place to live and to visit.
Options, as an independent living center, is dedicated to empowering people with all types of disabilities so that they may take control of their own lives. When a disability occurs suddenly, as a result of an accident or a health condition becomes worse, we know of individuals who are placed in nursing homes. This placement often goes against the philosophy of Options and the core tenants of independent living.
While Options has seen much success in working with nursing homes to facilitate transition back into the community, there is one social worker in particular who deserves special attention.
Our second Advocate Award was presented to Lynn McLean, a social worker, with the Cayuga County Nursing Home. On multiple occasions she has contacted Options to say, “So and so does not belong here and does not want to be here, help me to find the community resources and services to get them out.” From what we have heard across the state, this does not often happen and that is why we wanted to recognized McLean with an Advocate of the Year Award.
She could have just gone about her day, but she doesn't do this. She takes interest in her residents to know about them and find out about where they'd like to live and how to make that happen.
Thought of the Day:
“I get so tickled when I drive past the parking spots and see a person with a hang tag using them.”
- Aurora Village Trustee George Farenthold, an
Advocate of the Year on
his advocacy work
Amanda Derby is the
housing advocate for
Options for Independence
One Trustee, George Farenthold, took this project head on. He came to Options with schematics of where and how the village would increase its accessibility. In fact, he went out and installed the handicap/accessible signage on the road himself, marking areas where individuals with disabilities could access curb cuts to visit area eateries and shop or do their banking in the village with ease.
To this day, he continues to look at ways to make Aurora more accessible, whether it is bridging the digital information divide for access with Wi-Fi technology or making sure that you can make your away around the village without large trucks zipping through his community. More importantly, he wants to have people with disabilities to have a chance to enjoy Aurora. He wants to make Aurora a great place to live and to visit.
Options, as an independent living center, is dedicated to empowering people with all types of disabilities so that they may take control of their own lives. When a disability occurs suddenly, as a result of an accident or a health condition becomes worse, we know of individuals who are placed in nursing homes. This placement often goes against the philosophy of Options and the core tenants of independent living.
While Options has seen much success in working with nursing homes to facilitate transition back into the community, there is one social worker in particular who deserves special attention.
Our second Advocate Award was presented to Lynn McLean, a social worker, with the Cayuga County Nursing Home. On multiple occasions she has contacted Options to say, “So and so does not belong here and does not want to be here, help me to find the community resources and services to get them out.” From what we have heard across the state, this does not often happen and that is why we wanted to recognized McLean with an Advocate of the Year Award.
She could have just gone about her day, but she doesn't do this. She takes interest in her residents to know about them and find out about where they'd like to live and how to make that happen.
Thought of the Day:
“I get so tickled when I drive past the parking spots and see a person with a hang tag using them.”
- Aurora Village Trustee George Farenthold, an
Advocate of the Year on
his advocacy work
Amanda Derby is the
housing advocate for
Options for Independence
The Citizens' Say
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