A.R.I.S.E.
The VOICE Buffalo A.R.I.S.E. or Acceptance, Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Equity, Committee was formed in 2015 in response to the need for greater access to jobs and services for people with disabilities. A.R.I.S.E is rooted in the understanding that people with disabilities who are most directly impacted, should have a voice in the services that are provided or not provided to us and that nothing about us without us is for us! The committee believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and that they should have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.
Active Campaigns
Transportation Accessibility
Buffalo's transportation system is inaccessible for many people with disabilities. The NFTA offers paratransit services, but restrictions, long wait times, and unreliable service create barriers. Advocates are organizing for expanded paratransit to ensure equitable access to transportation for all.
Relocating DDRO
The A.R.I.S.E. Committee celebrated a significant campaign win in 2019 with the opening of a Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) annex in Buffalo at 1021 Broadway, a key step toward improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This annex, which houses multiple human service agencies, was a direct result of years of advocacy to move services away from the outdated and hazardous West Seneca campus. While the West Seneca location remains the central office for Western New York, the Buffalo annex marks a crucial victory, providing more accessible services and setting the stage for continued efforts to fully relocate OPWDD to a more convenient and accessible location for all.
Campaign Win
Upcoming Events
