Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

10/13/2026

🎤 Local Voices 🎤

Nico Santiago, an Industrial Designer at BZdesign in Rochester, shares how growing up with Myasthenia Gravis shaped his passion for accessible design.

“I realized the people engineering our world didn’t always have someone with a disability at the table. I strive to be that person—helping create a world that is more accessible and inclusive.”

Thank you, Nico, for sharing your story! 💙

10/13/2026

Employment access is still a big issue.

Only 38.3% of working-age people with disabilities in the US are employed.

As of July 2026, that compares with about 75% of people without disabilities.

The gap is even wider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Inclusive Employers Make a Big Difference.

10/08/2026

Do you know what Employment First is?
Employment First (E1st) means competitive, integrated employment should be the first and preferred option for people with disabilities.

Who benefits from Employment First? EVERYONE!
👪 Families: See a family member in a fully competent role in the workplace.
🙋 People with disabilities: Gain employment, fair wages, benefits, and the dignity that comes with gainful employment.
💰 Taxpayers: Spend less than it costs to support someone in a segregated day program, and gain the economic contributions and tax revenue of fair wages.
🏘️ Communities: Feel the economic force of fair wages spent in the local economy, and see firsthand the many abilities of people with disabilities.
🏢 Businesses: Get talented employees and specialized support for job acquisition and retention. When we put employment first, our whole community wins.

10/06/2026

Celebrate value, talent, and inclusion this National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 💼💙

America works best when everybody has a chance to work.

This video highlights the many ways people with disabilities strengthen America’s workforce—in offices, on job sites, in our communities, and beyond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qwOlvHcrKc

Learn more: dol.gov/ndeam

10/01/2026

Every October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
This year's theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” carries 2025's theme forward as part
of America's 250th anniversary—honoring the contributions of disabled workers, past
and present. Learn more at dol.gov/NDEAM.

09/25/2026

Skirboll 2026 is in 26 Days!

🔘 We have been approved to provide up to 6 CME and NYS Social Work, Psychology, LMFT, and LMHC Continuing Education Credits. CME continuing education credits are available nationwide. More information can be found on our Sessions and Speakers Page: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-center-developmental-disabilities/rochester-regional-ctr-autism-spectrum-disorder/skirboll-conference/sessions-and-speakers

🔘 Download our flyers with clickable links here: https://rochester.box.com/s/aab4xka5ki9boss4rjgms68se8156bn7

🔘 Register Today! https://urmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/7617866404368/WN_88sInTrISCCRMAUJoWDJGw

07/16/2026

The Homesteads for Hope Inclusion Fair has been postponed due to current air quality conditions

Come see us August 13th instead!

📣📣📣 Event Update: Today’s Inclusion Fair Has Been Rescheduled for Thursday, August 13th.

The health and safety of our community is always our top priority. Due to very unhealthy air quality caused by wildfire smoke, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today’s Thursdays at the Farm, and the Inclusion Fair event.

While we’re disappointed, this is the safest choice for our participants, families, volunteers, staff, and community members, especially those who are more sensitive to poor air quality.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW 📅 The Inclusion Fair has been rescheduled for Thursday, August 13.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming everyone for a fun, inclusive day together next month.

See you next week for our next Thursdays at the Farm!

07/10/2026

Are you a caregiver of a child with a neurological or neuromuscular condition? Clinicians want to improve care for children with pneumonia and these conditions. We want to hear from you! Register for one of our focus groups: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=PF9RCAD779DRTAFE

Contact for more information: [email protected] or [email protected]

07/07/2026

Join for a FREE showing this weekend to support our FASD community!

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are common developmental disabilities, affecting 1 in 20 people. Yet, most people with FASD can’t access needed supports and services to help them thrive. Stigma plays a large role in low awareness and barriers to care.