I had the opportunity last week to attend a terrific program at the Webster Public Library (WPL) which I wanted to share with you all.
It was one of a series of panel discussions which the library hosts every month to share information and resources with caregivers of people with disabilities. Called “Diverse Abilities Dialogues,” the discussions cover topics such as communication strategies, financial planning, housing options, work placement and more.
The series is being coordinated by Jenny Paxson, WPL’s Reader’s Discovery Librarian, assisted by Brittany Jencik of Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County. Their goal is to help people in the community make connections, so that — as Jencik said — “Nobody has to walk this journey alone. It’s tough enough when you have a village. It’s almost impossible to do it alone.”
The discussion I attended that day was all about “complementary therapies” — basically, activities and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities which offer physical and emotional benefits. The panelists that day were Dave Nicchitta from Strike Back Martial Arts, Mike Tuller from Abilities Movement, Sarah Beren from Spotted Rabbit Studio, Sara McLaughlin from EquiCenter and Chad Cassano from Cassano Studios. Each of the participants had a chance to introduce their business to the dozen or so people in attendance, explaining what services they offer for people with disabilities.
I heard about creative art classes; jujitsu classes for children and adults with autism and Down syndrome; therapy riding, beekeeping and farming programs; adaptive fitness and kayaking programs; and voice acting lessons.
It was enlightening to hear about all of these opportunities, and realize they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the kinds of services caregivers can access within the Rochester area to help their loved ones. To a person, the presenters emphasized that their classes are all about building self-acceptance, making connections and thinking in new ways. The goal is to understand each person’s needs, meet them where their abilities are and guide them to their highest potential.
The Diverse Abilities Dialogue series is a valuable resource for caregivers, and it’s absolutely free to attend. The schedule for the next few months is:
- Camps — Tuesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.
- Strong Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics — Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m.
- Diverse Abilities Resource Fair — Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to noon
- Free Summer Ideas — Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m.
To register, click on the hyperlink for each class. You don’t HAVE to register, but if you do, you’ll get an emailed reminder about the upcoming event.
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(posted 1/13/2026)
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