Blog
Beleaf-Abilities Second Annual Day of Planting
Aspire of WNY's Beleaf-Abilities program continues to GROW across our agency, giving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities meaningful opportunities to connect with nature and build new skills. Through this program, participants can plant seeds,...
Building Life Skills and Communication Through CFL’s Snack Shack
At Aspire of WNY's Center for Learning (CFL), a small program with a big IMPACT has been transforming how students build communication and life skills, and it's called the SNACK SHACK! For the past 10 years, speech-language pathologist Christine Charsley has called it...
The Power of Self-Advocacy
Written by: Jenn Argy, Aspire of WNY Supported Individual and Communications Intern Advocacy begins with a voice. Paris Adams has been using his for more than fourteen years through his work with Aspire of WNY, focusing on the practical issues that affect...
Aspire of WNY Brings the Community Together at Record Breaking On Ice Event
On February 21, 2026, Aspire of WNY hosted our annual On Ice event, and what an incredible time it was! At our most attended On Ice event yet, guests enjoyed ice bumper cars, ice skating, drinks, and delicious food from Wegmans. As a special bonus, attendees also had...
Aspire of WNY Takes on the Winter Chill at Winterval 2026!
Aspire of WNY recently hosted our 7th annual Winterval fundraising event at Buffalo RiverWorks on January 29th. Despite the cold weather, many came together to spend time with family and friends while taking part in ice skating and curling. For those who chose not to...
Designing for Everyone: How Universal Design Is Shaping Western New York
Across Western New York, communities are rethinking how public spaces are designed—and who they are truly built for. At the center of this shift is universal design, an approach that moves beyond minimum accessibility requirements to ask a more intentional question:...
Holiday Cheer at the Center for Learning
Aspire of WNY’s Holiday Spirit event, hosted at the agency’s Center for Learning, was a festive evening filled with local vendors, handmade goods, friendly faces, and joyful moments. From creative finds and festive touches to wagging tails and visits with Santa, the...
Ending the Week With a Beat at the 7 Community Drive Day Hab!
Every Friday morning at Aspire of WNY’s 7 Community Drive Day Habilitation, the cafeteria comes alive with something unexpected. People wander in early, chatting with friends, picking their favorite spots, and waiting for the familiar sound of music that signals the...
Aspire of WNY Joins Statewide Call to Strengthen DSP Support
Aspire of WNY was proud to stand alongside New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) in Albany recently to call for stronger support for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Representing Aspire of WNY were Paris, an advocate and individual supported by our agency; Jade,...
From the Studio to the Savannah, iXpress Artists Go Wild for Buffalo Zoo!
Aspire of WNY’s Fredonia iXpress Aspiring Artists were buzzing with excitement as they geared up for their big adventure to the Buffalo Zoo—and their imaginations wasted no time getting there first! In the iXpress studio, artists let their creativity run wild as they...