Shows
Independent PerspectiveA Discussion on Fair Housing with WNYIL's Chief Policy Officer Todd VaarwerkThe Fair Housing Act of 1968 was meant to remove discrimination in the housing process, but one area that was not initially addressed was fair housing for people with disabilities. That was rectified approximately 20 years later, but there is still work to be done. Western New York Independent Living’s Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk joined the program to talk about fair housing and what it means to people with disabilities.
2026-02-1205 minIndependent PerspectiveA Discussion on the NYS Budget with Todd VaarwerkThe New York State Budget process plays a significant role in supporting services for the disability community. So that means that New York State budget season is a busy time of year for Western New York Independent Living’s Policy Office. WNYIL's Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk joined the show to talk about the state budget process and its impact on WNYIL and the Disability Community.
2026-02-0405 min2025-10-0805 minIndependent PerspectiveNYS Budget compromises in programs for citizens with disabilitiesIndependent Perspective with Todd Vaarwerk on some NYS Budget compromises in programs for citizens with disabilities, ILCs still involved.
2024-05-1605 min
What’s Next?What's Next? | Producers Picks: Todd Vaarwerk, Ben Hilligas, and Christine Carr-BarmasseOn this week’s Producers Picks, we revisit some stand out conversations from the last few episodes from our show’s prior iteration - Buffalo, What’s Next? We hear conversations from Todd Vaarwerk, the Chief Policy Officer for Western New York Independent Living, Ben Hilligas, the Executive Director for Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center, and Christine Carr-Barmasse, Executive director of Mission: Ignite.
2023-09-1559 min
Peers Like MeTodd talks About Service AnimalsMaura welcomes Todd Vaarwerk, the Chief Policy Officer for Western New York Independent Living.
2023-07-0723 minWhat’s Next?Buffalo, What’s Next? | Sustaining Independent LivingEmyle Watkins spoke with Todd Vaarwerk, the Chief Policy Officer for Western New York Independent Living. Together they discussed the independent living movement and how New York State's 2023-2024 budget may impact residents with disabilities who rely on essential state services to live in their own homes as well as inpatient and outpatient mental health care. This episode was recorded shortly after the budget passed in May.
2023-06-2655 min
The Dragon Con ReportThe 2021 Dragon Con Report Episode 5The con will go on! Mike, Mike, Darren, and Jen discuss the latest news concerning Dragon Con 2021 and are joined by Todd Vaarwerk from Dragon Con Disability Services and Dr. Scott Viguie review the challenges of making the event weekend accessible to everyone.
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2021-05-221h 25