Foundation News
June 2019
Golisano Institute Partners with Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland
The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at  St. John Fisher College  and the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in Waterford, Ireland, announced a formal partnership to transform the way nurses treat the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. WIT has offered a specialized degree in developmental disability nursing since 2002.
Hundreds Attend AADMD Conference to Ignite Change and Improve Access to Inclusive Health
The Golisano Foundation and The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry under the leadership of Dr. Steve Sulkes, hosted this year's One Voice Conference and pre-conference on Oral Health with the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester. Ann Costello addressed both conferences and recognized several Golisano Health Leadership Award and Move to Include Award honorees who were present including Dr. Steve Sulkes, Dr. Rick Rader, Dr. Steve Perlman, Dr. Abrahim Caroci, Dr. Maricelle Abayon, Dr. Lisa DeLucia Bruno and Dr. Wayne Lipschitz. The conference drew hundreds of clinicians from the U.S. and Canada to ignite change and reverse health disparities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more and see photos from the conference
Dr. Matt Holder Receives Move to Include Award
Ann Costello, Director of the Golisano Foundation presented the Foundation’s 2019 Move to Include Award to Dr. Matthew Holder , an international leader in the care of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

“Matt is a gifted doctor who epitomizes the characteristics of the Award every day in his work, life and professional associations," said Costello. "Throughout his career he has demonstrated that inclusion is never an afterthought or a “do over” effort in social justice.”
Grand Opening Celebrated at The Arc Wayne New Erie Shore Landing
The Arc Wayne 's Erie Shore Landing cafe, bakery and ice cream shop in Newark, NY. are now open! The Foundation was pleased to provide a grant of $100,000 to support this project, which provides meaningful employment to people with intellectual disabilities. Be sure to stop in! See menu, hours & info
Ribbon Cut on Renovated Gavras Center Inclusive Preschool & Therapy Area
We were pleased to provide a $150,000 grant for the Gavras Center Inclusive Preschool and Therapy Area Expansion in Auburn. The Center is a premier provider of preschool and adult programs, both for the disabled and non-disabled. The project included a new playground, as well as renovations, expansion and improvements to the motor therapy area and classrooms to facilitate full day preschool programming and wrap-around day care.
Foundation Grant to Unistel Industries Helps Expand Inclusive Job Opportunities
The Golisano Foundation provided a $100,000 grant to Unistel Industries , a CDS Life Transitions company, to buy new spice processing equipment and expand operations. This will bring new job opportunities for veterans and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Unistel Industries manufactures, blends, and packages quality spices and unique flavors for restaurants and retailers across Monroe County and beyond.
Progress Continues on New Golisano Training Center at Nazareth College
Work is moving right along on the new Golisano Training Center at Nazareth College . The Center is expected to be completed by the start of fall semester and will provide a state of the art facility for practices, competition, and health and wellness programs. Nazareth's partnership with  Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation, makes it the only facility of its kind in the country. Tom Golisano provided a gift of $7.5 million to help build the Center.
Tom Golisano Featured in Cover Story of Exceptional Parent Magazine
A big thanks to  Exceptional Parent  magazine for featuring Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation's work as its cover story! The magazine is packed with informative and inspiring articles. Read Article
Kaitlin Detsch, Honored with Self Advocacy Award

Congratulations to Kaitlin Detsch, recipient of the AADMD annual self-advocacy award. Ann Costello presented the award at  The Little Theatre   at a panel discussion on access to healthcare that was part of the One Voice Conference . Kaitlin's Mom, Charlene, was with her to accept the award. Kaitlin is involved in the recreation program and day services at  Lifetime Assistance and was featured in the Golisano Foundation's 2015 Positive Exposure photography exhibition. 
ICYMI: NPR's Joe Shapiro on WXXI on the  Epidemic of Sexual Assault of People with Intellectual Disabilities
In case you missed it, listen to the interview with NPR's Joe Shapiro on WXXI's Connections. Joe also spoke at the 2019 AADMD Conference on his reporting on issues impacting people with intellectual and physical disabilities. He was joined on Connections by Steve Sulkes , M.D., Professor of Pediatrics at URMC and Co-Director, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at Golisano Children's Hospital; and Dianne Cooney Miner , PhD, Associate VP and Dean at the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College Listen
About the Golisano Foundation

The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to creating a better world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Founda tion works to open doors to opportunity, change negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forge unprecedented partnerships to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their life times. With more than $40 million in gross assets, it has awarded more than $24 million in  grants , about $2 million annually, to non-profit organizations in  Western NY and New York's Finger Lakes Region and Southwest Florida .