Ian Mackay is the founder and Executive Director of Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for outdoor accessibility, recreation, and connected trails. Since 2016, Ian has been riding his power chair across several states to bring attention to this cause. He is bringing his ride to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor from September 19 – 28, 2026.

Ian is inviting members of the public to join him on his 10-day ride from Albany to Buffalo or to team up with him at the end of each day. You can learn more about the ride, see the full schedule, and learn how to join Ian here: https://www.iansride.com/ride-the-erie

Ian’s Ride fits perfectly with our priority to ensure that the Erie Canalway is a place that is welcoming and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. We are looking forward to this opportunity to showcase Ian and promote accessible recreation. We hope you’ll check out the ride, join in if you can, and share some Erie Canal hospitality with Ian.

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will be promoting the ride on social media—we encourage you to share our posts and expand the reach of this exciting ride.

Join us for upcoming virtual and in-person events designed to bring people together. Connect with others, learn about helpful resources, share experiences, and get information to make informed decisions.

Both our in person and virtual events are free and open to the public. Registration is greatly appreciated through the links provided.

COMMUNITY NETWORKING EVENTS - where we bring together IDD providers, Care Managers, members, families, and more. It’s a chance to meet new providers, learn about services, build new relationships, and more!

ACANY Event -

Bronx/Manhattan Tuesday, September 15, 10am-2pm Community Networking Events - Advance Care Alliance New York - ACANY

LIFEPlan Events -

Putnam County Hudson Valley InterArts, Wednesday, September 23, 11:30am-1:30pm

Capital Region DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady, Thursday, October 8, 10am-2pm

North Country Gouverneur’s Elk Lodge, Thursday, October 1, 10am-12pm

Plattsburgh SUNY Plattsburgh, Wednesday, October 14, 11:30am-1:30pm Community Networking Events - LIFEPlan CCO NY

SEPTEMBER VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSIONS

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH MEDICATIONS: A THREE-PART LEARNING SERIES FOR THE IDD COMMUNITY

Session 1: Wednesday, September 16, 12pm-1pm

Session 2: Wednesday, October 14, 12pm-1pm

Session 3: Wednesday, November 11, 12pm-1pm

Join our free, open to the public, three-part webinar series with Dr. Holly Brown to learn about mental health treatment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Explore medication options, how they can help, understand mood and behavior supports, and gain tools to advocate with confidence. These sessions will break down complicated information into clear, easy-to-understand language.

Presented by: Dr. Holly Brown, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCS, Executive Director, Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing, St. John Fisher University

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

TRAID - TECHNOLOGY RELATED ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Tuesday, September 22, 12pm-1pm OR 6pm-7pm

Learn how assistive technology, like mobility devices, ramps, tablets, and more, can empower independence at every stage of life.  Join the director of the TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) program, Melinda Dolezal, for an informative session on tools, resources, and supports for individuals with disabilities.

Presented by: Melinda Dolezal, TRAID Director, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

LIFEPlan Registration for VLS - Virtual Learning Sessions - LIFEPlan CCO NY

ACANY Registration for VLS - Virtual Learning Sessions - Advance Care Alliance New York - ACANY

Jennifer McCullough Vice President of Marketing Communications +15183106373 [email protected]

Visit us at ccany.org For live support, call 866-462-2269 or email [email protected]

This Week's Staying Connected Call

Topic - Hispanic Heritage Month 

Speakers Ms Wheelchair NY Gesy Duran and Ms Wheelchair TX Elisha Aguirre

Meeting ID - 5183821454

Wednesdays 1:00pm-2:00pm

Adventure Time 

Wednesdays 3-4:30 except for the first Wednesday we meet 3-4. Join us as we share what brings us join and the group picks a book to read. You do not need to have the book because a SANYS staff will read it aloud during the meeting 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83386639115 Meeting ID: 833 8663 9115

Join us for Pro Wrestling Fanatics Saturdays at 4pm This week we will be listening to 

No Is a Four-Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling But Succeeded in Life

Book by Chris Jericho

SBRN offers individuals with spina bifida and other disabilities a convenient, enjoyable way to learn, share stories, make friends and build community through video meeting platforms such as Zoom. There is no need to travel, simply join in from the comfort of your home. Find out about events and activities by clicking here https://thesbrn.org/programs-services/virtualgroups/ 

Free Health & Wellness Classes

Online Wellness Classes

https://gatheringstrength.org/classes/

Check out Adapt Center Virtual Classes Here. Such as Yoga, Dance and Meditation https://www.adaptmovement.org/classes