Citizens with disabilities in Erie County can question candidates in November election

Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) is holding a free “Meet The Candidates” day to enable local residents with disabilities – or anyone from the community – to hear and discuss issues with some of those who are on the ballot in the November general election.

WNYIL stated, “While it is an ‘off-year election’ our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the state and national leaders of tomorrow! So, whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!”

The event is to take place from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, in WNYIL’s Job Club Conference Room at 3108 Main St., at Highgate Avenue, in Buffalo’s University Heights District. Enter the off-street parking lot by Jim’s Steak Out and go to the building at the north end of the lot. As seating is limited, people can also attend over the Zoom meeting platform. To get the Zoom link, RSVP with Hayley Joyce at 716-836-0822, ext. 146, or email her at hjoyce.wnyil.org. She can also answer questions about the event. The forum will be also accessible via a livestream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WNYIL and WNYIL’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/ user/WNYIL.

The press release added, “We have invited candidates for: Erie County family Court, Erie County executive, Erie County Legislature, Buffalo Common Council members, and Amherst Town Board.

“If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the ‘hot’ disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The building is fully disability accessible.”

The Western New York Independent Living family of agencies offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.