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AMHERST, N.Y. – The Parent Network of Western New York has presented the 2017 Community Partnership Award to ˿����Ƶ College in honor of the institution’s efforts that have had a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

The award, which was presented at the organization’s 30^th anniversary celebration, is given to a community partner that demonstrates exemplary commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Parent Network of WNY.

“We are excited to highlight the success of our collaboration with ˿����Ƶ College and look forward to expanding the possibilities in the future,” said Susan Barlow, executive director of Parent Network.

Over the past 15 years, ˿����Ƶ has offered several initiatives that have benefitted individuals with disabilities, including academic after-school programs for children with disabilities held at the college’s Thomas Reynolds Center for Special Education and Afterschool Programs.

In other efforts, the college provides support for ˿����Ƶ students who are on the autism spectrum, and has partnered with area agencies on professional development training for health care professionals working with the unique health care needs of individuals with disabilities.

Most recently, ˿����Ƶ Athletics collaborated with the college’s master of social work and applied behavior analysis programs to establish the Center for Allied and Unified Sport and Exercise (CAUSE), which provides recreational and competitive athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“˿����Ƶ has a rich history of meaningful work in the developmental disabilities community in Western New York,” said Elizabeth Wright, dean of ˿����Ƶ’s Health and Human Services Division, who accepted the award on behalf of the college. “This award celebrates the many contributions ˿����Ƶ has made through a range of services and support to help improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities who live in our region.”