Jay Berdych has been at The Arc of Monroe since 2020 and takes part in many services The Arc has to offer. He’s a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoys The Arc of Monroe’s PrideAbility Group. He enjoys working at the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp in the summertime where he can work with kids with disabilities. He’s also currently planning a trip to see Dancing with The Stars in Ohio.
I’m Jay and I’m a part of The Arc of Monroe’s PrideAbility Group. The initiative, sponsored by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, makes strides in expanding LGBTQIA advocacy across the state for people with IDD.
Going into a new presidential administration can cause many people to become curious, and some even concerned about what changes will come about once President Donald Trump takes office. I don’t follow too closely what is going on in the presidential administration, but I do pay attention to news that comes out from time to time. I don’t feel too nervous about President Trump making any decisions that will affect the LGBTQ+ community. I just hope he doesn’t change anything we’re already working towards. Based on what I have seen in some of his appearances, he hasn’t said anything about making changes which gives me hope.
What I like about The Arc of Monroe specifically and why I chose this agency when I was looking for adult homes is their welcoming environment with programs focused on the LGBTQ+ community. PrideAbility provides me with a sense of belonging, showing me I have the right to be myself, and that makes me happy. The Arc of Monroe also offers me a variety of other services, including a home, clinical appointments, and my job at Legacy at Clover Blossom through their Employment Training Program within Job Path. My concerns with the presidential administration shift align more with potential changes in disability rights. I’m a little nervous I could lose my benefits that allow me to have all these things at The Arc of Monroe.