



Supporting Safe Spaces
Supporting Safe Spaces is geared towards Direct Support Professionals, managers, family members, and others who are supporting people in the LGBTQ+ community with IDD. The goal of the program is to provide the necessary information, training tips and resources to support your organization. This program also offers continuous support in how to have these conversations at your organization, and how to create effective support groups that can meet the unique needs of this population. A Train-the-Trainer program is also available with a goal to provide the necessary information, training tips, resources, and support to hold your own Supporting Safe Spaces workshops at your organization.
Highlights of the Supporting Safe Spaces Program include:
- Information tailored especially for DSPs, managers and family members.
- Knowledge about how to create effective support groups that can meet the unique needs of this population.
- Continuous support in how to have these conversations at your organization after the training is over.
- Also available: A train-the-trainer model delivered at your organization delivered by a lauded expert in the field.

Upcoming Events
Check back later for upcoming trainings and events!
I'd Like to Learn More!
We are pleased to be able to offer these trainings for anyone in Central and Western New York. If your business is interested in strengthening its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, learning about how to create safe spaces, or simply providing additional support to employees and/or customers, this training is perfect for you. Please fill out the form below to connect with Brian and get started! Or reach out to him at BPotvin@arcmonroe.org.

Contact Us!
Brian Potvin
Coordinator of Person-Centered Approaches
(585) 643-0097
bpotvin@arcmonroe.org
Christen Smith
Director of Marketing & Communications
(585) 773-8535
chrsmith@arcmonroe.org

LGBTQ+ and I/DD STATISTICS AND FACTS IN THE US
Source: LGBTmap.com
Research shows that LGBT people are more likely than the general population to have a disability and face systemic challenges finding employment, community, and more. Even 29 years after the passage of the ADA, more work is needed to ensure that people with disabilities, including LGBT people with disabilities, have full and equal access in American society.
LGBT People in the US with a Disability3-5 Million
Gay Men Reported Having a Disability26%
Lesbian Women Reported Having a Disability36%
8.8%LGBT People with Disabilities Unemployed
LGBT People without Disabilities Unemployed5.4%
Transgender Adults Reported Having a Disability2 in 5

This program is made possible by The New York Health Foundation – and we are so grateful! NYHealth seeks to improve the health of all New Yorkers, particularly by “spreading effective programs that work to improve the health system.” We are proud and honored that NYHealth chose to support The Arc of Monroe as we fully step into what we perceive to be a natural leadership role in the long overdue space of supporting people with IDD identifying as LGBTQ+. We look forward to facilitating lasting, comprehensive growth and change throughout our region by safely supporting the personal journeys of those we help. NYHealth’s endorsement through this grant award will provide value and meaning far beyond what the actual dollars will achieve.