Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Sarah Lanzo, Director of Independent Living of Niagara County (ILNC) and your host is yours truly, Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Sarah.

Guest: Thank you Ernie, how are you today?

Host:  I'm not bad at all. You've got an exciting event coming up in the near future but to give a little background, it's all about supporting the services of ILNC. I bet there are some people listening that are not familiar with everything you have to offer. Could you at least sum it up for us?

Guest:  I'm sure they probably aren't. As people may not even be aware ILNC is an agency that works with people of any and all disabilities throughout Niagara County. We work to educate, empower and for the equality of people of any and all disabilities, and truly if any person with a disability has a goal, and they would like some assistance with it. To keep it simple, really they just need to reach out to us and we can help them help themselves.

Host:  And could you mention just what some of these services are so they have more of an idea?

Guest:  Some of the different services that we offer at ILNC will include peer counseling. They include systems and individual advocacy. Information and referral. As I mentioned peer support. We do have a Medicaid Application Assistance Program. We have Taking Control, which is the Consumer Directed Personal Attendant Services program. We're very fortunate to have services for deaf and hard of hearing consumers. We have benefits advisement. We do have a program called Addict 2 Addict Niagara. So, when you're ready, you yourself or if you know someone who's in need of recovery services or is ready to stop using, they can reach out to us as well.

Host:  And all of these services, is there any charge for the individuals who benefit from them?

Guest:  There is not, they simply need to reach out to our agency, ILNC, they can call at 716-284-4131, and they will reach out and they can talk to us and they could go through simple intake and we'll be able to assist them.

Host:  And although some of those services are provided in part thanks to contracts with different government entities that doesn't cover the whole bailiwick, which is why you have events such as All You Need Is Love. If you could give us the details?

Guest:  It certainly doesn't and so that is true. And so there's something like All You Need Is love, is an opportunity for us to get together and have some fun. Simply put, All You Need Is Love is an accessible night out, we are very, very lucky to have a band called Past Masters coming out to present Beatles music, and it's going to be an accessible evening out for people to just come out and have a good time. It's going to be taking place at the American Legion Post 142 on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls. On Friday, November 8 from 7:00 to 10:00. And as I said Past Masters will be doing music of the Beatles. And we really look forward to people of any and all disabilities being able to come out and have a good time together dancing, enjoying the music. There will be a basket auction, there's going to be what we call a pot of gold where for a $10 chance you can possibly win $500. So we're looking forward to just having some fun. All people together just really enjoying themselves.

Host:  And I believe there's an advantage to getting your tickets in advance?

Guest:  You're absolutely right, thank you for reminding me. If you buy your ticket ahead of time you can buy your ticket for $20 ahead of time and $25 at the door.

Host:  Terrific and could you mention a couple of things about Past Masters just in case they have some fans listening?

Guest:  So, I myself know one of the Past Masters very well. Past Masters is known as Buffalo's newest and fabest, I believe it was fabest Beatles tribute band. (laughter)

Host:  And I believe there's at least six members, considering they're only four Beatles that means there must be some flexibility in there somewhere. Well, if you could remind people again, how they can get tickets or get more information on All You Need Is Love?

Guest:  Sure, absolutely. So, if they're looking for more information on All You Need is Love or for tickets they can reach out to the agency as well. Our number is 716-284-4131. They can reach out to Brittany at extension 214 or myself at extension 209, I again am Sarah.

Host:  Terrific, thanks for being with us Sarah and best of luck with your event.

Guest:  Thank you so much.

Host:  You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Sarah Lanzo, Director of ILNC, and your host was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.