For Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Hilderbrant, Cell: (585) 267-0343

June 14, 2011

Young Professionals with Disabilities to host first gathering – June 23, 2011

(Rochester, NY) – Rochester Young Professionals with Disabilities will host its first ever gathering on Thursday, June 23rd from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lovin’ Cup, near the RIT campus. The happy hour gathering is open to anyone, with an emphasis on networking opportunities for young (21-35) professionals who have disabilities. Other friends and young professionals are very much welcome. Drink specials will be offered.

Founded to meet the needs of Young Professionals who have disabilities, Rochester Young Professionals with Disabilities is a peer networking group where individuals can learn from each other’s experience in job seeking, career development and the workplace, network with other young professionals, connect with mentors, engage in social events, find volunteer opportunities and enhance their skills.

Leaders of the group intend for this initial gathering to be a fun way to meet new people and broaden the membership of the group. One of the challenges to arranging a networking event for a large number of people with diverse disabilities is selecting a location that is accessible for such disabilities. Rochester Young Professionals with Disabilities intends to provide participants with a chance to learn what venues are accessible to their needs while also educating venues about how they can improve access and increase the attractiveness of the business to customers with disabilities.

“I think one of the greatest aspects of this group is the volunteering opportunities,” said Stephanie Woodward, a Rochester native currently attending Syracuse University College of Law. “I’m sick of the stereotype that people with disabilities are helpless and always in need of charity. This group is going to turn that stereotype around as disabled young professionals volunteer to help others in the Rochester community.”

Rochester Young Professionals with Disabilities is still in its formative stage. The group will be as good as the members can make it. Committed, energetic members are very much wanted to help shape the destiny of the group. Improved employment opportunities and social connectedness are two anticipated goals.

“I’m very excited at the possibilities this group holds to help people with disabilities knock down barriers to full employment,” said Luticha Doucette, who is studying Bioinformatics at RIT and is a group co-founder. According to many studies, only approximately 1/3 of people with disabilities are employed. “Ultimately, jobs are only part of the goal. We want to ensure that young people with disabilities see themselves as capable of great careers. I believe we can be part of making a big change in attitudes,” concluded Doucette.

Interested individuals can contact Luticha Doucette at roccityypd@gmail.com for more information.

– 30 –