WBFO Disabilities Beat

This photograph, taken in the United States depicts a child who was infected with the Morbillivirus, also known as measles, or rubeola during a domestic outbreak in 2024. The child’s cheek shows the characteristic rash associated with this viral infection.

Local

Erie County Health Commish: County's 2 known measles cases likely aren't the only ones

Emyle Watkins

What Erie County's second case tells us about the spread of measles and what you can do to protect your family and community.

A senior woman is seated on an examination table at a doctor's office. Her female doctor is standing in front of her while holding a pen and a clipboard to write notes. They are both wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of germs. She is listening intently as her doctor is speaking to her.

Local

Disabilities Beat: University at Buffalo launches free online Long COVID medical provider training

Emyle Watkins

University at Buffalo physicians launch a free interdisciplinary training program, with patient voices, to help providers diagnose and treat Long COVID.

Left image: Tim and Emily Lowrey at a movie. Emily shared with BTPM NPR: "one year after diagnosis during COVID lock-down at a movie theatre in downtown Buffalo. We went with two pharmacist friends and had the entire theatre to ourselves. Such a treat." Right image: Emily Lowrey speaks in front of an auditorium of students at Iroquois High School in May 2026.

Local

Disabilities Beat: Iroquois grad's legacy lives on through ALS education, advocacy

Emyle Watkins

After his diagnosis, Iroquois graduate Tim Lowrey launched a panel series on ALS. Now, the program continues in his memory, teaching students about ALS and care careers.

A group of workers or volunteers wearing matching blue shirts sort donations and supplies inside a community center. The room they are in has exposed brick walls and wooden floors. A few people work together around tables filled with boxes, clothing and water bottles. A a woman using a wheelchair seems to direct the workers, holding a clipboard in front of them.

Local

Disabilities Beat: NYS budget stalemate continues, a push for higher human services wages

Emyle Watkins

New York’s late state budget could delay disability and health programs as lawmakers debate funding and advocates push for higher human services wages.

May 7, 2026 - Albany, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul makes a budget announcement.

Local

Disabilities Beat: State budget uncertainty, resident assistant pilot, Wyoming Co. Sheriff's race

Emyle Watkins

Last week, sheriff candidates spoke with the disability community, older adult organizations asked for a resident assistant pilot, and the Governor announced a not-quite-ready budget.

Students participate in a Jeopardy-style game to learn about nicotine and substance use during BuffSci's annual health and wellness fair on May 7, 2026 in Buffalo.

Local

BuffSci connects students, families to holistic well-being through annual health fair

Emyle Watkins

On Thursday night, the Buffalo Academy of Science held its third annual health and wellness fair as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

An older man wearing glasses smiles while sitting at a table with a laptop as a younger woman leans beside him in a bright apartment.

State

Aging-in-place advocates call for funding $2M resident assistance pilot in older adult housing

Emyle Watkins

Advocates want New York to invest $2 million in senior housing resident assistants to help older adults age in place and reduce hospitalizations.

Two older adult men practice boxing in a gym setting. In the foreground, a gray-haired man with a beard wearing a grey shirt and red-and-black boxing gloves holds his fists up in a guarded stance, ready to punch into the air. Behind him, another man in glasses throws a punch into the air with brown boxing gloves. Exercise equipment and punching bags are in the background.

Local

Disabilities Beat: Amherst residents manage Parkinson’s symptoms one punch at a time

Emyle Watkins

A new Amherst boxing program helps people with Parkinson’s improve balance, mobility, and mental health through exercise and social support.

A wheelchair sits outside an orange tent setup in a grassy area near a street and a highway.

Local

Disabilities Beat: Amid budget delays, advocates push for action on affordable rural housing

Emyle Watkins

Rural New Yorkers with disabilities and/or mental health conditions face significant housing shortages and limited services, making it harder to find stability.

June 27, 2025 - Saranac Lake, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks at a Medicaid rally. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

State

Disabilities Beat: What New York has to say about Dr. Oz’s Medicaid fraud allegations

Emyle Watkins

CMS admits it overstated New York Medicaid personal care users by 10 times when alleging New York has Medicaid fraud. How has the state responded?