AN E-NEWSLETTER FROM WIHD FOR THE CSN COMMUNITY | |
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The help you need from WIHD's Community Support Network is here in one place.
Reach out to (914) 493-8119 or CSN@wihd.org.
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What is Self Direction and how can my family member benefit from it?
Self Direction is an OPWDD service which allows for more choice in OPWDD-funded supports and services. The individual must be eligible for OPWDD services and participating in Care Management services through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) to be approved for self-direction. Therefore, it is recommended that you first attend a workshop on OPWDD eligibility if the person with the disability doesn't already have it.
Once you have been approved for Self Direction services and granted a budget you will be required to work with a Self Direction Broker and Fiscal Intermediatory to establish how you will use your budget. Your Self Direction Broker can/will help you determine what are the priorities for your family member and how they would like to utilize the allotted dollars.
With a Self Direction budget the family can design an active and fulfilling life that aligns with the family members' goals. Through Self Direction they can choose and hire staff, participate in and attend community classes, and choose how they would like to engage with their community.
Self Direction does offer great flexibility, you can change things in your plan when you want something different, but it is important to note that it does require organizational and administrative skills to be most beneficial. Self Direction is also a reimbursement program so some expenses will have to be paid in advance before they are reimbursed.
You can always switch back to a traditional model of support if Self Direction doesn't suit your needs.
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19th Annual, Transition Linkages Fair
An Event for Parents, Educators & Advocates to Learn More About Adult Services & Transition Planning
WHEN:
Monday, May 6th From, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM
WHERE:
Westchester County Center*
198 Central Ave.
White Plains, NY. 10606
EVENT PARKING:
*Onsite parking is $8.00. Street parking is free or metered.
FREE ADMISSION:
*Pre-Registration NOT required * Skip the line & register ahead of
time! m Click HERE
Registration:
https://arcwestchester.jotform.com/jfeuer/2024-Transition-Linkages-Fair
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Making Disability Rights History:
HHS Announces Powerful Anti Discrimination Protections
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made disability rights history with the release of a long-awaited final rule implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This comprehensive update — the first since the initial regulation was put into place more than 40 years ago — creates one of the most powerful tools we have ever had to combat discrimination based on disability in health care and human services. The direct result of decades of advocacy by people with disabilities, the new 504 rule represents a giant step forward in the disability civil rights movement.
Read more here
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Heath Education Study for people with I/DD
About STEPS2:
The CUNY School of Public Health is running an NIH-funded OPWDD-endorsed health education study for young people in New York State ages 16-27 with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The study will provide hour-long weekly health lessons for six weeks via Zoom. Participants will complete surveys for a total of $100 in gift cards. If you have any questions about STEPS2, please email steps2@sph.cuny.edu.
Fill out this form to have a member of the STEPS2 team reach out to share more information.
Learn more about STEPS at https://cunyisph.org/steps2-study/
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Family Stakeholder meetings, with OPWDD.
Family members from WIHD and approximately 20 other organizations speak to OPWDD every two months about topical issues. Those on these committees think of questions, present those to opwdd in an agenda, and then receive responses.
The attached document was prepared by a committee volunteer to the best of their ability.
See attached notes here
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SAVE THE DATE OF JUNE 8, 2024 FOR GET OUTDOORS & GET TOGETHER DAY!
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events will be held at select locations across New York on Saturday, June 8.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services, are hosting free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors.
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the state's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.
Read more >>here<<
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OPWDD WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
OPWDD is excited to announce the statewide schedule for our 2024 Strategic Planning Forums.
The forums will focus on providing you with a brief update on our work on the 2023 – 2027 OPWDD Strategic Plan and on hearing your feedback. This year we have added a question-and-answer period where the OPWDD team will answer questions pre-submitted by participants and, as in past years, we'll end with a public comment period where you can share your thoughts with OPWDD leadership and staff.
To join us at a forum visit our website where you can register, submit questions, and sign up for public comment. We want to hear from people with developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, providers, Direct Support Professionals, Care Coordination Organizations, and anyone else who interacts with the OPWDD service delivery system. It is necessary to pre-submit your question if you would like to have it answered at the forum. Although signing up for public comment in advance is not required, it is encouraged as we will start each public comment forum with those who have signed up and only go to the audience if there is time.
If you’re not able to join us in person, don’t worry. We will be hosting virtual forums later this Summer, and we’ll share details about how you can join those shortly.
We hope you can join us at one of our in-person forums:
>>Register here<<
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Brendan’s Blog and the GetWIHDit Facebook group for Self-Advocates
The Hear Our Voices group has some exciting things going on. Have you seen our new HOV logo yet?... Introducing the new Hear Our Voices logo! Designed and by created by our very own Mo Kikoler, HOV's new administrative assistant, with input from the entire HOV team. When Mo was making this, they wanted it to express everything Hear Our Voices means to people: community, support, inclusion, and motivation. We are so excited to have this new logo and look forward to using it from here on out!
On May 16th We will have our first Hear Our Voices Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference on zoom at 10am to 4pm. This is a great opportunity for you to learn from real speakers with disabilities Just Like YOU! We have great topics you care about. For more information check out the HOV conference flyer.
TicTacGo/GetWIHDit crew are getting ready to clean up and prepare to plant veggies at the Pleasantville garden on May 5th.
Here are more info on the Hear Our Voices meeting:
DATING & RELATIONSHIPS the next meeting is on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, 6pm - 7pm with Tina Fitzgerald and Nichole Hasting
May 15th at 6pm -7pm join us for a conversation about the HOV conference, how to register and answer any questions you might have.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the events. Let me know if you have any questions. bklein@wihd.org
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Our New Hear Our Voices Logo! | |
The Hear Our Voices logo. Two people standing together while advocating for their needs and rights as people with disabilities. Text reads "Hear Our Voices! WIHD.org. | |
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Leadership Program
September 2024- June 2025.
Our Mission
To help people with developmental disabilities build community, confidence, and leadership skills. LEAD by example, find your VOICE and take ACTION!.
This is the 2nd year Volunteer New York! and Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD), are collaborating to offer this 10-month leadership development program for young adults with developmental disabilities. The program provides accommodations for various learning needs in a small group cohort and requires participants to apply and be accepted into the program.
Brendan Klein and Patti Colombo, both graduates of Volunteer New York! Leadership Westchester will co-facilitate the leadership program September 2024- June 2025.
Highlights include interactive LEADERSHIP topics in:
- Goal Setting
- Self-Awareness
- Social Awareness
- Self- Management
- Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Conflict Resolution
- Building Relationships
- Share & Lead Skill Building
- Capstone Leadership Projec
Sessions will be held once a month, on a weekday, in person, in Westchester.
The program will end with a celebration and graduation ceremony with family and friends.
There is no cost to participate, but it will require a commitment to attend all sessions. Currently accepting referrals and applications, with limited openings.
Deadline to Apply June 30,2024
To Get more information or to APPLY go to
https://www.volunteernewyork.org/RISE or click here
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News from Hear Our Voices | |
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Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference
Announcing the First Hear Our Voices Self-Advocates Conference to be held on Thursday, May 16th, 2024.
Speakers will all be self-advocates, and will cover many important topics - peer to peer. The conference will be free and virtual on ZOOM events.
Sessions will be scheduled from 10 am -4pm.
>>Register here<<
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Peer to peer discussion about Dating and Relationships
Come join us for a monthly Peer to Peer discussion about Dating and Relationships.
Facilitated by Nichole Hastings and Claire Polin
On Zoom from 6pm to 7 pm, Tuesdays.
Register here
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"Hear Our Voices”
Self Advocacy Group Meeting
Join us for our 2024 conversations about Self- Advocacy
EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH VIA ZOOM FROM 6 TO 7 PM
Register Here
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Speakers Network - Make your Voice Heard! | |
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WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE - Become part of the WIHD’s Speaker’s Network!
We are looking for Self-Advocates that are interested in telling their story. Educate others on what matters to you!
If you want to learn more about this project, please email Mariela Adams at madams@wihd.org and just let us know you want to be included.
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2024 CSN Transition Institute Success! | |
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Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and participants for an amazing Transition Institute. We had over 700 registrants, 35 sessions, and attendees from 26 states!
Did you miss one of our sessions? Stay tuned for links to view recorded sessions and materials. The sessions are available at our conference page >>here<
Visit our Annual Transition Institute website >>here<< and check out recordings from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Transition Institutes.
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Think College for people with intellectual disabilities | |
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Can people with intellectual disability go to college? Yes they can!
Think College Awareness Week was April 24-28, 2023 to explore all college options for people with intellectual disability. See link below to watch the recordings and to learn more about the over 300 programs across the country.
Watch the recordings here: https://thinkhighered.net/
Learn more here: www.thinkcollege.net
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New York State - Special Education Office
Website of the Office of Special Education Office of the New York State Education Department (NYSED). View
New York State - OPWDD
Website of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). View
New York State - Self Direction Program
Webpage of theNew York State Office for People with Developmental Disablities (OPWDD) on Self Direction, a way to choose a mix of supports and services that allows you to set up services, providers, staff and schedule that work best for you. View
New York State - ACCES-VR
Website of the New York State Education Department, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). View
New York State Ed - Parent Dashboard and Survey
The Parent Dashboard makes information about school performance and other school-level data easier for parents and the public to access and this five-minute survey will help make the dashboard as useful as possible.
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