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 [email protected].
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Question of the Month: Project Search? | |
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How do I know if my young adult is a candidate for the WIHD Project SEARCH program? What are the requirements for this "blended" model and what does that mean exactly?
This program, whereby Westchester Institute for Human Development proudly partners with NYPresbyterian- Westchester Hospital (formerly Lawrence Hospital) and Ability Beyond, serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the OPWDD system as well as students who are in their last year of high school who can benefit from personalized support in an intensive year of career development and internship experiences. The program is a community based, employment training program and is business focused. Applicants, once proper documentation is provided, are assessed and interviewed by our staff.
- High school high school students referred by school districts in last year of IDEA eligibility
- Post-IDEA young adults ages 19–25, with OPWDD eligibility determined.
- Referrals should come to us from Special educators, HS Transition specialists, or Guidance Counselors OR Care Managers, brokers.
- Safety awareness and appropriate workplace behaviors are developed further in the program but the candidates must present basic understanding of both.
- Individuals who enroll in Project SEARCH are committed to a goal of competitive entry level employment at the end of the program. They must want to be in the program and attendance is mandatory.
The definition of "Blended", in regard to the WIHD model, is due to the combination of accepted interns from High Schools (different districts) as well as OPWDD eligible adults. We also do not include/exclude based on specific disabilities. Many organizations partner with only one school district or only OPWDD young adults OR may only work with candidates with one diagnosis, such as autism.
Project SEARCH - Westchester Institute for Human Development (wihd.org)
PS-WIHD-HS-application-2024-PDF.pdf
PS-WIHD-ADULT-application-2024-pdf.pdf
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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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The Family and Community Education (FACE) staff here at the Community Support Network featured on new Podcast!
FACE staffers were invited to be interviewed for a podcast at the Anderson Center for Autism, called 1 and 36 which is hosted by Eliza Bozenski LMSW, Chief Development Officer. Click on image to access the flyer with additional information.
Staffer Debbie Goddard presented on the podcast on January 30th Beth Poague did another show on March 5th. Listen to Debbie >>here<< and Beth >>here<<
Please refer to the flyer to see how to hear the podcast.
This is an exciting opportunity for Face to share with families all that we do!
Thank you, Debbie and Beth, for taking the time to share our work with everyone!
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National Core Indicators:
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is excited to announce the start of the National Core Indicators (NCI) In-Person Survey for 2023-2024. This survey asks adults aged 18+ who are receiving services about their quality of life and how they feel about the services they receive. This year we are surveying over 1,700 people across New York State. The NCI In-Person Survey is optional and will not impact the current services or supports a person receives from OPWDD.
https://vitalresearch.com/newyork/nci/index.html
To learn more about the National Core Indicators, what they are, what they measure and how the states stack up, see this link: National Core Indicators®
National Core Indicators (NCI)® is a voluntary effort by public developmental disabilities agencies to measure and track their own performance.
The core indicators are standard measures used across states to assess the outcomes of services provided to individuals and families. Indicators address key areas of concern including employment, rights, service planning, community inclusion, choice, and health and safety. https://legacy.nationalcoreindicators.org/
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WIHD LEND Program:
Are you a person with a disability, a graduate student in a disability-related field, or a parent/sibling of an individual with intellectual/ developmental disabilities?
Consider applying to the WIHD LEND Program as a trainee for 2024-2025
(Click on image to see flyer with additional details).
The WIHD LEND Program is one of 60 LEND Interdisciplinary Leadership Training Programs nationwide funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Federal Government. LEND Program participants graduate with competencies required by family leaders and advocates in the field of developmental disabilies.
- Two semester training experience (Thursdays 8:45am to 5pm; September to mid-May; hybrid format)
- Stipend support, if eligible
- Focus on individuals with disabilies and their families
- Interdisciplinary environment with parcipants from multiple disciplines
- Comprehensive curriculum in neurodevelopmental and other disabilies; family-centered and culturally competent practices; family-professional collaboraon; disability policy and advocacy; research methodology; leadership skills.
Applications are ongoing until March 31st, 2024
For quesons about the LEND Program: [email protected]
For more informaon about the LEND Program: https://www.wihd.org/training/lend/
To apply to the LEND Program: https://www.wihd.org/training/lend/apply-to-lend/
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International Woman's Day Round Table
Congratulations to CSN staff member Mariela Adams!
To celebrate international Woman's Day 2024 during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, NACDD hosted a round table with I/DD advocates and parents from across the US.
To watch video, click here
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WESTCHESTER: Diverse Abilities JOB FAIR
WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER
APRIL 30. OPEN HOUSE. 11AM - 1PM.
ONE-ON-ONE Sessions: 1:30PM - 3PM
FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, and SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT
This job fair is open to all people who are differently abled.
Come and connect with White Plains employers and interview on the spot.
EMPLOYERS INCLUDE:
Amazon, Good Temps, Liberty Lines Transit, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Southern Westchester BOCES, Westchester County, and more.
Pre-registration is required. All registered attendees will receive a follow up email to sign up for time slots to meet with interviewers. Click here to register.
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And, to get ready:
On April 16 from 11-12:
HELPFUL TIPS FOR HAVING A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE AT THE DIVERSE ABILITIES JOB FAIR
- WHAT TO EXPECT
- HOW TO PREPARE
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- WHO WILL BE THERE
Register here. This free, virtual Zoom meeting is open to job fair attendees, coaches and caregivers.
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OPWDD's Family Stakeholder meetings
The Community Support Network at WIHD is now a member on the Monthly OPWDD Family Stakeholder meetings.
We have been accepted to this group because of our broad connection to families, self-advocates, school districts, and community groups about all the many issues that face people with I/DD. We will report back here on topics covered, and will also voice concerns or issues that we hear from the community.
If you have any suggestions and issues for us to raise, please email [email protected].
Next Family Stakeholder meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2024
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OPWDD Changes the Eligibility Process
OPWDD will no longer require families to attend virtual Front Door Information sessions to begin the eligibility process. Families can now watch informational videos at their leisure to find out about eligibility and services. Once they have viewed the videos they would call OPWDD at 866 946-9733 to be connected to a social worker that will direct them to local CCOs.
Link to OPWDD: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/front-door
Videos are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
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Brendan’s Blog and the GetWIHDit Facebook group for Self-Advocates
Hello everyone,
I'm hoping everyone is enjoying the sunny weather. I wanted to share with you all that this month is an anniversary of powerful leader name Judy Heumann that has passed on March 4th 2023. She and lots of other strong leaders were in a really great movie called Crip Camp. I definitely recommended everyone to check it out the movie on Netflix.
The Hear Our Voices group meetings are coming up, Dating and Relationship with Nichole and Claire on March 12th at 6pm to 7pm on zoom. Self-advocates group will be meeting on March 20th at 6pm to 7pm on zoom. Make sure you all SAVE THE DATE!! for the Spring Pleasantville Community Center - PCG Anniversary Party April 14th at 1pm with GetWIHDit and TicTacGO-Green crew.
I wanted to let you know that OPWDD commissioner Neifeld as resigned. Lets all wish Kerri Neifeld best of luck and please lets all welcome Commissioner Willow Baer to OPWDD.
I'm hoping to see everyone at Hear Our Voices group's upcoming meetings on zoom. Always let me know if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me [email protected] Thank you all!
Thank you so much for time!
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News from Hear Our Voices | |
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Save the date!
Stay tuned for 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.
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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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Employment Barriers Self Advocates Discussion
Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
6:00-7:00pm
Hello everyone,
I would like to have a discussion with all advocates,
• What are the barriers that make employment difficult for you?
• what can you suggest for a solution?
• What do you think needs to be changed in the employment crisis?
This is very important issue that we all need to discuss, what are you shruggling with? What are the challeges that you are facing when you are looking for a Job?
Please come to this very important Hear Our Voices meeting on zoom to share your stories. Make sure you all regisier for this meeting
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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 [email protected] and just let us know you want to be included.
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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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