WILC & PILS January 2022 Newsletter

January 2022

Happy New Year from all of us at WILC and PILS! We wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2022 and look forward to supporting you in the best ways we can. Please see below our many upcoming updates and offerings… and, as always, reach out to us if you have any questions!

Fiona Rattray Featured in Panel of Ask the Experts: Getting the Most Out of Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s)

We are excited to share that our Parent Training & Information Center Specialist, Fiona Rattray, was featured on an episode of “A World of Difference at Beacon College”! Parents are often confused about what an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is and how to best leverage it to gain the accommodations that will help even the educational playing field and support their child’s success. On this episode, you’ll learn the basics about IEPs. Click the link below to watch the episode:

"A World of Difference," S2, E4 | Getting the most out of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)" - YouTube

NY Connects: Your Link to Long Term Services and Supports

Are You Confused About Options for Long Term Services? NY Connects is your trusted place for individuals, families, caregivers, and professions to turn to for free, unbiased information about long term services and supports in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability. Connect with a NY Connects partner to receive comprehensive counseling on options related to personal care, transportation, education counseling, medical, behavioral health, and various other supportive services and programs.

Where to Get Help:

Westchester Independent Living Center

NY Connects Information and Referral line

866-715-4700

Serves seven counties in the lower Hudson Valley: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster.

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services

NY Connects Information and Referral Line

914-813-6300

Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Help Bronx Fire Victims

Donations are needed for victims of the apartment fire that took place in the Bronx on January 9, 2022. High priority items include new and unworn clothes, bottled water, bedding, baby items, toiletries, and packaged food. Below are additional ways you can help:

Senator Shelley Mayer's office will be collecting donated material for the fire victims. Email them at [email protected] or call 914.934.5250.
There is also a donation drop-off point at the Pelham Picture House. For more info, please call 914.738.7337.
Donate to the NYC Mayor's Fund.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Empower Yourself and Take Back Your Health and Wellness!

Are you ready to take charge of your health and wellness in the new year? Have you been told by a healthcare provider you have Prediabetes? If so, many people with prediabetes who don’t change their lifestyle may develop type 2 diabetes within five years after being diagnosed.

WILC is excited to announce we will be offering new workshops for our Diabetes Prevention Program in the coming months. In this CDC recognized program you will learn valuable skills and information to address lifestyle changes that can help you take back control of your health and wellness in the new year!

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the DPP Program, please contact Aimee Parks at 845-228-7457 ext. 1106 or by email [email protected].

Click here to learn more about preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Westchester Independent Living Center was a recipient of the Cares Act funding and has disbursed monies in the form of a credit card to help our consumers in this time of fighting to end food insecurity. To date, WILC has disbursed $332,400.00 in Cares Act monies in the form of a credit card valued at $100-150 for 1,471 individual consumers.

Project Access is a WILC program that is funded through a Community Development Block Grant. The Project's objective is to provide affordable and accessible housing information to White Plains residents with disabilities and seniors through an online housing registry. This year, WILC's ADA Specialist surveyed 8 buildings for Project Access and added the buildings to Project Access's Housing Registry along with their accessibility and affordability information.

Upcoming Webinars

How to Prepare for your Child’s CSE Meeting

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring:

Denise Green & Fiona Rattray- from the PILS Parent Training & Information Center