Fall is in full swing, and with it comes fresh opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with WILC. From community highlights to upcoming programs and events, there’s plenty to look forward to as we head into the holiday season. Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and explore what’s new this month!

Healthcare Quality and Disability:

A Conversation with WILC Experts

October is Healthcare Quality Awareness Month, and WILC is shining a light on what quality, person-centered care truly means for people with disabilities. In a new conversation between Aimee Parks, Director of Regional Resource Programs, and Joan O’Brien, Outreach Specialist with NY Connects, they discuss the real-life challenges individuals face navigating the healthcare system, such as accessibility, communication barriers, and the importance of advocacy and social support.

You can listen to Part 1 of their conversation HERE!

Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring WILC’s new Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) developed with OPWDD coming in November.

Social Security Transitions to Electronic Payments

Social Security benefits are now moving entirely to electronic payments, meaning paper checks will no longer be issued. This change helps ensure faster, safer, and more reliable access to funds.

Learn more at wilc.org.

Michael’s Monthly Fun Facts

With fall now in effect, it is a great time to support your local farms.

Many local farms open their spaces for people of all ages to come and visit to see what they do and what they sell. These farms offer very vast and rich histories behind their barn doors, and it can be very intriguing to see what roots they have invested in their local communities.

It can also be a fun day for families to come and visit. They can see all the different kinds of animals that are taken care of there and may even be allowed to approach and pet them if they want to.

With holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving coming up, farms can offer the best kinds of pumpkins that can be used for decorations, or for turning into foods, like pumpkin pie.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and visit your local farm today!

We're Hiring!

We’re growing our team and looking for passionate individuals to join us! WILC is currently hiring for two positions: Bilingual Education & Outreach Specialist and Peer Independent Living Specialist. If you’re dedicated to empowering others and making a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

More information about the jobs can be found HERE!

Upcoming Events

This fall, WILC is offering workshops and events to support learning, advocacy, and self-expression. Join us for sessions on school anxiety and avoidance, advocating for your autistic child, and sensory issues, as well as our Resource & Transition Fair and Voices Without Barriers: Virtual Poetry Slam.

Find details and registration info HERE!

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