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Family Empowerment Advocacy Series

“I WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS SOONER”

Understanding Your Child’s Rights & Responsibilities Under Special Education Law

CLICK HERE for a *printable copy of the flyer

Parents and family members, join us for this FREE in-depth training to learn about your child’s rights, the special education process, and how to effectively advocate for your child and other children. Topics include: Educational Records Binder, Advocacy & Effective Communication, Levels of Intervention & the Continuum of Services, NYS Rules & Regulations, All About the IEP, Understanding Evaluations, Services & Accommodations, Assistive Technology, Transition, Come Ask the Advocate Q&A session and much, much more.

Zoom Training (Wednesdays)
January 8th, 2025
January 15th, 2025
January 22nd, 2025
January 29th, 2025
February 5th, 2025
February 12th, 2025
You may register for morning, evening, or both
Morning: 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Evening: 6:00PM – 9:00PM

For questions, contact dgreen@putnamils.org or frattray@putnamils.org

Guest Speakers:
Renee Falanga-Brenner, Resource Center for Assisted Living
Jennifer O’Neill, Taconic Resources for Independence
Patricia Lucio-Penn, Taconic Resources for Independence
Diane Troeller, My Independent Living
Melinda Dolezal, TRAID Center
Adrienne Arkontaky, Esq., The Arkontaky Law Group
Sandi Rosenbaum, Littman Krooks LLP
Gideon Porter, Esq., Barger & Gaines LLP
Speakers & Facilitators from WILC/PILS:
Denise Green, Parent Training Information Coordinator
Fiona Rattray, Parent Training & Information Specialist

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advocacy updates events events list

Monthly Parent Empowerment Program Meeting/ Support Group

Join Us for Support and Community!

* Upcoming workshop December 10th *

What is the Special Education Parent Empowerment Program (PEP)?
PEP is a new addition to Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI). PEP provides training and information to families of children and young adults with disabilities, between the ages of 3 and 22. TRI’s Special Education program offers specialized and collaborative advocacy training, parent-to-parent networking and support, information, and referral services.

Who We Are:
A supportive community for parents of individuals and children with disabilities, offering understanding, resources, and a safe space to share experiences.

What We Offer:

  • Monthly Meetings: Connect with other parents who are navigating similar challenges.
  • Expert Speakers: Insights from professionals in disability services, education, and healthcare.
  • Resource Sharing: Access to valuable information, support services, and advocacy tools.
  • Confidential Environment: A safe and non-judgmental space to share your journey and listen to others.

Topics for Discussion:

  • Understanding and navigating IEPs and 504 plans:
  • Managing medical and therapeutic needs
  • Strategies for inclusive education and socialization
  • Emotional well-being for parents and children
  • Advocacy and rights for individuals with disabilities

Workshop Coordinators:
– Jennifer O’Neill, Senior Special Education Advocate, TRI j.oneill@taconicresources.org 845-745-8097 mobile phone.
– Patricia Lucio-Penn, Special Education Advocate -Bilingual Spanish, TRI p.lucio-penn@taconicresources.org 845-745-8057 mobile phone.

TRI’s Special Education Advocacy Services are paid for in part by Dutchess County, NYSED ACCES-VR, and NYS OPWDD Family Support Services.

Upcoming Meetings:
Morning Session only
Tuesday, December 10th
*9:30 am – Click HERE to register in advance.

(Requests for American Sign-Language interpreters must be submitted by December 2nd, Email j.kreitzer@taconicresources.org

PEP flyer for December 2024
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advocacy updates

Pandemic Affect on Americans with Disabilities

For more than 60 million Americans with disabilities, the rapid spread of COVID-19 is especially dangerous. Many live in long-term care facilities, and they are twice as likely to experience poverty as those without disability. But so far, legislation has fallen short on help. We hear some of their stories, and Stephanie Sy talks to Rebecca Cokley of the Center for American Progress. Click here to access article.