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Monthly Parent Empowerment Program Meeting/ Support Group

Join Us for Support and Community!

* Upcoming workshop November 19th *

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
Day and Evening Sessions:
Tuesday, November 19th
*9:30 am – Click HERE to register in advance.
*7 pm – Click HERE to register in advance.
(Requests for American Sign-Language interpreters must be submitted by November 11th, Email j.kreitzer@taconicresources.org

image of November 19th support group flyer with QR code zoom regisration.
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Consumer COAT Drive 2024

Winter Coat Drive for TRI Consumers only. RSVP by October 30th. One submission form per household. Coats are provided by Dutchess Outreach's Susan Dekeukelaere Memorial Coat Drive.

Dutchess Outreach has other locations throughout Dutchess County where you can obtain a free coat for you and your family. Click HERE for current locations throughout Dutchess County, or visit the Dutchess Outreach website for more information.

We are collecting coats for TRI Consumers ONLY. After you have submitted the request form (one per household), we will contact you when the coats are available for pickup.

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Safe & Accessible Transporation for Students with Special Needs

Monday, October 28, 2024 (9:30-11 am) & (7:00-8:30 pm) Zoom meeting. Presented by: Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force.
Please choose one session only. Each LIVE session will use the same material. The event is free of charge, but registration is required. This event will be recorded. For a copy of the flyer click here.

Join us for a virtual informative workshop on ensuring safety and accessibility for students with special needs on school buses. Learn about the essential rights, safety measures, and best practices that every parent and caregiver should know.

Topics Include:

  • Understanding transportation rights for students with disabilities
  • How to advocate for safe, inclusive, and equitable transportation options
  • Best practices for working with school districts and CSE/CPSE on transportation needs,
  • support and accommodations

Speakers:
– Jennifer O’Neill, Parent, Community Organizer, SETF Member and Senior Special Education Advocate with Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.
– Fiona Rattray, SETF Member and Parent Training & Information Center Specialist with Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS)

All SETF trainings will have closed captioning. ASL interpreters are available upon request. Need additional information or any accommodations? Contact Nancy Nowak at Disability Rights New York: Nancy.Nowak@drny.org or 516.238.1261

To register: 9:30 AM session Click HERE
OR
To register: 7 PM session Click HERE

Copy of the PDF flyer click here.

Websites: NY Special Ed Task Force, Disability Rights New York

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Disability Film Club

movie poster, CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION. Nefliz documentary.

Featuring FREE movies and documentaries on a range of disability subjects. Visit: https://www.nps.gov/hofr/learn/disability-film-club.htm to register!

The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site,
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
and Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.
present a Disability Film Club screening of the Netflix documentary:
Crip Camp (2020) 
Thursday, January 16th 2025
Time: TBA.
Henry A. Wallace Center at the
FDR Presidential Library and Home

For more information and the 1st Press Release CLICK HERE.

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TRI’s annual Disability Awareness Fair 2024

Saturday, October 26th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Please meet us at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall, Center Court! Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products, and services to help you achieve greater independence and self-direction. We look forward to having you join us!

List of participating agencies are:
– NYS Commission for the Blind
– Anderson Center for Autism
– New Horizons
– CapTel Outreach
– ThinkDifferently
– Grace Smith House
– NAMI Mid-Hudson
– Independent Living Inc
– Community Based Services
– Accent Care
– Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.
– Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service

Follow us on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/2JCLqgFQJAr8tsub/

Agency Vendor Registration:
We are looking for vendors to provide resources that assist people with a disability to live independently. Below you’ll find the registration form and an example of the Certificate of Liability Insurance that is needed. If you have already submitted a COI to the mall before, we will need a copy as well. RSVP deadline with the table registration fee payment has been extended to Monday, October 21st.

Please help spread the word with other agencies & support groups affiliated with individuals with disabilities.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jeanine Byrnes at j.byrnes@taconicresources.org or 845-452-3913 x103.

Thank you & we hope to see you there!

Flyer decorated in an Autum leaves frame. SAVE THE DATE! TRI's Annual Disability Awareness Fair Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall Center Cout Saturday, October 26th, 2024 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products, and services to help you achieve greater independence and self-direction. We look forward to having you join us!