Category: events list

Mental Health & Youth with Disabilities

Post date April 30, 2025

Caregivers, educators, family, friends… all are welcome to this workshop discussion presented by Josh Garay, PEP Coordinator- May 19th, 6 pm to 8 pm at the Dover Plains Library on having conversations about mental health with youth who have disabilities. Adults can participate in the workshop while their youth are in another space at the Library, enjoying a variety of activity and inactivity options. Dinner/ snack will be available too!

See the flyer below for a detailed description and/or call the Library if you have questions, or if you would like to arrange a time to visit the Library when it is quiet so that the spaces are more familiar on the day of the workshop. 845-832-6605 or email Amy at director@doverplainslibrary.org

Visit the library’s website to register by clicking HERE.

Click the flyer for a PDF copy

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Student Suspensions in Special Education

Post date April 8, 2025

Do you know your rights?

Click HERE to register for the next workshop: Thursday, May 1st from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

For a PDF copy of the flyer, click HERE.

Students with disabilities are suspended at a disproportionately higher rate than their non-disabled peers. Recent NYS data shows that for all students with disabilities, 1 in 10 will face at least one suspension over the course of their education. Do you know what steps to take if your child is faced with the possibility of suspension?

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Updates to OPWDD & HCBS Waiver Process & Eligibility

Post date March 28, 2025

Virtual Session: Wednesday, April 30th @ 9:30AM

Special Education Advocacy Program
Support • Connect • Grow

Join Us for Information Support and Community!

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) Special Education Advocacy Program 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.

UNDERSTANDING UPDATES TO OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OPWDD) HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (HCBS) WAIVER PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Virtual Session Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 9:30 AM
CLICK HERE to Register in advance for the Zoom Information Meeting
*Requests for Spanish or American Sign-Language interpreters must be submitted by Monday, April 21st. Email B.Burgoa@taconicresources.org

Topics for Discussion:
• Understanding OPWDD eligibility and updates
• Accessing services and supports
• Transition services and Self-direction process
• Advocacy and rights for individuals with disabilities

Presenter:
Christopher M. Knight, Waiver Enrollment Coordinator,
NYS Office Of People with Developmental Disabilities

Workshop Facilitators:
– Jennifer O’Neill, Senior Special Education Advocate J.Oneill@taconicresources.org 845-745-8097 mobile phone
– Patricia Lucio-Penn, Special Education Advocate -Bilingual Spanish 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.

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Speak In One Voice

Post date March 19, 2025

Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) Info Sessions

RSVP for one of our monthly Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) Info Sessions! Info sessions take place on the 2nd Monday of the month from, 9:30 am -10:30 am via Zoom. Click this link to get started: https://form.jotform.com/250894916586171
You will be emailed the Zoom invitation by the next business day.

Josh Garay, PEP Coordinator
(845) 452-3913 Ext. 116
J.Garay@taconicresources.org

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Applying for Social Security Disability Programs

Post date February 27, 2025
Sticky post

Monthly
Virtual and In-Person Workshops

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Zoom: Every 2nd Tuesday or In Person: 4th Tuesday

Virtual Workshop Dates: – April 8th Canceled | – May 13th | – June 10th

In-Person Workshop Dates: – April 24th Canceled | – May 27th | – June 24th

You must attend a workshop before scheduling a one-on-one appointment with our Benefits Counselor. These workshops provide a basic understanding of the application process and will equip you with the knowledge and essential skills to be confident and apply independently.

All community members are welcome to attend the virtual workshop.

For in-person workshops it’s “first come, first served”, there is limited seating available. Wearing proper facemasks is still encouraged but not required.

Accommodations (ASL, presentation shared in large print, etc.) Please request any accommodations at least two weeks in advance.

To register for our in-person workshop please complete a HIPAA registration form, CLICK HERE to RSVP; or you may call the front desk. There will be no walk-ins.

When you call, please tell us if you are attending as a…

A person applying for yourself, and let us know if you are in need of accommodations.
Friend or family member.
Human Services Professional.

If there are any changes to the workshop, including cancellation we will contact you. If you can’t attend a workshop you’ve signed up for, please let us know by calling the front desk: at 845-452-3913.