Category: events

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
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Monthly
Workshops

In-Person Workshop Dates: – October. 29th at 10:30 AM

Virtual Workshop Dates: – October. CANCELED

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.

When attending in-person workshops, we still encourage wearing proper facemasks, but it’s not required. If you are feeling sick, please do not attend and reschedule with the benefits counselor.

Accommodations (ASL, presentation shared in large print, etc.) Please request any accommodations at least two weeks in advance so we can prepare the materials for you.

To register for our in-person workshop, please complete a HIPAA registration form. CLICK HERE to RSVP. You may call the front desk if you need assistance. There will be no walk-ins. In case of workshop cancellation, we will call or email you.

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

Applying for yourself, and let us know if you require accommodations—example: Large print, American Sign Language interpreter.
Friend or family member, and if you are attending with the individual.
Human Services Professional, and if your client is attending with you.

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

Click on the image below for the printable flyer

Mandi Sheraden, IL Program & Operations Director
M.Sheraden@taconicresources.org

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Social Security Work Incentives

Post date February 27, 2025
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Monthly Virtual Workshops

Wednesday, October 15th at 3pm

Increase your benefits! Avoid Overpayments! Plan – be prepared. Consider Social Security’s Ticket-To-Work program.

Registration is required in advance.
Click HERE for the Zoom registration Link.
Registration can also be accessed through https://zoom.us/join and enter the Zoom Meeting ID: 850 6933 1229

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We encourage everyone to register separately. Please do not share your confirmation email.

These workshops are intended for the beneficiary (SSI/SSDI/DAC recipient) as well as their Representative Payee. Human Services Professionals are welcome to attend; however, we encourage the beneficiary to be present.

If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, you must email Mandi at least two weeks in advance to: M.Sheraden@taconicresources.org

TRI’s Mobile Disability Benefits Services are paid for in part by Dutchess County Think DIFFERENTLY.

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PEP: SPEAK IN ONE VOICE, PARENT AND CAREGIVER ADVOCACY ON FORMING PARENT NETWORKING GROUPS WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT

Post date February 10, 2025

Special Education Parent Empowerment Program
February 26th, 2025 at 9:30AM

This workshop will present an overview of Advocacy and Parent/Caregiver to Parent/Caregiver Networking, Direction on starting a Parent Group,
(SEPTA, PTO, or informal groups)

What is the Special Education Parent Empowerment Program?
Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) is a program at 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.

Click the flyer below for a PDF copy