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

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

Click link for the PDF copy of this PEP Workshop Flyer
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Unlocking Opportunities: Employment, Job Training, and ACCES-VR Services (ages 14+)

Join Us for Support, Education and Community!

Two sessions will be offered on Tuesday, February 25th. Click on one of the times below to REGISTER in advance for the Zoom Meeting.

In this FREE webinar, you will hear an overview of ACCES-VR, including the description of PreEmployment Transition Services, available for students with disabilities ages 14 and older.

Adult Career and Continuing Education ServicesVocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) starts with the presumption that all individuals with disabilities should have opportunities to work in
jobs within their communities and can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services.

The workshop will be presented by LaQuesha Matthews-Reed, Integrated Employment Specialist Business Relation Team Member ACCES VR, and David Lee, Senior Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor Transition and Youth Service ACCES VR.

Click on the flyer below for a printable PDF copy:

Join Us for Support, Education and Community! Unlocking Opportunities: Employment, Job Training, and Adult Career & Continuing Education Services- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) Services. Tuesday February 25th at 9:30am or 6:30pm. In this FREE webinar, you will hear an overview of ACCES-VR, including the description of PreEmployment Transition Services, available for students with disabilities ages 14 and older. Adult Career and Continuing Education ServicesVocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) starts with the presumption that all individuals with disabilities should have opportunities to work in jobs within their communities and can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services. The workshop will be presented by LaQuesha Matthews-Reed, Integrated Employment Specialist Business Relation Team Member ACCES VR, and David Lee, Senior Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor Transition and Youth Service ACCES VR.
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TRI on Radio Kingston!

Patricia Lucio-Penn, Bilingual Spanish Special Education Advocate with Taconic Resources for Independence (TRI), was pleased to be asked to speak with Mariel Fiori of Radio Kingston and La Voz on the last segment of their Day of Education and Family on 11/13/24 https://radiokingston.org/en/broadcast/la-voz-con-mariel-fiori/episodes/our-solution-to-alcoholism

“We discussed resources and stressed the importance of families advocating for their children’s educational rights to free and appropriate public education programs and how to share parents’ concerns with the school personnel and school districts. Hispanic communities sometimes tend to not question teachers or school officials and wait for them to tell families when and what needs to be done if issues or problems arise. I provided resources available through TRI and RCAL and stressed the importance of not waiting. If parents have concerns that are impacting their child’s learning and these have been communicated to the child’s teacher and there is no progress, move to the next steps and start the process of requesting evaluations and additional support, including if needed seeking Special Education advocacy support.”

Patricia was invited back to Radio Kingston to speak with Mariel Fiori and will visit in person on 12/17/24 at 10:14 a.m. Discussions will include information on the new Parent Empowerment Program and Support Group, which is part of our Special Education Advocacy Program at Taconic Resources for Independence Inc.

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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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Join Us on Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday Season we come together to support a powerful cause right here in your community of Poughkeepsie – empowering people with disabilities to live fully, independently and with dignity.

People with disabilities need you now more than ever!

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. continues to improve the lives of people with disabilities living in Dutchess County with your generous support. As we launch our appeal on this Giving Tuesday/week, we are requesting help to provide the critical housing, employment, mental health, educational and legal services that people with disabilities so desperately need. 

With your support we will:

  • Work to make sure older adults and persons with disabilities receive the support they need to live with dignity and choice in the community.
  • Work to address the unique needs of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
  • Host online workshops for parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate virtual classrooms.
  • Continue our efforts to address the unique barriers that multiply marginalized people with disabilities face during the pandemic and beyond. 

Every contribution to Taconic Resources for Independence Inc., big or small, creates a lasting impact to help us create a community where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive, future!  Thank you for your support!  

To donate Click Here or mail a check to:

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.

82 Washington Street, Suite 214

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601