Article published in Mid-Hudson News on 3/6/2020 on TRI’s new LGBTQ+ Abilities Group. To view article CLICK HERE.
Category: Media
All media that includes Op/ed Commentaries, TRI in the News and Press Releases written that will be archived indefinitely
Mid-Hudson News published article in response to press release on TRI’s Ask the Advocate event. To view article CLICK HERE.
As an organization dedicated to promoting the civil rights of people with disabilities, Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. stands in solidarity with black and brown communities seeking their basic human rights to live freely and without fear and discrimination. George Floyd is the latest and unacceptable instance of someone who was killed because of the color of his skin.
As an organization committed to ensuring the ability of people with disabilities and seniors to enjoy their basic civil rights to live in the community, we recognize that no community can be free if every community is not free. The disability community cannot move forward if people of color, able-bodied or not, are not afforded their basic human right to live in the community without the threat of racism.
People with disabilities face legitimate fears from ableism, including access to services in the community, the rationing of medical supplies because of COVID, and ableist interpretations of quality of life that influence their ability to receive life-saving treatment when necessary. We recognize that the fears of people of color, persons with disabilities and seniors are even greater because of the combination that institutional racism and ableism pose in their ability enjoy the same freedoms as the general public.
TRI is committed to working to alleviate these issues within our community and outside of it. We will be active participants in the fight for social justice for all, as impacted individuals and allies. We will work to lift voices from within impacted communities to make their voices heard in this critical moment. We reject all forms of intolerance and ask the community to stand together as we fight not just ableism, but racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, and inequity and discrimination in any form it takes.
Community workshops to address COVID-19 and its impact on students with special needs
May 21, 2020: Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) will host a virtual workshop entitled: “Ask the Advocate” on June 3rd from 9:30 – 10:30 am to provide information to parents, family members and guardians of students with special needs and community providers during this time of extended school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upcoming monthly workshop topics and dates to be announced.
TRI Special Education Advocates Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill will answer questions from participants and provide information regarding modifications to Individual Education Plans (IEP), understanding the CSE (Committee on Special Education) process, and transition services available to students with disabilities.
“The workshops are designed to address the concerns we are hearing at CSE meetings from parents and guardians about protracted school closures and the challenges that virtual educational platforms pose to students with disabilities,” says Lynch. Lynch and O’Neill maintain their advocacy services are especially crucial during this difficult time. “We assist parents and students to navigate the school system, which now includes virtual or teleconference meetings and helping parents and students to be more effective self-advocates,” says O’Neill.
To register, contact: Karen Lynch k.lynch@taconicresources.org / 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill j.oneill@taconicresources.org / 845-214-7893. Participants will receive a confirmation email for a Zoom link upon registration.
Anyone requiring a Sign Language Interpreter in order to participate in this meeting should contact j.oneill@taconicresoures.org by May 27, 2020 by 5:00pm
Funding for TRI’s Special Education Advocacy program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant.
Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) was founded in 1986 and is Dutchess County’s leading disability advocacy organization, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. TRI works within the community to provide disability awareness and advocacy for the removal of barriers.
The Mid-Hudson Valley Benefits Advisory Group (BAG) has been successful in its first year as a stand-alone benefits networking conference in Dutchess County for human service professionals to share their expertise and resources. BAG meetings are held bi-monthly on 3rd Fridays in 2020: February 21, April 17, June 19, August 21, October 16, December 18, from 2-4PM.
TRI’s Mobility Benefits Counselor, Mandi Sheraden formed the group in August of 2019 as a way for community partners to stay up-to-date with ongoing changes to local county, state, and federal programs. “BAG participants have the opportunity to share resources and information in order to guide and assist the people we serve,” says Sheraden. “If you are not able to travel out of county, we encourage you to start a BAG meeting in your own community and reach out to the entire BAG network to build support and momentum,” she adds.
BAG participants share a wide variety of relevant topics, and schedule presenters who are experts in their field. Topics include: Social Security Administration’s SSI and SSDI programs, Department of Community and Family Services programs, Medicaid/Medicare, Special/Pooled Trusts, and ABLE accounts. Group members and participants work together to connect each other to community and/or governmental resources to better assist the people they serve.
Those interested in attending upcoming BAG meetings should contact Sheraden at least two days in advance of meetings at: 845.452.3913 or m.sheraden@taconicresources.org. Special accommodations need to be requested two weeks in advance. Light refreshments are provided.
Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) was founded in 1986 and is Dutchess County’s leading disability advocacy organization, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. TRI works within the community to provide disability awareness and advocacy for the removal of barriers.