Category: Media

All media that includes Op/ed Commentaries, TRI in the News and Press Releases written that will be archived indefinitely

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Media

TRI’s ADA 30 Virtual Event

Over 90 individuals Attend TRI’s Successful ADA Event!

Dutchess County Executive Marc J. Molinaro expresses his support of the Americans With Disabilities Act, TRI, Universal Access for All and to Think Differently!

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) held a virtual event on July 31, 2020 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Lisa Tarricone, our Executive Director, welcomed everyone and introduced the video (you can click on it to view on youtube), ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Film. The film featured individuals sharing their personal stories of how they benefitted from the provisions of the ADA, what challenges they face today, and what their aspirations are for the future. We heard Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro speak via a video he sent us (see above) in support of the ADA and TRI. Following the county executive, Geri Mariano, filmed in the video, then shared with us an update and continued challenges. Mel Tanzman a long time disability rights advocate and retired Executive Director of a disability rights organization gave us a historical background on the leaders of the disability movement like Ed Roberts, Justin Dart, Marilyn Saviola and Judy Heumann (Click here for a list of disability history references). He and Lisa Tarricone then discussed what is needed to further expand disability rights into the future. Vote, Vote, and Vote! Pledge to THINK Differently!

In closing, Lisa displayed the proclamations, certificates of recognition and statements from our Legislators and Government Leaders who support the ADA and TRI’s accomplishments. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation where they also pledge to Think Differently. It was a well-attended event with over 90 participants!  Below you can read our speakers bios, read all of the proclamations & documents from our list of supporters, listen to an audio recording or watch a Zoom Recording with Audio and ASL Interpreters only.

Keynote Speakers & TRI Staff

Mel Tanzman

Keynote Speaker

Mel Tanzman was a former Director of Social Work and Health Policy for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, and then the Executive Director of Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. until 2019. Among the many advocacy efforts he has been a part of for the last 35 years, besides affordable housing and CDPA, he is most proud of his involvement in helping nursing home residents free themselves to live in independent community based settings. He states “Those were real independence days and I celebrated each one.”

Lisa Tarricone

TRI’s Executive Director

Geri Mariano

Keynote Speaker

Geri Mariano, following her first advocacy appearance as a toddler on the NYS Assembly floor, would find she had a strong voice. She persuaded her high school and college to make several access “fixes” and helped initiate the first Students with Disabilities Committee at Smith College. She started “Just Call Me Geri” programs for schools, weaving themes such as Compassion, Challenges, Acceptance into her life story. Over the years Geri has received several awards in recognition of her resilience, positivity, and raising awareness.

Patrick Muller

TRI’s Program Director

Event Supporters

Click on names below to see videos, proclamations, certificates and statements.

Event Recordings & Transcript

Click Here for Zoom recording with Audio and Interpreter view only

For ADA 30 Event Audio Recording Press Play > Above

Click Here to Download Transcript

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Media Press Releases

Community Needs Survey

Fill out a Survey Today for FREE Essential Items! (Deadline for survey 8/28)

Box of essential items like food, water, first aid kit, diapers, flashlight
TELL US WHAT YOU NEED…

We are asking that you participate in the following survey, which our staff will review to assess how we can best provide assistance to you during this challenging time. With the assistance of funds provided to us through a grant from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley/Dutchess Responds, we are able to purchase essential food and personal care items, as well as provide limited cash rental support for our community members with disabilities and seniors.

Completing this Consumer Community Needs Survey is not a guarantee that we will be able to provide you with all the support you may need and, given our limited funding, it will be on an FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. However, TRI is committed to doing our best to help you not only now, but in the future.

TRI IS HERE TO HELP!

CLICK HERE TO START SURVEY

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Media Press Releases

Functional Skills Instruction and Strategies for Students with Special Needs

TACONIC RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC. TO HOST JULY SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY WORKSHOP

Part of a monthly community workshop series to address COVID-19 and its impact on students with special needs

Poughkeepsie: Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) will host a virtual workshop entitled: “Functional Skills Instruction and Strategies for Students with Special Needs” on July 15th from 9:30 – 10:30 am to provide guidance and information to parents of students with special needs regarding functional skills training. Click here to see the Press Release.

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Media

TRI At the Front Lines

First Posting Summer 2020

Picture of Lisa Tarricone, Executive Director of TRI and author of article
By Lisa Tarricone, TRI’s Executive Director

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI), is Dutchess County’s leading disability advocacy organization, providing vital outreach and services for persons with disabilities and older adults during this public health crisis. Although our in-office operations have been disrupted by the current COVID pandemic and our staff is working from home, TRI is at the front lines in our community, providing essential services to our consumers.

Dutchess County residents with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted during this pandemic, and face unique challenges obtaining food, receiving home health care, using public transportation, and finding affordable and accessible housing or being able to afford rising rental costs. Virtual classrooms are inadequate in addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. Mandated facial coverings have presented an undue hardship on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, many of whom are now unable to read lips in order to communicate.

TRI is at the Front Lines during COVID 19….

  • We are making and distributing facial masks with clear plastic areas for visible mouth area to sign language interpreters and community partners in need.
  • TRI received a grant from Dutchess Responds to purchase food and other essential items to our neediest consumers.
  • TRI’s Special Education advocates are hosting monthly virtual workshops for parents of students with disabilities to provide advocacy support and information in navigating the virtual classroom, understanding the CSE process in addition to other topics of concern.
  • TRI’s Open Doors program is working to make sure older adults and persons with disabilities receive the supports they need to live with dignity and choice in the community.
  • TRI’s Housing Advocate has been meeting our homeless population in parks and other open spaces to provide them with affordable housing applications and resource materials.
  • TRI’s Mobile Benefits Advocate has been hosting information virtual workshops to inform consumers about SSI, SSDI, and other programs to help them pursue their independent living goals.
  • TRI’s Deaf Interpreter Services Program staff continue to schedule ASL interpreters to assist our Deaf consumers in communicating with various community entities.
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TRI in the News

Taconic Resources to Start LGBTQ+ Abilities Group

Article published in Mid-Hudson News on 3/6/2020 on TRI’s new LGBTQ+ Abilities Group. To view article CLICK HERE.