TACONIC RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC.

Special Education Parent/Caregiver Forum
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
A supportive platform for caregivers of Dutchess County

The group welcomes any parent/caregiver or individual in a parenting/caregiver role seeking support and positive school-related and parenting strategies for children and adolescents with special needs.

Wednesday, May 26th, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Virtual Meeting on Zoom

For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893

If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen by Friday, May 21st.

Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. As a result of these generous grants, this service is free to the families and individuals that we serve.

Click Here to print out the flyer

“MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS” Q&A WITH DCFS
2021-05-21 10:00 - 12:00
Presenter: Mr. Matthew Singleton, Medicaid Social Welfare Specialist, from the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS)

MHV BAG MEETINGFRIDAY, MAY 21ST 2 – 4PM

Hosted by Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc., the Mid-Hudson Valley Benefits Advisory Group (BAG) meeting is for professionals only. MHV BAG provides a networking opportunity to all professionals in the Mid-Hudson region who work in the fields of human services social work and disability law. It is a chance for us to ask each other questions regarding SSI/SSDI, DSS/DCFS services, such as: Medicaid and Medicare; info about Special/Pooled Trusts, ABLE accounts and any other community and governmental assistance programs to better address the needs of our consumers with disabilities. BAG meetings allow us to share our knowledge, expertise and announce program and systems updates.

After registering, add the event to your calendar.You will be emailed a special link assigned to you to join the event after you have registered.Do not share your link.Join the Zoom meeting a few minutes before the start time to test your connection.

For Zoom assistance contact Mandi SheradenCell: (845) 891-6875or Email

COVID 19 Vaccine and General Information Q&A with ASL Interpreter
2021-04-29 09:00 - 10:00
Dr. Valerie Cluzet will be available to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and general questions about COVID.

Dr. Cluzet is a talented and knowledgeable infectious disease doctor at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

An interpreter will be provided for deaf and hard of hearing participants.

The Q & A session is open to anyone. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Register in advance, click HERE, or enter Zoom Meeting ID:868 9191 0898

Contact Mandi for assistance: (845) 452-3913 ext. 119 or email: m.sheraden@taconicresources.org

Sign Language Interpreting provided by the Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service, a program of Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.

SSI & SSDI While Working
2021-04-21 11:00 - 12:15
Increase your benefits – Avoid overpaymentsPlan ahead, be prepared – Begin with Ticket-To-Work!

This workshop provides a general overview regarding Social Security’s SSI and SSDI work incentives for current beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 64. Have questions? Then register to gather key information including local resources in Dutchess County to help you to achieve your employment goal and build towards financial independence!

Monthly workshops

Every 3rd Wednesday

3:00PM – 4:15PM

Sign-up in advance for the next virtual workshopEnter Meeting ID: 874 0577 4507https://zoom.us/join

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

*If you need an American Sign Language Interpreter you must register a week in advance by emailing Mandi: m.sheraden@taconicresources.org

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

Click Here to Print Flyer

SpEdParent/CaregiverForum
2021-03-18 14:30 - 15:30
A supportive platform for caregivers of Dutchess County

The group welcomes any parent/caregiver or individual in a parenting/caregiver role seeking support and positive school-related and parenting strategies for children and adolescents with special needs.

Thursday, March 18th at 6:30 PM – 7:30PM

Virtual Meeting on Zoom

For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893

If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen by Tuesday, March 9th.

Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant.

Click Here to print out the flyer

Preparing for Child's Annual Review
2021-02-23 04:30 - 05:30
Please join our Special Education Advocates, Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill for a workshop and an open discussion (virtual/Zoom) on preparing parents/caregivers and/or students for their Annual Review meeting.

Topics that will be discussed include the following:• An overview of ways to review a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan, school documents (evaluations, assessments, other plans, or data- including progress reports and work product);

• Methods and strategies to facilitate discussionsto help determine an appropriate education that meets your child’s needs;

• Tips and Techniques to become an effectiveself-advocate;

• Approaches to help ensure a child stays in school, accesses the curriculum/services and reaches educational goals;

• Finding where and how to access informationon other community resources and services. Register in advance by clicking this link:Helping Families Prepare for your Child’s Annual Review Meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the workshop, which will include the Zoom link.

For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893.

You may also complete and return our intake form by Clicking Here and our advocates will contact you to schedule a remote intake.

If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen Lynch by Friday, February 19th k.lynch@taconicresources.org or 845-249-8293

Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. As a result of these generous grants, this service is free to the families and individuals that we serve.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
2021-02-01 12:00 - 13:00
Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Ready to make a change? If you have prediabetes (your sugar is high) or believe you are at risk for diabetes you may be eligible for this free online program. Part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program we work with a CDC curriculum and a trained Lifestyle Coach.

Lifestyle coaches help participants reach the following goals:

Lose a minimum of 7% of starting weightIncrease physical activity to 150 minutes or more each week

Let’s do this online! Use your computer, tablet, or phone with internet access. Receive education, support and tools for one year!To register or for more information Click Here.Contact: Lonna Kelly(845) 228.7457 ext. 1110Email LKelly@putnamils.org

Preparing for a CSE/504 Mtg
2021-01-26 04:30 - 05:30
Please join our Special Education Advocates, Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill on January 26th, 2021 from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, for a workshop and an open discussion (virtual/Zoom) on preparing parents/caregivers and/or students for their CSE or 504 meeting.

Topics that will be discussed include the following:

• An overview on ways to review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation• Plan, school documents (evaluations, assessments, other plans, or data);• Methods and strategies to facilitate discussions to help determine an appropriate education that meets your child’s needs;• Tips and Techniques to become an effective self-advocate;• Approaches to help ensure a child stays in school, accesses the curriculum/services and reaches educational goals;• Finding where and how to access information on other community resources and services.

Date & Time: January 26, 2021 9:30am – 10:30am

Presenters: Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill, Special Education Advocates

Zoom Meeting: Register in advance by clicking this link:

Helping Families Prepare for a CSE or 504 Meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the workshop, which will include the Zoom link.

For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893.

You may also complete and return our intake form by visiting: https://taconicresources.org/parentintake-form/ and our advocates will contact you to schedule a remote intake.

If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen Lynch by Friday, January 22nd at k.lynch@taconicresources.org Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. As a result of these generous grants, this service is free to the families and individuals that we serve.

Click Here to Download Flyer

SSI & SSDI While Working
2021-01-04 07:30 - 08:45
Plan ahead! Don’t risk an overpayment from Social Security! Understand how you can earn more income without risking your benefits. Clarification with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid Buy-In Program, Medicare, Ticket to Work program, Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) and more! Closed captioning provided during PowerPoint presentation.

CLICK HERE to Register.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

*If you need an American Sign Language Interpreter you must register a week in advance by emailing Mandi: m.sheraden@taconicresources.org

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

Managing Your Finances
2020-12-11 11:00 - 12:00
MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK HARDER FOR YOUYour personal finances are a journey. How you manageyour finances helps you prepare for the unexpected,no matter what you come across along the way.Join us for a presentation on Managing Your FinancesLearn:How to set a budget, save money, and manage your credit scoreWhen: Friday, December 11, 2020 | 4:00PM – 5:00PMWhere: Please register in advance by Clicking HereIf accommodations are needed, please request at least 1-2 weeks in advance via email to Mandi: m.sheraden@taconicresources.org

SSI/SSDI While Working
2020-11-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2020-10-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Internet

Coffee Chats with ASL
2020-11-12 08:00 - 09:00, 2020-11-03 07:00 - 08:00
Take a coffee/ lunch break, and join in for a friendly chit chat on Zoom. American Sign Language Interpreting available.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Starting October 27, through November 19, 2020 at 12:00pm except on November 12th when we’ll meet at 1:00pm.

What to talk about? You may briefly talk about your day/week. You can share helpful info/resources from your area if you come across anything. Everyone will have roughly 2 minutes to talk, and we will go around so everyone will have a turn to introduce themselves and share. Then it’s an open floor.

To Register Click Here:

For Flyer Click Here.

Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19
2020-10-21 15:00 - 16:00
Please join our Special Education Advocates, Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill for our October 21, 2020 Special Education workshop on Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19.
We are aware that students with disabilities and their respective families or caregivers are under immense stress as they attempt to navigate and address the impact of the extended school closures, remote learning and proposed hybrid learning models for the upcoming school year.
Many parents and caregivers are uncertain and worried about what will happen with their children when school resumes in September. Whether education access is by via a remote or hybrid model, as parents we know that our children with disabilities thrive on routine and do best in structured environments, both of which have been and will be disrupted during these times.
The Special Education Advocates at TRI are here to offer support and guidance on ways that will help parents/caregivers problem solve, implement ways to support remote learning; and how to work with your child’s educational team to address concerns and develop recommendations to support learning remotely or in a hybrid environment when school reopens in the fall.
Date & Time: October 21, 2020 from 7:00 pm till 8pm
Presenters: Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill, Special Education Advocates
Location: Zoom Webinar
Register in advance for this meeting: Workshop: Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting ( including the access Zoom link).
For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893. You may also complete and return a Parent Intake Form by clicking on the link Parent Intake Form and one of our advocates will contact you to schedule a remote intake.
If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen Lynch by October 19, 2020 at 12noon: k.lynch@taconicresources.org
Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. As a result of these generous grants, this service is free to the consumers we serve.
For a copy of the flyer Click Here.

A Virtual Social Event for People who Struggle with Shyness and Social Anxiety
2020-09-17 08:00 - 09:00
Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 12pm-1pm, September 1 – September 17th.
Join on Meetup or Register via Zoom:
https://www.meetup.com/NYShynessandSA
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIcu2hqisvHtEiHMGiZqorRkZ9qivmoR5g
Click Here for Flyer

A Virtual Social Event for People Struggling with Shyness and Social Anxiety
2020-09-15 08:00 - 09:00

Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19
2020-08-19 05:30 - 06:30
Please join our Special Education Advocates, Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill for our August 19, 2020 Special Education workshop on Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19.
We are aware that students with disabilities and their respective families or caregivers are under immense stress as they attempt to navigate and address the impact of the extended school closures, remote learning and proposed hybrid learning models for the upcoming school year.
Many parents and caregivers are uncertain and worried about what will happen with their children when school resumes in September. Whether education access is by via a remote or hybrid model, as parents we know that our children with disabilities thrive on routine and do best in structured environments, both of which have been and will be disrupted during these times.
The Special Education Advocates at TRI are here to offer support and guidance on ways that will help parents/caregivers problem solve, implement ways to support remote learning; and how to work with your child’s educational team to address concerns and develop recommendations to support learning remotely or in a hybrid environment when school reopens in the fall.
Date & Time: August 19, 2020 from 9:30am till 10:30am
Presenters: Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill, Special Education Advocates
Location: Zoom Webinar
Register in advance for this meeting: Workshop: Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting ( including the access Zoom link).
For additional information regarding advocacy and our services, please feel free to contact either Karen Lynch at k.lynch@taconicresources.org 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill at j.oneill@taconicresources.org at 845-214-7893. You may also complete and return a Parent Intake Form by clicking on the link Parent Intake Form and one of our advocates will contact you to schedule a remote intake.
If you require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen Lynch by August 12, 2020 at 12noon: k.lynch@taconicresources.org
Funding for this program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. As a result of these generous grants, this service is free to the consumers we serve.
For a copy of the flyer Click Here.

SSI/SSDI While Working
2020-08-12 12:00 - 13:00

ADA 30 Virtual Celebratory Event
2020-07-31 07:00 - 09:30 | Internet
Join us in a virtual event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We’ll feature a Video of 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. Discussion to follow with Guest speakers…
Mel Tanzman
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.”

Geri Mariano
Following her first advocacy appearance as a toddler on the NYS Assembly floor, Geri Mariano 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

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro will be issuing a statement in honor of ADA 30.

CLICK HERE for more information and to
Register in advance for the Zoom Webinar

Requests for an ASL Interpreter or CART must be submitted by noon on Monday, July 27th
Please E-mail Mildred: m.caballero-ho@taconicresources.org. Be sure mention that you are, “Requesting an ASL Interpreter” or “Requesting CART” for the ADA Celebration Webinar.
CLICK HERE for Flyer

SSI & SSDI While Working
2020-07-22 11:00 - 12:00
Understand how you can earn more income without risking your benefits.

Plan ahead! Understand how you can earn more income without risking your benefits. Clarification with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid Buy-In Program, Medicare, Ticket to Work, Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) and more! Register HERE in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
*If you need a American Sign language Interpreter you must register a week in advance by emailing Mandi: m.sheraden@taconicresources.org.

Contact organizer Mandi Sheradan by clicking HERE
Click on SSI & SSDI While Working- Zoom workshops 2020 for flyer.

Special Education Workshop: Functional Skills Instruction & Strategies
2020-07-15 05:30 - 06:30
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.

School closures across the state have upended special education, creating an interruption in the leaning process for students with disabilities to adequately understand and practice functional skills. This workshop is designed for parents to help them address this gap in their child’s educational process.

TRI Special Education Advocates Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill will present at the event and answer questions from attendees. “Functional skills are those skills a student needs to live independently,” says O’Neill. “An important goal of special education is for students to learn to achieve as much independence and autonomy as possible,” she adds, which applies to children with emotional, intellectual, or physical disabilities.

O’Neill and Lynch will provide information and guidance for families on how to effectively work with their children to help them learn basic functional skills for achieving self-awareness and independence.

To register for this Zoom event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdOGorzwqG9O9yk5Z6Thc12Ysqh9vhLEU

If attendees require a Sign Language Interpreter to participate in this meeting, please contact Karen Lynch by Thursday, July 9 at 12noon: k.lynch@taconicresources.org

Tea Time Meetup Caregiver Support Group
2020-07-09 08:00 - 09:00
Every Thursday 12pm -1:00pm until July 30, 2020
Caregiver support groups provide resources and information, where participants can also form friendships and connect with others who are sharing similar experiences.
To Join the Zoom Meeting click HERE
Meeting ID: 841 4528 5638
Password: [REDACTED]
Or CALL in: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 841 4528 5638
Password: [REDACTED]

Government Programs Part II- How work and income affect your benefits
2020-06-30 14:30 - 16:00
Discussing SSI, SSDI and DAC or CDB (Child Disability Benefit) and how working, receiving resources, assets or multiple benefits can affect the benefit you receive. Click here to contact organizer Mandi Sheraden. Click here to access Government Programs Part II flyer. Register in advance at https://calendly.com/cmaurillo

Monday Morning Coffee Chats on Zoom
2020-06-29 05:00 - 05:30
Disabilities Meetup Group on ZOOM

Meets weekly Monday 9:00am-9:30 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 During this time of uncertainty, it’s important for us to stay connected to our community, and continue to have a social interaction. The purpose of this group is to bring the disabled community together, stay informed, and make new connections. This group is also to help connect people with disabilities to the pre-existing Mid-Hudson Valley Disabilities Meetup. Even though this is a remote location, the physical location or area of focus is Dutchess County, NY. When the COVID19 pandemic ends, and it’s safe for us to “Meetup” in person, social gatherings will begin at Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Register HERE in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Click here to contact organizer Mandi Sheraden. Click here for Monday Morning Coffee Chats flyer

Monday Morning Coffee Chats on Zoom
2020-06-22 05:00 - 17:30 | Internet
Disabilities Meetup Group on ZOOM

Meets weekly Monday 9:00am-9:30 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
During this time of uncertainty, it’s important for us to stay connected to our community, and continue to have a social interaction. The purpose of this group is to bring the disabled community together, stay informed, and make new connections. This group is also to help connect people with disabilities to the pre-existing Mid-Hudson Valley Disabilities Meetup.Even though this is a remote location, the physical location or area of focus is Dutchess County, NY. When the COVID19 pandemic ends, and it’s safe for us to “Meetup” in person, social gatherings will begin at Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.Register HERE in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.Click here to contact organizer Mandi Sheraden.
Click here for Monday Morning Coffee Chats flyer

Ask the Advocate
2020-06-03 05:30 - 06:30 | Internet
Do you have any questions related to the IEP process during and prior to the current COVID-19 Outbreak-School Closure?Do you know how to request information that you may need to advocate for the child?
Do you understand your role at a CSE meeting and how to attend a virtual CSE Meeting?
ALL Parents, Grandparents, Guardians, Family Members and Community Providers are welcome to join!
Click here for Special Education Zoom Workshop Ask the Advocate flyer
Register for Special Education workshop by clicking here.
Contact Karen Lynch or contact Jennifer ONeill for additional information.

Memorial Day
2020-05-25 04:00 - 13:00
Federal Holiday

Earth Day
2020-04-15 04:00 - 13:00
Celebrating 50 years of Earth Day

Information you can add includes organizer, venue, price, time

Income Tax deadline extended
2020-04-15 04:00 - 13:00
Taxes will be due July 15, 2020
