TACONIC RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC.

TRI's Annual Disability Awareness Fair
2022-10-22 07:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | New York
The pandemic has put our annual Disability Awareness Fair on hold for the past two years. We’re excited to be back!TRI’s focus is to raise awareness and highlight the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Stop by the Center Court at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall to meet participating local agencies who provide resources that assist people with any type of disability, to live independently.

Agencies who like to participate in this event must submit their RSVP, payment for the table, and COI before the extended October 17th deadline. For more info CLICK HERE. For questions, please email Jeanine Byrnes, MHIS Program Director.

Social Security Work Incentives
2022-10-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2022-09-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2022-05-18 11:00 - 12:00 | New York
Increase your benefits – Avoid overpaymentsPlan ahead, be prepared – Begin with Ticket-To-Work!

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.

Monthly workshops

Every 3rd Wednesday 3:00PM – 4:00PM

Registration is required in advance.Registration can also be accessed through the Zoom Website with the Zoom Meeting ID: 825 1003 9702, or click HERE to register.

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.

*If you need an American Sign-Language interpreter you must call or email Sarah at least 2 weeks in advance: s.drake@taconicresources.org

(845) 452-3913 ext. 111

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

Click Here to Print Flyer

Tenants' Rights
2022-08-18 09:00 - 10:00 | New York
Virtual Workshop- CLICK HERE TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE

PRESENTED BY:Melissa Llauger– Olmstead Housing Specialist / Housing Advocate

Guide to navigate the barriers of housing.

JOIN US TO LEARN ABOUT:• Leases/ Renewal of Leases• Month to Month VS. Yearly lease• Rent Increases• Security Deposits• Application Fees• Breaking the Lease

If you need an American Sign Language Interpreter you must emailMelissa by 2pm Friday, August 5th: M.llauger@taconicresources.org

City of Poughkeepsie Police Department's National Night Out Event
2022-08-02 13:00 - 16:00 | New York
CITY HALL ~ 62 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA POUGHKEEPSIE

City of Poughkeepsie Police’s National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, and better places to live. Bring your children to spend a fun afternoon interacting with local emergency responders and learn how they help the community. In addition to demonstrations, there will be fun activities and various vendors. This event is FREE! There will be FREE food, activities, and products from community partners. Stop by to visit TRI’s table!

TRI INCLUSION FESTIVAL
2022-06-29 07:00 - 11:00 | New York
Join us on Wednesday, June 29th as we celebrate disability pride and culture at our first annual TRI Inclusion Festival! Our event will feature an array of accessible, engaging, and fun activities on the beautiful grounds of the Home of FDR National Historic Site!

American Sign Language Interpreters will be provided. Click here to RSVP for our TRI Inclusion Festival!

Participate in:

Guided tour of the FDR site grounds with staff rangersAccessible yoga session with Hudson River Yoga owner, Susannah GrangeReadings of a children’s graphic book: Jolene – the Disability Awareness Chicken, by author Karen FinneganA workshop on “Housing Rights are Human Rights” with Kristine Thayer from Westchester Residential Opportunities AND MORE!

Complimentary T-shirts! – First come, first serve

Grab and Go Food!

LOCATION:The Home of FDR National Historic Site 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, N.Y.

For a copy of the Inclusion Festival Flyer, click here.

Questions? Call us: (845) 452 – 3913

LGBTQ+ Abilities Discussion & Support Group
2021-07-13 13:30 - 15:30 | New York
The LGBTQ+ Abilities Discussion & Support Group- is a peer led group that meets each month on the second and last Tuesday each month from 5:30- 7:30 pm. AJ Anderson- group facilitator says, “Topics range from disability identity, self-advocacy, gender Identity, to living independently. In addition to discussions, the group will present educational videos and incorporate games. We provide a safe space for everyone to express themselves freely and openly.”It is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ Community and Disability Community in partnership with the Hudson Valley Kingston LGBTQ+ Center.

Location: Taconic Resources for Independence

82 Washington Street

Poughkeepsie NY 12601

Contact E-mail: LGBTQ@taconicresources.org

Currently meets virtually Via Zoom.

Facilitated by: Agique Anderson (AJ)

Office Phone Number: 845-452-3913 Ext. 126

www.taconicresources.org

Time: 5:30-7:30 –

Taconic Resources for Independence-

LGBTQ+ Abilities Discussion & Support Group

To see Flyer click here.

Special Education Parent/Caregiver Forum
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00 | 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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | 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.

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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York
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 | New York

Tips on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19
2020-08-19 05:30 - 06:30 | New York
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 | New York

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 | New York
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 | New York
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
