In June, we raise awareness about Scoliosis, a condition that impacts the spine, causing a lateral curvature of the backbone. This condition can affect individuals across all age groups, from infants to adults. While some cases are mild, others can be severe, leading to restricted movement and discomfort. Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) recognizes the […]
Scoliosis Awareness: FAQs & Independent Living
Celebrating Resilience on World MS Day: Q&A with Cynde Stratton
May 30th is World Multiple Sclerosis Day. On World MS Day 2024, we are honored to share insights from on MS from Cynde Stratton, a dedicated staff member living with multiple sclerosis. As an Independent Living Advocate with PILS, Cynde offers her own experiences with MS—from the numerous challenges to the triumphs of maintaining independence […]
The Heartbeat of WILC: Our Administrative Team
At Westchester Independent Living Center, we are immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of our administrative professionals. Behind the scenes, these individuals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our organization and the fulfillment of our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. Our administrative professionals are […]
Supporting Our Veterans: The Veteran Direct Care Program at WILC
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 5 million veterans in the United States are living with a disability, with many facing challenges related to independent living. With such a substantial number of veterans grappling with disabilities, there is a clear and pressing need for support systems to address their challenges. Ensuring access […]
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBI Awareness Month
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) present unique challenges to individuals striving for independent living. At Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC), we’re dedicated to shedding light on these challenges and providing valuable support and resources, both to people diagnosed with TBIs and their loved ones. In honor of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are sharing information […]
What You Need to Know About Winter Weather Preparedness
As the chill of winter settles in, it is crucial to ensure everyone is prepared for the challenges that come with colder weather. Winter weather brings a range of obstacles that can disrupt our daily lives and even pose serious dangers. It is important that individuals with disabilities are aware of the emergencies that come […]
Top Five Tips for Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is often touted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many, it can also be a source of stress and overwhelm. Balancing work commitments, family obligations, and social events can leave us feeling drained and anxious. The good news is that with a mindful approach and some practical strategies, […]
Empowering Lives: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes and Enhancing Disability Awareness
As we observe Disability Awareness Month, it is crucial to shed light on a health condition that affects millions worldwide and is linked to disabilities —Type 2 diabetes. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and preventing this condition that not only impacts physical health but can also lead to various […]
Rapid Transition Housing Program
High-need Medicaid beneficiary rent subsidy & transitional housing support Contact Michele Bianchi, Rapid Transition Housing Program, mbianchi@wilc.org or call 914-682-3926 (voice), 914-259-8036 (VP). The Rapid Transition Housing Program (RTHP) is a statewide program to establish a rental subsidy and supportive housing services for high-need Medicaid beneficiaries and those who are defined by a hospital, managed […]
HOUSING ACTION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES NEW ROCHELLE AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
DETAILED RENTAL INFORMATION & APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND AT THE LINK BELOW: https://housingactioncouncil.org/affordable-housing/ FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT HOUSING ACTION COUNCIL (914) 332-4144 | hac@affordablehomes.org | www.housingactioncouncil.org
NYSILC Seeking Input on the New York 3-Year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) 2025-2027
New York’s State Plan partners announced the formulation and development of the next 3-year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for 2025-2027. The initial public comment period will take place between July – August 2023. Click on the following link on the NYSILC website for more details – review the draft SPIL, attend SPIL hearings […]
Braille FAQs Answered by the NYSCB Braille Advisory Committee
Braille FAQs What is Braille? Unified English Braille (UEB) is a tactile (touch) alphabet used by blind people to read and write. All Braille letters or symbols are formed within a Braille cell. Each Braille cell can contain up to six dots (two columns of three), numbered 1-6. The dots “raised” in each cell determine […]
Free Tax Prep for Working Families and Individuals
The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Board is providing free tax prep for working families and individuals. To make an appointment, call: United Way 211 helpline or 1-800-899-1479 The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free help for people who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For more information, visit: 2023_VITA-Flyers-Eng-Span_Pr6_013023
Rapid Transition Housing Program (RTHP)
The Rapid Transition Housing Program (RTHP) provides a rental subsidy and supportive housing services for high-need Medicaid beneficiaries. RTHP, previously known as Nursing Home to Independent Living (NHIL), is a Medicaid Redesign Team initiative funded by the Department of Health and administered by the New York Association on Independent Living. The program will be available […]
Social Security Accelerates Decisions for People with Severe Disabilities
Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease, Microvillus Inclusion Disease – Child, Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts, NUT Carcinoma, Pfeiffer Syndrome – Types II and III, Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Renal Amyloidosis – AL Type, and […]
National Infant Formula Shortage Patient Information
Resources provided by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital What should I do if I am having trouble finding formula? For most babies, you can safely switch between brands (including formula and store brands). They are similar and have everything your baby needs. If your baby has special nutritional needs and requires a specialty formula (e.g., […]
Putnam County Commissioner of Social Services Warned About Fraudulent Website
The Office of Mental Health has been advised of a fraudulent, and potentially illegal, website that offers to direct internet users to mental health services in their community. While the website does list legitimate facilities and services, it uses a false toll-free telephone number that connects users to a center that collects financial and personal data as […]
NY Rollin’ KNICKS Clinch 4th NWBA National Basketball Championship
The New York Rollin’ KNICKS won the 2022 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship (NWBA) on April 2, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas beating the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks 59-53. This year’s NWBA National Championship Series featured a total of 40 teams from the Adult Division and 50 teams from the Junior Division. All Adult Divisions began playing on […]
National “Slam the Scam” Day – Letter from SSA
Dear Colleague, The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 10, 2022 as National “Slam the Scam” Day—an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 6 – 12, 2022. We are asking you to share […]