Westchester Independent Living Center, Inc.

NYS Accessible Attractions, Lodgings and Restaurants

NYS Accessible Attractions, Lodgings and Restaurants

8.13.20 Looking for a getaway that packs in plenty of fun and also happens to be accessible?

Visit https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/accessibility/ for a list of accessible attractions, lodging, and restaurants with accessible accommodations.

From majestic waterfalls to captivating mansions and some of the best displays of modern art in the country, there are lots of things to see and do that are accessible to all. Hundreds of attractions across the state offer accessibility features, with some even providing specialty programming like sensory-friendly museum days and adaptive skiing and snowboarding.

TBI/NHTD Waiver Intake

Full time, 35 hours per week, with benefits

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conduct eligibility screenings to individuals seeking wavier services in the region;
2. Provides information and referral to services available to individuals with disabilities in the lower Hudson Valley;
3. Assist with preparation and submission of all reports and tracking forms as needed;
4. Maintain files on all waiver referrals/applicants;
5. Provide technical support by attending team meetings discussing concerns with referral/applicant and/ or providers as needed;
6. Assist with developing resources and providing information to build the Regions capacity to serve the waiver participants;
7. Assist in arranging the required trainings/workshops for Hudson Valley Waiver providers and community as needed;
8. Attend required meetings and conferences for DOH Waiver and;
9. Conduct any other duty as assigned by Lead RRDS/SR RRDS that will promote and enhance the development of the waiver in the Hudson Valley Region;

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated abilities in written and oral communication skills
• Ability to use word processing computer programs
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and insurance coverage
• Comfortable traveling throughout seven counties.
• Experience working with people with disabilities a plus.

Email or Fax Resume and Cover letter to:
Margaret Nunziato, Director of Waiver Services
Fax: 845-228-7460
E-mail: mnunziato@wilc.org
Persons with disabilities, women, and minority individuals are strongly encouraged to apply

Waiver Regional Resources Development Specialist (RRDS)

Full time, 35 hours per week, with benefits

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conduct eligibility screenings to individuals seeking wavier services in the region;
2. Assist with the review and tracking of service plans and team meeting packets submitted;
3. Review, track and monitor Serious Reportable Incidents and Recordable Incidents for the LHV;
4. Review, track and monitor TBI Housing Subsidy
5. Provides information and referral to services available to individuals with disabilities in the lower Hudson Valley;
6. Assist with preparation and submission of all reports and tracking forms;
7. Maintain files on all waiver participants;
8. Provide technical support by attending team meetings / review plans/ discussing concerns with providers;
9. Assist with developing resources and providing information to build the Regions capacity to serve the waiver participants;
10. Assist in arranging the required trainings/workshops for Hudson Valley TBI providers and community;
11. Attend required meetings and conferences for DOH waiver and;
12. Conduct any other duty as assigned by Lead RRDS/SR RRDS that will promote and enhance the development of the waiver in the Hudson Valley Region;

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated abilities in written and oral communication skills
• Ability to use word processing computer programs
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and insurance coverage
• Experience working with people with disabilities a plus.

Email or Fax Resume and Cover letter to:
Margaret Nunziato, Director of Waiver Services
Fax: 845-228-7460
E-mail: mnunziato@wilc.org
Persons with disabilities, women, and minority individuals are strongly encouraged to apply

Absentee Ballot Application Forms

The next general election will be held on November 3, 2020. Please read the info below on the dates you need to apply for an absentee ballot.

Each application ballot has this information on WHEN you need to apply:

This application must either be personally delivered to your county board of elections not later than the day before the election , or postmarked by a government postal service no later than the day before the election, or postmarked by a governmental postal service not later than 7th day before election day; The ballot itself must either be personally delivered to the board of elections no later than the close of polls on election day, or postmarked by a governmental postal service not later than the day before the election and received no later than the 7th day after the election.

NYS Absentee Ballot – English

NYS Absentee Ballot – Spanish

Click here for the full NYS County Boards of Elections for WHERE you have to mail or hand deliver your application. 

SSI Recipients to receive automatic COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

Supplemental Security Income Recipients Will Receive Automatic COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

SSI Recipients with Dependent Children Should Still Go To IRS.gov to Provide Their Information

The Social Security Administration announced today that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department.  Treasury anticipates these automatic payments no later than early May.

SSI recipients with no qualifying children do not need to take any action in order to receive their $1,200 economic impact payment.  The payments will be automatic.

SSI recipients who have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment.  They should now go to the IRS’s webpage at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here and visit the Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info section to provide their information.  By taking proactive steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment.  If SSI beneficiaries in this group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait until later to receive their $500 per qualifying child.

“This is great news for SSI recipients, and I want to remind recipients with qualifying children to go to IRS.gov soon so that you will receive the full amount of the Economic Impact Payments you and your family are eligible for,” said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security.  “I also want to thank the dedicated employees of the Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service for making this happen and working non-stop on this issue.”

Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries (who don’t normally file taxes) will also qualify for automatic payments of $1,200 from Treasury.   These payments are anticipated to start arriving around the end of April.

The Treasury Department, not the Social Security Administration, will make these automatic payments to beneficiaries.  Recipients will generally receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their SSI or Social Security benefits.

For those SSI and Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries, with dependent children, who use Direct Express debit cards, additional information will be available soon regarding the steps to take on the IRS website when claiming children under 17.

Please note that the agency will not consider Economic Impact Payments as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.

For more information about Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries, please see the agency’s April 10th press release:  New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Beneficiaries from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

The eligibility requirements and other information about the Economic Impact Payments can be found here: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.  In addition, please continue to visit the IRS at www.irs.gov/coronavirus for the latest information.

The agency will continue to update Social Security’s COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/ as further details become available.

# # #

To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on Twitter @SSAPress.

COVID-19 Resources and Information

The Disability and Health Program is committed to providing resources and information to stakeholders supporting people with disabilities, their families, and professionals who support them.

We shared a curated list of resources and websites that contain information specific to people with disabilities and COVID-19 last week. For your convenience we are sharing an additional list of resources that you may find helpful:

Please feel free to share these resources with others who may benefit:

For Healthcare and Direct Support Professionals:

National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)

https://nadsp.org/covid-19resources/

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has put together a free toolkit of webinars and resources for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are on the front lines.

The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities:

Fact Sheet – for health care professionals to safeguard against disability discrimination during COVID -19. The fact sheet is based on guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

For People with Disabilities:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –

People with disabilities and COVID-19

Some people with disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection or severe illness because of their underlying medical conditions.

For people at higher risk for serious illness  – Information about stress and coping relevant to people with disabilities

National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices –

The Q&A has two versions, one a brief series of content answers, and another longer version covering numerous questions that have arisen.  The Q&A is directed toward families and others concerned with impact of COVID-19 upon persons of all ages with Down syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Society

https://www.ndss.org/covid-19-fact-sheet/

Let’s Talk About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video (3.5 min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkZ23tDzN4c&feature=youtu.be

The video uses a drawn Whiteboard technique to tell a social narrative. It was developed by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD).

The Arc COVID-19 Resource Page

https://thearc.org/covid/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=development

CDC American Sign Language COVID-19 Informational Videos

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvrp9iOILTQatwnqm61jqFrsfUB4RKh6J

Eleven videos, created by the CDC, featuring a certified Deaf interpreter deal with managing COVID-19 at home, symptoms of the virus, prevention tips, risk factors, and what older adults need to know about COVID-19. Videos include closed captions.

Mental Health and COVID-19 resources:

https://mhanational.org/covid19

How to Stay Healthy from COVID-19 (plain language):

https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/2020-3-17-v2-Eng-COVID-19.pdf

Cómo Mantenerse Saludable de COVID-19 (Lenguaje sencillo):

https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/2020-3-17-v2-Spn-COVID-19.pdf

Best,

Disability & Health Program Team

Make an Emergency Food Supply Check List

Here is a sample list of food items to include:
•Peanut & other Nut Butters – A great source of energy, nut butters are chock-full of healthful fats and protein.
• Crackers and Bread – Store whole grain bread in the freezer and defrost as needed. Crackers are a good shelf-stable replacement for bread that happens to go well with peanut & nut butters.
• Nuts and Trail Mixes – stock up on these high-energy foods— they‛re healthful and convenient for snacking. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness.
• Boxed Milk (nonperishable) or Powdered Milk – Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock these substitutes for an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D when fresh milk is not an option.
• Canned and Dried Fruits – In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber.
• Cereal – Choose multigrain cereals such as Cheerios, All Bran, Total and Raisin Bran, as well as instant or quick-cooking oatmeal.
• Granola Bars and Protein Bars – Easy, compact and nutrient dense.
• Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Chicken or Turkey – these are packed with healthy proteins. Source:
Information adapted from http://www.everydayhealth.com

Below is a heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly sample menu when grocery shopping may be a challenge.
Breakfast

Whole grain cereal
1 cup Nuts
¼ cup Unsweetened canned (or defrosted frozen) fruit
½ cup low fat milk, soy, rice or almond milk, 1 cup

Lunch

Canned tuna
4 oz. Canned soup (low sodium)
1 cup Whole grain crackers, or one slice of whole grain bread
Unsweetened canned fruit, ½ cup

Dinner
Canned salmon, 4 oz.
Steamed mixed vegetables
½ cup Whole grain toast or crackers
Unsweetened canned fruit, ½ cup

Snacks
(1-2 per day)Energy bar (such as Glucerna or ExtendBar)
2 graham cracker squares with 1 tbsp nut butter
Unsweetened canned fruit, ½ cup
Nuts, ¼ cup
Whey, rice, or soy protein shake mixed with water (as directed)

Adapted from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/hurricane-preparedness-guide-to-healthyeating.as

If you have any questions or concerns, you can call New York State Coronavirus COVID-19Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 (7 days/week).

In addition, County Executive George Latimer told residents that if they have any questions to call United Way’s 211 Helpline. As a point of information 211 will have access to the latest information available.

Funded through the Department of Health and Human Services – Administration on Aging (AoA), the New York State Office for the Aging and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (WCDSPS). In accordance with Federal law, the WCDSPS prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or handicap, in all aspects of the provision of services for the benefit and welfare of Senior Citizens, and in all employment practices including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Further, subcontractors of the WCDSPS shall be required to meet the above stated standards.

Click here for Stay Healthy and Safe in Your Home flyer

Stay Healthy and Safe in Your Home

There are important preventive measures that will help you stay safe and healthy to stop the spread of viruses or reduce the chances of becoming sick.

Four precautions you should follow at all times are: 

1. Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

2. Cough or sneeze into your elbow area of your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash. 

3. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 

4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach. It‛s important to keep all of these preventive measures in mind, as well as stocking up on foods that are nutritious, non-perishable and easily available in case of an emergency or not being able to go out due to sickness. 

How well is your kitchen stocked?

Read below to see what should be included in your pantry. These foods are good staples to have on hand and good sources of essential nutrients that will keep your body well fueled during an emergency. 

Healthy Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken and salmon are healthy protein choices.Other good proteins include beans, nuts and nut butters, soy products, boxed milk, instant powdered milk and energy or nutrition bars. Fresh eggs and yogurt also provide an excellent source of protein and can be usually be stored in your refrigerator for several weeks. 

Healthy Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruit have a high fiber and water content — important for maintaining digestive health while supplying your body with vitamins and minerals. Eat any fresh fruit and vegetables first, followed by frozen and canned. 

Healthy Grains: It’s important to include servings from the grains group to make a balanced meal. Grains provide calories for energy as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals. Examples include dry, whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, brown rice and whole grain pastas. Hydration: Although it is mentioned here last, adequate hydration is a top priority.For most adults, the goal is eight, 8oz servings of liquids per day. This can include water, juice, decaffeinated tea & coffee, soup, gelatin and milk.

Provided by the Nutrition Division of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services
Nutrition News for SeniorsGeorge Latimer, County ExecutiveMae Carpenter, Commissioner Department of Senior Programs and Services

Click here for the flyer Stay Healthy and Safe in Your Home

ACCES-VR Peer Integration Program

Are you a person with a disability who would like to obtain employment? Do you need assistance with barriers that may prevent you from reaching your employment goals?

Contact Elizabeth Bussian, LCSW, Peer Integration Coordinator, ebussian@wilc.org or call 914-682-3926 (voice) 914.259.8036 (VP).

The Peer Integration Program (PIP) Specialist at WILC can work with you, one-on-one, to provide core independent living services with the goal of obtaining a job. In addition, PIP provides group trainings based on need and requests made by participants and ACCES-VR counselors.

Technical assistance trainings are also provided to partner agencies and ACCEs-VR counselors. For current workshops and trainings go to the Current Calendar page.

Eligibility:
You must be an ACCES-VR consumer
Click here to  link to ACCES-VR application

 

Post Rehabilitation Transition Programs

This program offers help for newly disabled patients, especially those recently injured, to transition from hospital and rehabilitation care, to a life at home and in the community. WILC’s Post Rehabilitation Project assist patient with disabilities to return to the community, their families, and their homes following a 3 to 6 week stay or participation in a rehabilitation service setting.  The program offers Case Management, Peer Support, and various workshops.

Contact Elizabeth Bussian, LCSW, Transition Case Manager ebussian@wilc.org or call 914-682-3926 Ext. 2131 (voice) 914.259.8036 (VP).

Our role is to help newly disabled patients, especially those recently injured, to transition from hospital and rehabilitation care, to a life at home and in the community.  The program won’t offer false promises of helping patients to overcome their disabilities, but instead, realistically to help them adjust to and manage with their limitations and move forward. The program provides customized resources for each patient and provide peer modeling support.

Click here for the Post Rehabilitation Transition Programs flyer.

Are you a Peer interested in joining our Per Diem Peer Program?  Click here for the Per Diem flyer.

100th Anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program

 

We are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program!

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, also known as the Industrial Rehabilitation Act and referred to as “The National Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act,” into law June 2, 1920.

The OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) will be celebrating 100 Years of VR throughout 2020. To that end, we have launched a dedicated webpage to house anniversary content.

We encourage you to view and bookmark the VR 100 webpage, where you will currently find the kick-off podcast from OSERS Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Schultz, VR100 graphics, signature block and the hashtag #VR100Years to use as your agency and organization promote the year. New information will be added to this page throughout 2020.

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with all our VR stakeholders!

Listen to a PODCAST by RSA Commissioner Mark Schultz as he discusses the 100th Anniversary of Vocational Rehabilitation.

 

 

Westchester County Human Rights Commission Annual Breakfast Video 12.19

1.2020
Listen to this moving and thought provoking clip as John Robinson, the keynote speaker at Westchester County’s Annual Human Rights Day Breakfast, recounts the discrimination he faced during his job search after graduating from college. Further, he powerfully discusses the hurdles he faced while being employed including being denied the top prize in a sales contest. Mr. Robinson reveals that the unemployment rate in the disability community is 67%. Listen to this moving and thought provoking clip.

Peer Independent Living Specialist

11.7.2019     Westchester County

Westchester Independent Living Center is a consumer-controlled, non-residential organization that provides information and advocacy services to persons with disabilities. In collaboration with ACCES-VR, provide an enhanced component of service delivery for consumers with disabilities that promotes self-reliance, recovery, self-advocacy, self-image, and self-determination/self-sufficiency.   Provide emotional support and information and facilitate linkages to community resources.

POSITION:             Peer Independent Living Specialist

SALARY:        $23/hr. 35 hours per week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Researches and maintains well organized, accurate, up-to-date information on benefits, entitlements and community services. Assists consumers with disabilities in learning about and accessing community resources and entitlements. Assists consumers in identifying barriers in their lives that are preventing them from pursuing employment and/or educational goals.  Provides direct Peer IL Services/training in the areas of: Self-advocacy/self-sufficiency; obtaining reasonable accommodations; understanding rights and responsibilities in employment as a person with a disability (PWD); transportation coordination; and self-management and systems navigations.

Maintains accurate, up-to-date consumer records on services provided.  Records are compliant with funding source requirements. Attends ACCES-VR Orientations and provides info re: Peer Integration Program. Works closely with ACCES-VR counselors to ensure referrals to the Peer Integration Program throughout the “life” of the individuals’ ACCES-VR case. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Must be an individual with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) amendments of 2006.
  2. Must have demonstrated work experience in peer service delivery.
  3. Must be well organized and able to work independently.
  4. Must be capable of managing multiple priorities.
  5. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  6. Creative problem-solving and good follow-up skills necessary.
  7. Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Click here to E-MAIL RESUME and COVER LETTER TO employment@wilc.org

Attention: Rebecka Palmer