Millions of Americans are receiving a stimulus payment from the federal government. For people with disabilities, this payment may count as an asset and reduce means-tested benefits unless it is spent or put into an ABLE savings account within…
Continue ReadingInterim Guidance on Home Visits, Community Outings, Day Services and Return to Residences After Extended Home Visits Now Available Dear Friends and Colleagues: OPWDD is pleased to announce that guidance has been released, and posted on the OPWDD website, which…
Continue ReadingWhistleblower Responsibilities and Protections A whistleblower is a person who voluntarily provides information about dishonest or illegal activities occurring at an organization. Organizations include a government department, a public company or a private organization that bills Medicaid for services. Whistleblower…
Continue ReadingJuly 26, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), legislation designed to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities in our county. Independent Living, Inc. and the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL)…
Continue ReadingWe are proud to partner with Richmond Community Services! Richmond Community Services has been providing quality, individualized services for more than 80 years in Westchester County. Richmond’s mission is to provide supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities to…
Continue ReadingFor members of the class of 2020, the senior year of high school is very different from classes before them due to COVID-19. Instead of donning a cap and gown to graduate, schools and families are celebrating this achievement in…
Continue ReadingOwning a house with a white picket fence is often referred to as the American dream. At a very young age, Edwin “Ed” Dingman cherished his independence and chased this American dream. To reach this goal, Ed worked hard, employed…
Continue ReadingLIFEPlan believes it is important to connect with other organizations and groups that support the developmental disabilities community. Below are some Facebook pages and groups that we have connected to on Facebook and encourage our Members, Families and MFA Council…
Continue ReadingAn intelligent man with a great sense of humor, Ed Duryea has worked throughout his life to help others. Ed, who has Cerebral Palsy, helps to train and teach new staff at The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Commerce Lane day habilitation, where he attends. He is a strong…
Continue ReadingEssential workers have stepped up in a big way during the COVID-19 outbreak. LIFEPlan member Princess W, working with Challenge Workforce Solutions, is a terrific example of an essential worker. To her it is more than a job, it is her passion. We are sharing her story that…
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