People Aging with HIV Pilot Program
Did you know 57% of those living with HIV in NYS are over 50? This number is increasing every year with an estimated 70% over 50 by 2030. John Hartigan with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)/AIDS Institute, will be providing a brief overview of the medical and psychosocial issues impacting the aging HIV population in New York State. Various AIDS Institute responses to the needs of this aging population will be discussed. The main focus will be the recently awarded People Aging with HIV Pilot, a 5-year grant funding 10 sites across NYS to address the various challenges that have been identified. The AIDS Institute is very interested in hearing from the wider Aging Service Community and Providers, seeking potential collaborative efforts in addition to referral and linkage possibilities.
Presenter: John Hartigan, HIV and Aging Project Director: NYSDOH
Date and time: Wednesday, December 13, 1-2:00 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
Stronger Together: Connecting Grassroots and National advocacy efforts
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is a membership organization primarily consisting of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and State Independent Living Councils (SILCs). NCIL promotes a national advocacy agenda on the federal level. Two of NCILs priorities are the “five for five” campaign asking congress for $500-million for the independent living program to support the 5 core services CILs provide, expanding home and community based services, and ending the institutional bias.
NCIL relies on its members to hear about grassroots issues CILs and consumers are facing. The whole independent living network needs to come together to protect and strengthen the independent living movement. Join us for a conversation about NCIL’s national advocacy priorities and how you and your center can get involved.
Date and time: Wednesday, November 8, 1-2:00 p.m.
Presenters:
Jessica Podesva: Director of Advocacy and Public Policy: NCIL
Mary-Kate Wells: Program Director: NCIL
Aaron Baier: Region 2 Representative: NCIL
Special Introduction by Lindsay Miller: Executive Director: NY Association on Independent Living
ASL and CART will be provided.
The Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working People with Disabilities and Upcoming Changes
What is the Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD)? How do people apply for the program? What are the requirements for folks to receive MBI-WPD? Join us on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 to learn more about MBI-WPD and how this resource helps people with disabilities to obtain and retain employment.
Presenters:
Greg Otten, Healthcare Advocate: Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY)
Mariah Sepulveda, New York City Transition Specialist Liaison: NY Association on Independent Living (NYAIL).
Date and time: Wednesday, October 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
An Overview and Updates to Restraint and Seclusion Legislation
Join us on Thursday, August 10 to learn more about the issue of restraint and seclusion. During the 2023 legislative session the Keeping NY Students Safe Act was introduced limiting restraint and banning seclusion. The bill also mandates schools report incidents of restraint to the NYS Education Department. Laura Marks, Staff Attorney with Disability Rights NY will discuss the importance of this legislation and how advocates can support the bill.
Date and time: Thursday, August 10: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
An Overview and Updates to the 55 B/C Program
The Governor's Programs to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities consist of two specialized programs: the 55-b and the 55-c Program. These programs are coordinated efforts placing individuals with disabilities in entry-level state jobs. Section 55-b of the New York State Civil Service Law authorizes the New York State Civil Service Commission to designate up to 1,700 positions normally filled through competitive examination to be filled through the appointment of qualified persons with disabilities. Section 55-c authorizes the designation of up to 500 positions in the non-competitive class to be filled by qualified veterans with disabilities. In general, an entry-level position filled only through an open-competitive examination (one open to the public) may be used for a 55-b or 55-c appointment.
Nichole Harden, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist 2 with the NYS Department of Civil Service will present an overview of the 55 B/C Program, along with a recent expansion approved in this year’s state budget.
Date and time: Wednesday, July 12: 1:00-2:30 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
Making Your Content and Events Accessible
What is accessible content? How do you create content for ensuring everyone can interact with it? What are some best practices for inclusive event planning? Does accessible content and events help my brand both physically and online? Join us for this exciting and interactive webinar on how to create inclusive spaces in both the digital and physical world.
Presenters:
- Alex Thomson, Director of Advocacy: NY Association on Independent Living.
- Blaise Bryant, Communications Specialist: NY Association on Independent Living.
- Lisa Barone, Vice President of Brand: Overit Media
Date and time: Tuesday, May 30
1:00-2:30 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided
American Sign Language: the Science of Scheduling the Right Interpreter for the Job
The Mid-Hudson Interpreter Service (MHIS), a program of Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI), located in Poughkeepsie, New York, has been providing ASL, English interpreting and translating services throughout the mid-Hudson Valley since 1989. In this webinar you will learn:
- How ASL interpreting and translating services ensure access to effective communication.
- The science behind specific ASL Interpreters with practical experience working in a variety of settings based on the appointment.
- Assistance in complying with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act: ensuring effective communication is being provided for all involved parties, both Hearing and Deaf.
Date: 3/19/2023
Presenters:
- Jeanine Byrnes
- Dana Steele
- Rebecca McLauglin
Presentation Recording: Click here to view the recording
Managing Your Mental Health and Preventing Burn Out
Presentation Description:
Navigating personal and professional stressors can be both mentally and physically exhausting. Laurie Carter, NYAIL’s Social Work Coordinator for the Open Doors Money Follows the Person Project will share tips on how to manage your mental health while preventing burnout.
Date: 3/22/2023
Presenters:
- Laurie Carter, Social Work Coordinator - Open Doors
Presentation Recording: Click here to view the recording
Additional Materials: Not yet available
Changes to the NY ABLE Savings Program
Presentation Description:
Hear about significant changes to the NY ABLE Program. The NY Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families. The program allows them to save for their current or long term needs while maintaining the ability to benefit from federal benefits programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Our program offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card option, allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money. In 2022 NY ABLE implemented significant changes which significantly increase the number of people who can open a NY ABLE account. These include the residency requirement going away AND the expanded hierarchy for authorized individuals.
Date: 2/22/2023
Presenters:
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Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator and Administrative Analyst, NY ABLE Savings Program
Presentation Recording: Click here to view the recording.
Effective Strategies while Advocating and Lobbying
Presentation Description:
Learn effective communication strategies in advocacy. As we start a new legislative session, this webinar will review communication essentials for advocates: How do you get an elected official to listen and support your position? What does it take to cut through the noise and make your “ask” stand out? Why is it so important to be strategic on and off social media? Effectively communicating your message makes all the difference. This webinar will also help advocates understand lobbying rules for not-for-profits.
Date: 1/19/2023
Presenters:
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Josh Poupore, Senior Vice President, Corning Place Communications
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David Previte, Principal, Hinman Straub
Presentation Recording: Click here to view the webinar recording