Assistive Technology and Accessibility for Job Seekers
What is the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program? How does TRAID allow people with disabilities to obtain employment and live more independent lives? Join us on Thursday, October 17th to learn more about the program and where you can access TRAID in your area.
Presenters:
Melinda Dolezal: TRAID Director, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
April Diffee: TRAID Manager, Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL)
Recorded on October 17, 2024
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
Additional Resources:
Office of New Americans: Helping Disabled Refugees Obtain Services and Supports to Succeed
What is the Office of New Americans? What services do they provide? How can Independent Living Centers and other community-based organizations work with new Americans to help them get what they need to succeed? During this one-hour webinar we will answer these questions, provide additional information, and take your questions.
Presenter: Cynthia Stewart | Ramirez June Developmental Disabilities Navigator
Recorded on September 11, 2024
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
Additional Resources:
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports: Implementing Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategies
Rates of overdose continue to rise, with annual overdose deaths surpassing 100,000 in 2021. The Community Overdose Prevention Education Project, or Project COPE, is a SAMHSA-funded grant initiative that seeks to reduce rates of overdose death in New York by connecting to vulnerable, underserved populations such as pregnant and parenting persons. Join members of the Project COPE team in exploring the science of substance use and substance use disorders, the basics of overdose prevention and naloxone use, and concrete ways professionals outside of the substance use disorder treatment system can help prevent overdoses among the individuals and families they serve. Tangible skills and interventions will be provided to increase overdose prevention and harm reduction knowledge for all who attend.
Presenter: Jessica Sorbello, LCSW, Project COPE Director
Recorded on August 14, 2024
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
Additional Resources:
The ADA and NYS Human Rights Law: Similarities and Differences
How do the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and NYS Human Rights Law intersect? Where are they different? Which law should I follow and when? During this one-hour webinar you will have these questions answered and much more!
Presenter: John Herrion, Director of Disability Rights, NYS Division of Human Rights
Recorded on July 18, 2024
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
Additional Resources:
The Olmstead Decision at 25: Protecting and Strengthening the Future
On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead vs. L.C. people with disabilities must be able to live in the most integrated setting with community supports. The case was brought forth by Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who were repeatedly institutionalized because they did not have adequate services to remain in the community in Georgia. During this one-hour panel discussion we will hear about the initial reactions to the decision, implementation of the decision, and advocacy efforts for solidifying its future both here in New York and around the country.
Presenters:
Shelly Madore: Director of Olmstead Planning with New York State.
Cliff Perez: Systems Advocate with the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley.
Sim Goldman: Legal Counsel with the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
Recorded on Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
An Overview of MHANYS and Collaborative Advocacy Opportunities
Presenters: Glenn Liebman: Executive Director, MHANYS
Katie Oldakowski: Director of Training, MHANYS
Date and Time: Thursday, May 30th 1-2:00 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
Additional Resources:
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
An Overview of the NY Achievving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program
The NY Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families, to save for their current or long term needs while maintaining their ability to receive federal benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid. Our program offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money. As of February 2024 NY ABLE now has a savings account option, allowing program users and their families to save for disability-related expenses.
Presenter: Jenna McClosky: Outreach Coordinator with NY ABLE
Date and time: Wednesday, March 13 1-2:00 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided.
Additonal Resources:
Accessing Public Benefits and Supports Within the Community
What are public benefits? During this webinar you will learn how to spot the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Employment and other earnings impact Social Security Benefits and Community Medicaid. We will also explore the qualifications and requirements for each program in order to best plan for the future.
Presenters: Deven Springer and Elizabeth Cox, Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL)
Date and time: Wednesday, January 10, 1-2:00 p.m.
ASL and CART will be provided. Click here to register for January's webinar!
Additional Resources:
Click Here to Watch the Replay and Subscribe to NYAIL's Youtube Channel
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.
Click here to view December's webinar!
Additional Resources:
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