SDMNY

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for our three-workshop series where we will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood.
Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
This workshop is intended for individuals who have already attended our monthly Supported Decision Making, Guardianship, and other Alternatives workshop, and have determined that guardianship is the most appropriate alternative. Since guardianship is considered the most restrictive form of decision support, it is recommended that you also attend the Digging in to Supported Decision-Making workshop before signing up for this one. We will review the process of putting together a petition for guardianship and the documentation requirements.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

General Information Session to Learn More about SDMNY
2025-01-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-23 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-13 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-18 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-03-04 09:00 - 10:00 and 6 more dates
These Information Sessions are held on Zoom and are for anyone who wishes to learn more about supported decision-making (SDM), and the SDMNY facilitation process. Appropriate for Individuals who are considering creating their own SDM agreement, or for parents, guardians, service providers and others who wish to learn more. Includes time for Q&A.
RSVP required via the below link.

SDMNY Sign-Up Session for Decision-Makers
2025-01-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:00 and 4 more dates
This session is required for individuals who wish to sign up to participate in SDMNY’s facilitation process to create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement. Attendance by the Individual is required. Parents/Caregivers/Guardians are welcome to attend the session with the DM to provide support. Decision-Makers will learn about what to expect in the SDMNY facilitation process, including their own responsibilities, and will have the opportunity to sign-up to participate.
RSVP required via the below link.

Community Support Network 2025 ‘Virtual’ Transition Institute - Westchester Institute for Human Development
2025-01-29 09:00 - 2025-01-31 13:00
We are co-sponsoring this year’s Community Support Network (CSN) Transition Institute and presenting a session. Join us!
The 2025 Community Support Network Transition Institute will cover all aspects of post-secondary transition planning for students with disabilities including employment, supported decision-making, self-direction, social and recreational programs, systems navigation, self-advocacy, policy issues and other important topics.
If you are a parent or family member of a young person with a disability, school administrator, teacher, other school professional, self-advocate, or agency staff member, you will likely find many of the offered sessions valuable.
This year’s threads include:

Disability Systems Navigation
Employment Services & Supports
Post-Secondary Education Options
Independent Living Resources
Self-Direction Practices
Transition Thought Exchange for Educators, Administrators and other School Professionals
Alternatives to Guardianship
Financial Planning
Self-Advocacy

A Historic Conversation: The Willowbrook Legacy at 50 Years - Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY
2025-01-29 14:00 - 16:00
Fifty years ago, the exposure of inhumane conditions at Willowbrook State School on Staten Island led to a landmark Consent Decree that forever changed how our society treats people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Three people whose lives intersected at this crucial moment will share their stories:

Bernard Carabello, who survived years as a resident at Willowbrook and has dedicated his life to disability rights advocacy and now serves as a CIDNY board member
Michael Wilkins, whose conscience as a physician at Willowbrook led him to speak out against the institution’s conditions
Geraldo Rivera, then a young journalist whose groundbreaking exposé brought Willowbrook’s shocking reality into millions of American homes.

CIDNY’s executive director Dr. Sharon McLennon Wier will be moderating this discussion about Willowbrook’s impact on disability rights, the progress of the past five decades, and the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion.

Location: CIDNY Manhattan Office 1010 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, NY 10018 (Limited in-person seating available and virtual attendance option via Zoom)

RSVP required: https://forms.office.com/r/ZUYngwCidq

Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY)

Calling All Advocates: Medicaid Advocacy in 2025 (The Arc Event)
2025-01-29 16:00 - 17:00
From our friends at The Arc:
“Join us for an important webinar on January 29 to learn about the growing concern of potential cuts to Medicaid. We’ll discuss what you can do this year to help protect Medicaid. We’ll also share tools, resources, and strategies to help you advocate effectively.”
