WIHD Community Support Network

Thank you to the Westchester County Government

Muscoot Farm is rolling into a more inclusive future with the addition of two new ADA-accessible hayride wagons, expanding opportunities for visitors of all abilities to enjoy one of the farm’s most beloved experiences. These new wagons ensure that more guests can take part in seasonal hayrides, making the farm’s scenic grounds and programming more welcoming and accessible than ever before.

During the farm’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Friends of Muscoot Farm were able to raise enough money to purchase the wagons, which will be available for use this summer.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “These new ADA-accessible hayride wagons at Muscoot Farm are an important step in removing barriers and creating opportunities for all residents and visitors to fully participate in the experiences that make our parks so special. Accessibility is not an add-on, it’s a responsibility. Every improvement we make with inclusion in mind ensures that individuals of all abilities can enjoy our public spaces with dignity and independence.”

Read more: https://ow.ly/eQIB50YWENG

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via ZOOM.

The purpose of this training is to educate families of students with disabilities on the essential information of NYSAA, including what NYSAA is, what the test entails, and how it will affect a student's postsecondary planning. Additionally, the training will review all state assessment options, the eligibility and decision-making process, and graduation/student exit options.

Zoom Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/TXevYMQKQ9qVIT2VtYxa1w #/registration

Attention Self-Advocates - Special Info Session!

Join Us for an Information Session!
Come learn about the LEND Program and how it can help you grow, learn, and become more independent.
✨ Learn what the program does
✨ See how it helps people succeed
✨ Find out how you can join
Who can come?
✔ Self-advocates

Event Details:
📅 Date: May 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
📍 Location: Zoom (online)

Sign up here:
https://zoom.us/j/98402148070?pwd=090yc6qP3T6tTB9TyMY2UWMkiRmHoa.1

📞 Questions?
Contact: Nichole Hastings
Email: [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

Future Planning Series Workshop #7: Wrap Up
Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm via ZOOM

Workshop #7: Wrap Up
In our final workshop of the series, we will summarize the learnings of the six prior workshops and will review the legal and financial documents that were referenced. We will also revisit the “Dream Team” concept. Participants will be encouraged to share where they are in the planning process.

Zoom Registration:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/iBuo5nxqTeG-jQqdp9lvtw #/registration

This 7- workshop series, held once a month, aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for supporting their loved ones, as caregivers go through the aging process and beyond.
At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have a blueprint that can be used for the transfer of knowledge to new caregivers. This blueprint includes the systems, people and processes needed to successfully support their loved one so that they live life to the fullest. Individual workshops will cover people and staffing, financial planning, housing, and estate planning.

March 4, 2026 6pm, via zoom

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/G4ZwGBrgTkyV7X2Wz3xQkg #/registration

Future Planning Series Workshop #7: Wrap Up
Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm on ZOOM

Workshop #7: Wrap Up
In our final workshop of the series, we will summarize the learnings of the six prior workshops and will review the legal and financial documents that were referenced. We will also revisit the “Dream Team” concept. Participants will be encouraged to share where they are in the planning process.

This 7- workshop series, held once a month, aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for supporting their loved ones, as caregivers go through the aging process and beyond.
At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have a blueprint that can be used for the transfer of knowledge to new caregivers. This blueprint includes the systems, people and processes needed to successfully support their loved one so that they live life to the fullest. Individual workshops will cover people and staffing, financial planning, housing, and estate planning.

Zoom Registration:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/iBuo5nxqTeG-jQqdp9lvtw #/registration

Check out these upcoming workshops:

CSN Weekly List of Events 5/4/26 Email from WIHD - Community Support Network CSN Weekly List of Events 5/4/26 View as Webpage     AN E-NEWSLETTER FROM WIHD FOR THE CSN COMMUNITY | WEEK OF MAY 4, 2026 The help you need from WIHD's Com

Systems Change and Leadership:
Supporting Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Friday, May 8, 2026 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

To register, scan the QR code above or use the link below https://forms.gle/JuXDBH58y9gGpFfh6

This free hybrid CME/CE panel explores systems change
and the power of leadership
Via Zoom (link will be emailed after registration)
In Person: SUNY Downstate PH Building 2nd Floor, Room 2A
450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Read more here: https://www.downstate.edu/news-events/downstate-update/2026/april/04-24-systems-change.html

Westchester Families: Westchester County Government latest Out and About Newsletter: https://emailer.emfluence.com/viewaswebpage/081077B6-D661-4B35-A334-6F7CE959A83B

Free Resource and Transition Fair For students with an IEP or 504 Plan, families, individuals and professionals.

SUPPORTS AND INFORMATION FOR NOW AND IN THE FUTURE:

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026. 3-7 pm (Stop by when you can)

• Explore options including recreation, advocacy, education including colleges, employment training including job coaching and much more.
• Learn about programs and support offered by various agencies (day programs, respite, etc.).
• Visit 55+ tables and/or enjoy a presentation

Location:
Palisades Center Community Rooms
(4th floor near the ice rink)
1000 Palisades Center Drive West Nyack, NY 10994

Contact Mary Ellen Urinyi or Kristina Bitts at [email protected] or call 845-627-4749 for information

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
For Families of School-Age Students
Tuesday, May 5, 2026. 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm via ZOOM

"What is an IEP? For Families of School-Age Students”
participants will gain a foundational understanding of the entire IEP process, including but not limited to, the Committee on Special Education (CSE), the roles and responsibilities of all parties, the various components of the IEP, and the transition planning process.

Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/40KQGR_HQtehl069Uxs5HQ #/registration