Spectrum Services

Free Webinar: Learn About NY ABLE Accounts on June 5

The NY 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 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.

Register here to join this FREE webinar on June 5 from 10:00-11:00AM to learn more about this valuable resource. This webinar is being offered by the NY Housing Resource Center and the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities.

us06web.zoom.us

Volunteer Opportunity

Have you signed up for the Fall Session of Learning Unlimited yet? What are you waiting for? :-)

Come to LU for art, music, field trips, crafts and fun with friends! Learning Unlimited, a FREE* 10-week program for adults with disabilities, provides an opportunity for group members to get together to work on social, leisure and independent living skills. For questions or to register, please reach out to: Kimberly Stephenson [email protected] or Andrew Fowler [email protected]. *Learning Unlimited is free for adults who live at home and qualify for OPWDD services.

LU is offered in spring and fall sessions through a grant from OPWDD (Organization for People with Developmental Disabilities). The grant is run through Monroe #1 BOCES; Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Department for Exceptional Children manages the program for residents on the west side of Rochester.

New bill aims to help low-income Americans with disabilities build emergency savings through a federal match Disabled Americans face obstacles to building wealth. A new bill aims to help low-income disabled individuals save through a federal match in ABLE accounts.

Many people with disabilities have opened an ABLE account or plan to do so. Some are working or are moving toward employment goals. If a working individual receives or seeks public benefits, including means-tested benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Plan or assistance from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, the person has the opportunity to maximize use of their ABLE account while maintaining or establishing eligibility for public benefits for a period of time. Via The ABLE National Resource Center:
https://hubs.la/Q01Wpqf90

Want to gain life and transferable work skills while working in fun and engaging environments? Then join us at our upcoming ArcWorks and Culinary Career Prep at ArcDeli Open House on August 16 from 1-2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to tour the spaces, talk with staff, and see the programs in action.

Learn more and register online at https://arcmonroe.org/events/arcworks-culinary-career-prep-open-house/?occurrence=2023-08-16.

MCH is seeking a contract hair stylist to join our team of compassionate and caring professionals. The ideal candidate will have a valid license, the ability to work with all hair types, and experience in a long-term-care setting. Liability insurance is required. Please call Laurie at 760-6151 to learn more or schedule an interview.

🌈 Celebrating Disability Pride Month! Embrace the uniqueness of individuals with autism and disabilities. Let's foster inclusivity, understanding, and support for all. Together, we can create a world that values and celebrates every individual. 🌍

More coverage of New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities anti-stigma campaign and DDPC's Willowbrook documentary. Stop by the agencies' exhibit in the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza, now through Labor Day. https://www.wamc.org/news/2023-07-27/new-york-launches-a-new-anti-stigma-campaign-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities

Come visit us from 10am till 4pm at Spencerport Canal Days! We are near the Exempts Club near Canal!

Join the Camp Puzzle Peace staff at the Autism Nature Trail this weekend to explore your senses and how they help us take in nature and the environment. For fun resources to help you prepare for you visit please follow the following link!

https://www.camppuzzlepeace.org/autism-nature-trail/theme-weekends/lets-use-our-senses

Great program!

"I learned how to navigate this journey of self-sufficiency and establishing goals with my son." ~parent who attended Creating a Life After High School workshop

Don't forget to sign up for our one day session available to families on the topic of: Creating a Life After High School. This program will offer a safe and encouraging space for families and students to dream, plan, and advocate for themselves.

Make sure to register today as spots are filling up fast!

https://starbridgeinc.org/events/

Silos of funding and so much red tape. Great article.

New York Vulnerable: A Look at the Governor’s New Mental Health Plan Gov. Hochul’s new mental health initiative proves that there’s strength in acknowledging vulnerability - but one area of oversight is cause for concern.

Fantastic Podcast about the housing crisis for people with disabilities.

Giving Back Choice In this episode, you will join in on a conversation with two NYS Assembly Members who are dedicated to the special needs community, Sarah Clark & Jen Lunsfor...

URGENT!

IRS Warns of New Scams to Get Your Financial & Identity Information – Please Read

There are 2 new scams underway to try to get your financial and identity information. Please review the following to ensure your confidential information is safe:

1. Email. An email is being sent out announcing a Third Round of Economic Impact Payments, instructing taxpayers to check their status by providing confidential information. This is a phishing scam. It is NOT from the IRS. Do not respond to it, click on any links, or provide any information.

2. Mail. A mailing in a cardboard envelop contains a letter on IRS masthead providing information about unclaimed refunds. It includes contact information and a phone number not belonging to the IRS and asks for personal taxpayer information, like a photo of a driver’s license, which identity thieves can use to obtain a tax refund and other sensitive financial information. Do NOT contact the sender or provide any information requested.

As noted in a press release, “The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.”

For more information on scams to be aware of, review the annual IRS Dirty Dozen list. In the meantime, NEVER click on a link or respond to any unsolicited communication appearing to be from the IRS, as it can load malware or ransomware, giving thieves access to your systems and files.

If you receive what you suspect may be a tax-related email or text that’s a scam, send the email or a copy of the text as an attachment to [email protected].

Advance 2 Apprenticeship Promo Advance 2 Apprenticeship is a bridge to training, employment and registered apprenticeship opportunities for ALL.This Advance 2 Apprenticeship video highligh...

Join Parent Network of WNY, The Vibe Alert: Silent Disco Company, Duncan Kirkwood and Mental Health Advocates of Western New York for a fun night of dancing at the Silent Disco Party on July 28, 2023, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, at the Villa Maria College Athletic Center! This Free event is for students aged 13-21 with disabilities and/or special needs. Limited to 100 students! Register today! https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/special_silent_disco/

This Downstate Self-Directed Housing Group has great webinars. Feel free to register!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlcumtrTIqHNGUvRs1vJry6XYFeJr7gb33

https://nyalliance.org/meetinginfo.php?id=348&ts=1653056229

Autism Council is proud to have partnered with the Red Wings Baseball Stadium for Autism Acceptance Month and the opportunity to create the 1st of its kind Autism Sensory Safe Space so that families with children with Autism and other special Sensory Needs can enjoy a night out together. The sponsorship includes free suite tickets for up to 15 games that we can share with families, and includes VIP parking. The room was created in honor of Mrs. Bani Mittra on behalf of The Mittra Foundation and a showcase of the love she had for the inclusion of special needs children and their families ❤!!

For my clients who pay their own utilities!
Governor Hochul Announces Availability of Funds for Home Heating Aid
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $65 million in funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid fuel price increases this winter. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Home Energy Assistance Program is now accepting second emergency benefit applications for those New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits and are facing a heating emergency.
"Energy prices remain at sky-high levels, putting a tremendous burden on struggling New Yorkers trying to pay their energy bills during these cold winter months," Governor Hochul said. "With just a few more weeks of winter left, this second round of emergency assistance will provide critical relief for low- and middle-income households, helping New Yorkers in need when the temperatures dip to frigid levels."
Income qualifying households that have exhausted the available regular HEAP benefit and the first emergency benefit may now apply for a second round of assistance, provided they are facing either a heating utility shutoff, or an electric utility service disconnection that will impact their primary heating equipment. Also qualifying are households that have exhausted their heating fuel supply or have less than one quarter of a tank of oil, kerosene, or propane; or that have less than a 10-day supply of other heating fuels.
To qualify, applicants must meet HEAP eligibility criteria and income guidelines, which vary by household size. For instance, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983.

https://nyalliance.org/meetinginfo.php?id=327&ts=1640698335

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR A FREE WEBINAR ON TRANSITION FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS.

Passing the Baton—Planning the Transition of Oversight and Advocacy to Siblings and Other Caregivers Complimentary Webinar for All

The DSP shortage is causing group homes to close.

News10NBC Investigates: NYS group homes temporarily close as OPWDD tries to fill 537 job vacancies The state agency that runs group homes in New York has such a huge staffing shortage it's temporarily closing some of its homes with virtually no notice to the people who live there or their families.

Events! & If you enjoy FREE events join our membership and enjoy over 25 events throughout the season! Check out our website for tickets www.HomesteadsforHope.org

Drum Roll Please! The long awaited Café is OPEN just in time for all the FALL FUN! Come visit us at the Farm Store this Season!