Creating a Good Quality of Life for People with Disabilities

Parent to Parent of New York State invites you to be part of a movement to create a quality life for people with disabilities.  We want to learn from families and people with disabilities about their quality of life. The answers to the following questions will help service providers, and others who plan services and supports to make them more responsive to people with disabilities. If you would be like to be part of the movement to help create a good quality of life for people with disabilities, please consider taking part in our focus group, to be held on

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 75 Morton Street, New York City, NY 10040 First Floor Conference Room Light refreshments will be served

RSVP:  800-405-8818 When responding please indicate your time preference:  Morning–10:00am-1:00pm, Evening–6:00pm-8:00pm

Please visit the website www.cqcapd.state.ny.us  and complete the Quality QuestionnaireFor more information, contact: Ellen McHugh, Lead Coordinator, Parent to Parent NYS State, 800-405-8818,  http://www.parenttoparentnys.org

September 22, 2008 Video Conference about Medicaid Service Cordination

September 22, 2008 from 10-2p.m. This video conference will explain how MSC works and the objectives of the service.  It is a valuable video conference for those who are presently receiving services and also for families who anticipate accessing services funded through NYS OMRDD.

This is a link to where you can register.  http://www.omr.state.ny.us/wp/wp_catalogc1253.jsp

Service Coordination is an important support in the life of a child with a developmental disability and his or her family. Under Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), parents and family members are recognized as valuable participants in their child’s service coordination program. As a valuable participant, it is important that family members are well informed about how MSC works and their rights under the program. That is what this training is all about. By being informed, you and your child’s service coordinator can become partners in advocating for and gaining access to, necessary supports and services for your child.

Course Objectives:

•  Learn about the features and benefits of Medicaid Service Coordination.
•  Understand your rights as family members receiving MSC.
• Learn what to look for when selecting a service coordinator.
• Learn how, together with your service coordinator, to advocate for and gain access to necessary services and supports.

SIDDC Committee Meetings for September 2008

Please note that the following SIDDC Committee Meetings are scheduled for September……All are welcome to attend and join a committee!

Willowbrook Property Planning Committee  will be meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 @ 9:30 am The meeting will be held at IBR 1050 Forest Hill Road. RSVP dbuglioli@veryspecialplace.org

Consumer Council Meeting will be meeting Thursday, September 11, 2008 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am The meeting will be held at  930 Willowbrook Road, SI NY 10314  Building 12G – Conference Room RSVP knowak@si.rr.com

Residential Quality Of Life Committee will be meeting on Friday, September 12th, 2008  @ 9:30 am The meeting will be held at  IBR 1050 Forest Hill Road in the meeting room.  RSVP ccea@si.rr.com

Health and Clinical Services Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 @ 9:30 am The meeting will be held at  A Very Special Place at 55 Quintard Street.  RSVP dorothyaclark10@aol.com 

Staten Island Developmental Disability Council General Meeting will be held Friday, September 19th, 2008 @ 9:30 am The meeting will be held at the Elizabeth Connelly Center 930 Willowbrook Road building 41A.

Save the Date: Central Park Pumpkin Festival: Kickoff with Princess Katie & Racer Steve!

Saturday, October 25th – Central Park Pumpkin Festival

3p.m. to 8 p.m. – Free to All Ages! Naumberg Band Shell – enter park at 72nd Street & walk through (on East Side)

This event is not to be missed…it’s so much fun! Princess Katie & Racer Steve have been asked to KICK OFF the big Pumpkin Festival in central Park with a concert at 3 p.m. in the band shell. Here is what you’re info….a spooky haunted house, a 5-story tower of jack-o-lanterns, face painting, magic shows, FREE pumpkins and more live music in the band shell.

New Information from the PS 373R P.T.A. for the 2008-09 School Year

The PS 373R PTA’s first meeting is Wednesday, September 17th at 4:30 p.m. We will have a pizza party, so bring your kids for a fun informational meeting. Also, bring any questions or concerns about the school.

If you would like to reach the P.T.A. President, John Scarso, you may e-mail him at: PresPTA373R@aim.com and his telephone number is 718-986-8856