Advocate – the Staten Island Family Support Services Consumer Councils Need You. 
        Parents of children with a developmental disability are needed to participate on the Family Support Consumer Council to develop and monitor family support services for Staten Island.
        The Family Support Consumer Councils work in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Services Offices to develop and monitor policies, services and supports to enhance a family's ability to provide in-home care to their family member with a developmental disability. Services range from counseling and training, respite, recreation, to family reimbursement for the purchases of goods and services. For further information, contact  Leroy Smith, Jr., 718-982-1903

STATEN ISLAND EVENTS 

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) for Families - Getting the Most from your Child's Program

Are you getting the most from your child's service coordination program?  Do you understand what your rights are under MSC?  Do you know what to look for when choosing a service coordinator?

MSC for Families is designed to inform families about how MSC works and to explain their rights under the program.  By being informed, you and your child's service coordinator can become partners in advocating for and gaining access to necessary services and supports for your child. 

Family members who wish to register for this class may do so by calling Mary Jo Hebert at 1-800-305-8817.  In addition, we are also available to present trainings on MSC at conferences, support groups, or meetings.  Call today to schedule a training for your group or organization.

Now Available By Video Conference at your local Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in the city or town indicated in the list below:

June 2, 2008
10 - 12

Bernard Fineson - Queens
Western NY - Perrysburg
Sunmount - Plattsburgh
Long Island - Commack
Finger Lakes - Rochester
Central NY - Rome
Broome - Oneonta
Taconic - Poughkeepsie
Capital District - Schenectady
Staten Island - Staten Island

Staten Island Federation of PTA’s
Topic: Special Education Committee Meeting
Date: Monday, April 28th, 2008
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
Location: 715 Ocean Terrace (Petrides Complex)
Building A, Room A118, Staten Island, NY 10301
Contact: Kathleen Boyer @ akdboyer@mindspring.com

Visions of Hope and Opportunity (International Conference)
May 5 – 9, 2008
Crowne Plaza
Manhattan Hotel
1605 Broadway
New York City, NY

This is YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network’s 29th Annual International Conference.  Please visit  www.yai.org/conference to request a brochure. For more information, please contact Abbe Wittenberg at 212-273-6193 or abbe.wittenberg@yai.org.   Parents outside of the YAI Network are offered the student rate.