Integration and independence for NY’s disabled

Equal opportunity for people with disabilities is top priority at The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY). Staffed by a diverse group of social workers, lawyers and other professionals, the non-profit organization aims to foster independence among people with disabilities by removing social, economic and cultural barriers in communities.
One particular CIDNY service helps New Yorkers with disabilities learn how to access Food Stamps, since some may not know they are eligible to apply. “This is a difficult time for working people with this rising cost of food,” executive director Susan Dooha explains. “It’s important for people with disabilities to know that we can arrange to help them put food on the table.” According to the CIDNY staff, someone who is disabled and single with a monthly income of $1,702 or less may be eligible to receive $162 per month in Food Stamps. Clients can make an appointment with a CIDNY counselor, who will provide eligibility information and assist in filling out the proper forms.
Another CIDNY initiative that focuses on high school students is known as “the Step Up Program,” which helps young people with disabilities successfully transition to post-school activities. CIDNY’s program works in partnership with Francis Lewis High School, P.S. 811Q, Queens Center for Progress and the Queens office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) to help students and parents understand the school’s services and options for after graduation.
With the same goal of raising awareness about services within the community, CIDNY will host a workshop on June 2 at the Queens Library at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica for the parents of children with disabilities. The goal is to help parents understand the benefits their children may be entitled to, including SSI, Medicaid, health insurance, food stamps and public assistance. CIDNY representatives will address the procedures required to procure these benefits, where to find community offices, and how to appeal a decision that has affected a child’s benefits. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and participants should R.S.V.P. to 646-442-4152.
For further information on CIDNY services and upcoming programs, visit the Flushing office at 137-02A Northern Boulevard, the web site at www.cidny.org, or call 646-442-1520.