The CSN at WIHD offers comprehensive programming to support successful transitions for students with disabilities to the adult world and relevant service systems including:

• School district professional and program development – CSN expertise is available through contracts with school districts and agencies to support best practices and capacity building in service delivery in all of the disability systems. More information
• Project SEARCH – The CSN oversees Project SEARCH at NY Presbyterian Westchester and works with school districts and businesses interested in developing site utilizing this evidence-based, innovative, and community-based employment training model. More information
• Community Support Network Annual Transition Institute: The CSN hosts an annual Transition Institute on post-secondary transition covering topics ranging from employment options, inclusive college programs, social and recreational programs, systems navigation, self-advocacy, and policy issues. This is a free, virtual conference and has sessions that are relevant to families, students, self-advocates, school district administrators, teachers, and other professionals. Please email lrossi@wihd.org with questions, or get more information.
• Supported Decision-making, Guardianship, and other alternatives – The Decision-Making Support service seeks to ensure that the choices made about an individual’s health, finances, housing, and other life decisions are consistently in his or her best interest. We accomplish this through educational awareness and guidance on supported decision making (SDM), SDM project facilitation, and guidance on other legal alternatives where appropriate, including advance directives and guardianship. For more information contact: Janine Belfast at jbelfast@wihd.org
• Benefits Navigation Support provides guidance on how to successfully access services that are available to individuals with disabilities. We help individuals and their families understand the processes and collect documentation required to apply for services to help differently-abled individuals to live their best lives. This includes those services offered by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), ACCESS VR, and Social Security Administration. We provide OPWDD eligibility assistance to families that need it. For more information contact: Janine Belfast jbelfast@wihd.org
• Programming for Self-Advocates – The CSN offers a comprehensive array of activities and programs that promote social consciousness, recreation, and empowerment for adults and teens with developmental disabilities. More information
• Workshops and trainings for families and professionals
• Self-direction brokerage
• Inclusive communities with Dan Habib