News and Events
Southern Tier Connect is where you are; we are committed to coordinating the highest quality supports and services for the individuals and families of our beautiful region of New York. With offices located throughout the Southern Tier, we are pleased to offer news and events that will bring us closer to the individuals and families we serve.
Springbrook Pooled Trust Webinar
WHAT IS A POOLED TRUST? A pooled trust is a type of special needs trust established by a non-profit for the benefit of people with disabilities. A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person (the trustee) owns property in the name of one or more beneficiaries....
Supported Decision-Making New York
Supported Decision-Making as an Alternative to Guardianship A Special Information Session on Wednesday, April 27 Family members often believe that obtaining guardianship is the appropriate step for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD)....
DSP Advocacy Op-Ed by Robin Sharpless
Direct support professionals need wage increase By Robin Sharpless, Binghamton Press & Sun BulletinMonday, April 4, 2022 This year marks 19 years since my now 16-year-old daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with a high-level glioblastoma -- a parent's worst nightmare....
Know Your Rights: Choosing Healthcare Providers
Few relationships are held more sacred than the one between patient and doctor, and you have the right to choose the provider that is best for you. This is not just for your primary doctor, but patients’ rights also give you the right to choose when it comes to...
Crisis Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A Letter from YAI YAI, one of New York State’s oldest and largest providers of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), will begin implementing START/CSIDD in OPWDD’s Region 2 in April. Systematic, Therapeutic, Assessment,...
Jimmy Severino: Ithaca’s Superstar
By Emily FalcoWhen you meet Jimmy Severino, it’s no surprise that he is known by many as “The Mayor of Ithaca.” His personality is magnetic and he has made many friends throughout the city over the years he has lived there.Above, Jimmy stands with Jessica Schifilliti,...
The Fatal Five
What are the Fatal Five? The Fatal Five are the top five conditions linked to preventable health deterioration or death of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a caregiver, it is important to be aware of the fatal five, increase your knowledge...
Insurance for dependents after 26: You don’t have to feel cornered.
The American Care Act (ACA) was enacted in March 2010 to ensure that all Americans obtain health coverage and seeks to improve the overall quality of the care provided. Quality of care provided includes Medicaid expansion, coverage for pre-existing conditions,...
Living Well Workshops with Bassett Healthcare Network
Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, COPD/asthma, heart disease, or cancer?Learn to manage your condition with Bassett Healthcare Network's Living Well program. The new six-week workshop series start each month, and it's...
Developmental Disability Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and over the next 31 days, we’ll be highlighting various aspects of developmental disabilities, what you can do to advocate for yourself or a friend or family member with I/DD, and how you can promote disability...