A must-read for all but especially as many look to cut the safety net of special and alternative education- From the NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/even-critics-of-safety-net-increasingly-depend-on-it.html?hp 

From the Cornell Course Description, "Self-Determination": 



Are you experiencing the "three D's" at your current school, service system?  i.e.
 * Different (not one of us);
 * Disconnected (not part of our communities or culture);
 * Dependent (kept or managed)

or are experiencing  the "three I's",
 * Individual (like you and me);
 * Included (like you and me);
 * Interdependent (like you and me).

"Self-determination is, at its core, designed to shatter societal perceptions and acceptance of the three D's about persons with disabilities through relentless advocacy efforts that promote realization of the three I's. Self-determination is a human rights and a civil rights issue. "
from the self determination course at Cornell University.

From Real People, Real Jobs: "Welcome! This site highlights the employment successes of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who are working in paid jobs in their communities. Through the use of innovative, front-line employment support practices, these individuals are earning money, forming networks, and contributing to their communities. Learn more about these people and the promising practices that led to their success."
Click here to check out this excellent website for ideas & inspirition.

Family of Woodstock, Inc works in conjunction with the Office of Employment and Training to help qualifying youth 16-21 who need support finding jobs and becoming self-sufficient individuals. They have GED support, work readiness workshops, money to pay for certification tuition, and paid internships available. Contact: Genevieve Salerno, Youth Employment Case Specialist at (845) 331-7080 x153.
Shared by: Lucille A. Ruggieri, UCTCC Co-Chair, Vocational Coordinator, Gateway Community Industries, Ulster County Department of Mental Health.

Click Read More for more information . . .

New York State diplomas::
a: 3 levels of a regular high school diploma (Local, Regents or Advanced Designation. You may also add "with honors" and/or a "technical endorsement") .
b:  a GED 
c:  an IEP diploma.

For more information about NYS diplomas, click here . . .

The webcast is part of Ulster County No Name Calling Week.
 County Executive Michael Hein will be hosting a webcast of an anti-bullying session for all of Ulster County School Districts. The session will stream live via webcast Friday, February 3rd, 2012 10 am at: 
  
http://totalwebcasting.com/live/ulster/countyexecutive 

It will also be available after the original webcast via download at the above address.  

Shared by: Lucille A. Ruggieri, UCTCC Co-Chair, Vocational Coordinator, Gateway Community Industries, Ulster County Department of Mental Health

"If you do not drive, you may qualify for a Non-Driver Photo Identification Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV Non-Driver ID Card has the same personal identification information, photo, signature and special safeguards against alterations as a photo driver license. You cannot hold a New York State driver license or learner permit while also holding a non-driver ID card.

Non-driver ID cards are available to any person, regardless of age, who can provide acceptable proof of name and age. Parental consent is required for applicants under 16 years old.  . . ."
From the NY DMV website.  
http://www.dmv.ny.gov/license.htm#nondriver
Click here for more info:

Posted by Ann Hutton on January 6, 2012 in Artists, Exhibits.  Hudson Valley Almanac Weekly © 2012 
 A unique exhibit will be mounted at Duck Pond Gallery in Port Ewen this weekend in the colorful work of Andrew Potolsky, which includes mounted and framed freehand drawings, augmented with computer graphic applications and featuring the evolution of his signature character Comet. And if “Outsider art” is defined as being work produced by people who have not been culturally indoctrinated or socially conditioned, operating outside the fine-art system of things and often as a sort of private theater for personal self-expression, then the term might apply to the artwork of 21-year-old Potolsky. Deaf at birth and later diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome – each a condition that could challenge one’s social ability – Potolsky has been drawing pictures since he was a toddler.
http://www.hudsonvalleyalmanacweekly.com/2012/01/06/pictures-worth-a-thousand-words-the-work-of-andrew-potolsky/