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Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS) is a
satellite office of the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC). WILC is a
not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and resource center that serves people
of all ages with all types of disabilities. It is part of a national network of
centers that provide a wide spectrum of non-residential and non-medical
services. These services are designed by, directed by, and in most cases,
delivered by qualified disabled individuals. The scope of the services is
directed by individual and community needs.
WILC's/PILS's mission is two-pronged: 1) to
assist individuals with disabilities become as independent as they can be and
2) to work within the community to provide Education, Disability Awareness, and
Advocacy for the Removal of Barriers.
PILS is
located in Carmel, NY - Putnam
County's County Seat. It not only provides services to Putnam County, but it
also facilitates WILC is servicing the northern part of WILC's catchment area,
i.e., Putnam County, northern Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan
Counties. WILC's main office is
located in White Plains,
NY - Westchester County's County Seat. |
What PILS can do
for YOU
- Provide information on and referral to
services available for individuals with varying disabilities and/or their
families
- Provide help in understanding and accessing
resources, such as Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Social Security Work Incentive Program, Medicare, Medicaid,
public assistance, food stamps, emergency food sources, etc.
- Offer emotional support and practical advice
on issues, such as education and vocational opportunities, housing, recreation,
adaptive equipment, etc.
- Provide presentations to schools,
businesses, and/or civic groups on disability related issues
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WILC'S Executive Director Is
Cover Story in INDEPENDENCE TODAY
To read "Joe Bravo: Long Time ILC
Chief Still Has Passion For Job",
Click Here |
Photos
from the Open House!
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Senator Vincent L.
Leibell, III with WILC's Executive Director, Joe Bravo, cut the ribbon to
officially open Putnam Independent Living Services' new Conference Center
Facility.
Senator Vincent L. Leibell, III accepts the "Exemplary
Service to People with Disabilities Award" from Joe Bravo.
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef shows off her "Friend of
Independent Living Award" along with Senator Vincent L. Leibell, III. Also in
picture: Donald Smith, Putnam County Sheriff; Joe Bravo; and John Tully, Putnam
County Deputy County Executive.
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PILS has Expanded
Putnam Independent Living
Services (PILS) has been awarded an annual State Senate funding allocation.
This increase in funding will enable PILS to expand its efforts in areas, such
as housing, employment, and the needs of special education students. "With this
new State funding, we will be able to effectively address the escalating need
for educational advocacy for special education students and their parents in
Putnam and northern Westchester", says Joe Bravo, Executive Director of WILC.
"Parents need to know their rights and what the legal protections are for their
children when they encounter violations within the special education system".
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Be Prepared
Personal Preparedness Info
This is the season for some remarkably
bad weather - major thunderstorms, floods, even tornados threaten our area -
and disaster preparedness is on our minds. No matter what the form of the
disaster, no matter where we live, preparation is very important. And, the
responsibility for preparedness rests on you. Planning in advance for an
emergency will help you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. The
following are suggestions and links to sites that are designed to assist you
with your personal preparedness.
For a Checklist of Things to Have, to Know, and To Do,
click here.
For Detailed Suggestions on Emergency Supply Kits, Family
Communication Plan, Organizing Important Paperwork, Support Network, and
Service Animals and Pets, click here.
For websites with information on/recommendations for
emergency planning, click here. |
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