Wraparound Services of the Hudson Valley

07/26/2025

WSHV proudly celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

On July 26th, we honor this landmark civil rights legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities—ensuring equal access to employment, education, transportation, and public spaces.

This milestone is a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity in every community.

Let’s continue working toward a world where everyone is empowered to participate fully.

🔗 Learn more and join the celebration at adaanniversary.org

07/24/2025

July Is Disability Awareness Month, this week we are spot Lighting Steve Gleason!

Gleason is a former professional football player for the New Orleans Saints who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Since then, he has become a powerful advocate for individuals with disabilities, especially through his work with assistive technology. His efforts have significantly advanced mobility and communication tools, particularly eye-gaze devices. Here’s how he has made a difference:

♿ In 2014, during a Microsoft hackathon, Steve challenged developers to create an eye-controlled wheelchair. The result was the Independence Drive system, developed in partnership with Team Gleason and Numotion. This innovative device enables users to move independently using only their eyes.

👥 The Steve Gleason Act of 2015 (Public Law No: 114-40), enacted on July 3, 2015, ensures that individuals with medical needs have access to eye-tracking and gaze-controlled assistive technology.

Did you know TRAID also has eye tracking communication devices? Reach out to the TRAID coordinator by email at TRAID@WSHV.org to find out how to borrow an eye gaze system. Stay tuned for our next spotlight💡—each week this July we honor the innovators who are moving the needle in assistive tech and enriching the lives of those we support!

07/22/2025

Shoutout to our amazing Voices & Choices Self-Advocacy Club and the entire WSHV team for representing us proudly at The Resource Center for Accessible Living, Inc. 3rd Annual Disability Awareness Parade!

From the joyful energy at the start of the parade to the ice cream treat at Koenig, it was a fun, safe, and exciting day for all.

07/21/2025

Kelly Allweiler, one of our QIDPs, and Terri Nightengale, our Residential Director, met with Senator Michelle Hinchey's staff to discuss the Medicaid cuts. We talked about essential services our agency WSHV provides and the funding required to sustain us. We highlighted the critical role of our Direct Support Professionals, as highly trained staff who build trust with the individuals we serve, ensure their safety, and support their growth toward greater independence.

Michelle’s team asked thoughtful, insightful questions and showed genuine concern for the challenges we face with funding. We provided an overview of how our programs operate and the funding structures that support them, emphasizing the urgent need for continued and increased investment in our workforce, services and the people we support.

07/19/2025

🏁 Koenig hit the Sawyer Motors Car Show in Saugerties this past Sunday on the hunt for a fast ride. 🚗💨

07/18/2025