Westchester Institute For Human Development

10/16/2025

From the team behind The Ride Ahead comes a new educational webinar series, Our Ride Ahead!

Check out these two upcoming webinars for disabled youth on dating, relationships, romance, and sexual health. Part 1 will take place on October 24 at 7pm ET to discuss disability and dating (ages 16+), and part two will take place on November 6 at 6:30pm ET to discuss disability, romance, and sexual health (ages 18+).

Our Ride Ahead webinars are free and open to the public. Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. Learn more and register at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars!

10/09/2025

Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, October 15 at 6 PM, join us online for a conversation with Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

This virtual session is a great chance to hear directly from Commissioner Baer about current initiatives, updates, and the work being done to support people with developmental disabilities across New York State.

👉 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/BjoRz-RJR16J32q53NHgLg

Questions? Reach out to HOV@WIHD.org
for more information.

10/09/2025

Join Us to Learn More About OPWDD CAS and CANS-NY Assessments

Have questions about the CAS or CANS-NY assessments? Come to an information session to learn what these assessments are and how they support people receiving OPWDD services. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and share your experiences.

📍 In-Person Session:
October 9 | 3:30 PM – 5 PM
Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD)
Cedarwood Hall, 20 Hospital Oval W, Valhalla, NY

💻 Virtual Statewide Sessions:
November 4 | 10:00–11:30 AM
November 6 | 5:00–6:30 PM

Space is limited for in-person sessions—register early to reserve your spot!
Scan the QR code in the flyer or visit the registration link to sign up.

ASL and live interpretation services are available upon request.

10/07/2025

We’re proud to share that Dr. Susan Fox, President and CEO of the Westchester Institute for Human Development, has once again been named to City & State’s Westchester Power 100 — marking her fifth time receiving this recognition!

A recognized leader in the field of disability services and inclusive healthcare, Dr. Fox brings both compassion and academic excellence to everything she does. Under her leadership, WIHD continues to expand its reach and impact — from increasing access to healthcare services, to launching innovative programs for young adults with developmental disabilities, to bringing care directly to the community through a mobile medical unit. She is also leading a major fundraising effort to support a new office space that will allow WIHD to serve even more individuals and families.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Fox’s continued recognition and the powerful work happening at WIHD!

https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2025/10/2025-westchester-power-100/408547/?oref=csny_powerlist_nl

10/07/2025

Need help with OPWDD services? The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ombudsprogram (IDDO ) is here to provide free and private support.

Contact us:
1-800-762-9290
https://iddony.org/
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

We can help you get information, connect with OPWDD’s Front Door, work with your providers, and file complaints if needed.

10/03/2025

The Pediatric Unit at WIHD is seeking a Bilingual Pediatrician to ensure that patients receive comprehensive, appropriate and timely primary pediatric care according to NYS Working Together guidelines. The Pediatrician position is Part-Time, 28 Hours Per Week on a Hybrid schedule in White Plains, NY. Benefits include PTO, STD, LTD, Term Life, 403(b) ER Contribution.

10/03/2025

The Every Family Counts Program (EFC) at WIHD is seeking a full-time positive and upbeat bilingual Socio-Therapist. The Socio-Therapist’s goal is to improve self-esteem, skills and satisfaction for children, promote healthy family functioning and permanency for children.

09/30/2025

Last Thursday, WIHD was honored at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Iota Omega Chapter’s Annual Community Recognition Program, hosted by the Ivy Enrichment Fund, Inc. 💚💗

The program celebrated organizations working in partnership to uplift the White Plains and Greenburgh communities. WIHD was proud to be recognized as a community partner and to receive a Proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators and a Certificate of Appreciation.

We are grateful to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Iota Omega Chapter, for their continued commitment to “Service to All Mankind” and for highlighting the power of collaboration in strengthening our community.

09/26/2025

Self-Advocates Call for Change in New York State

New York State’s system of supports currently serves about 130,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But this system is nearly 50 years old — and it is struggling to meet to meet the changing and growing needs of the IDD population.

That’s why the Coalition for Whole Person Supports, made up of service providers, family members, and self-advocates, is calling for a system that is responsive to each person’s changing needs over time.

In a recent video, self-advocates, including Nichole Hastings, a member of WIHD’s Self-Advocates, shared their lived experiences and the urgent need for change:
✨ “We need more people—people who genuinely love this population. Do you love the passion of working with people with disabilities? That’s the connection I want.”
✨ “What happens if my DSP goes down? I shouldn’t have to leave my home and go into a hospital or a nursing home—and then have the fear of never coming out of there.”
✨ “I’m still mobile. I’m still able to do a lot on my own. I want to live my life before I can’t live my life.”

We strongly encourage you to join the conversation and support self-advocates like Nichole who are leading the way. You can view the full video here:

This is "TriaDD-SelfAd-FINAL" by Vibrant Brands on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

09/19/2025

We are pleased to share that IDDO has officially launched their new website! Please visit their site for more information and to fill out a contact form.

IDDO is excited to announce that we officially launched our new website! To learn more visit www.iddony.org

09/18/2025

Just Posted!
Seeking a Bilingual Pediatrician to work 28 hours per week at our DSS Pediatric Unit in White Plains.
https://www.wihd.org/jobs/

09/12/2025

The Aspiring LeaDDers Class of 2026 is officially underway! We’re excited for a great year ahead with these incredible future leaders. Their first day kicked off at the Volunteer New York! 15th Annual 9/11 Serve & Remember Day of Service at the Westchester County Center.

For more information about the Aspiring LeaDDers program, please email hov@wihd.org.