Maximizing Independent Living Choices - MILC

03/13/2026

SNAP's Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit rule is now in effect throughout New York State.

Here's what you need to know:

✔️ Who is affected?

Adults ages 18-64 who are able to work and do not live with a child under age 14. These individuals can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they report sufficient work activity or are exempt.

✔️ What's required?

Documentation of at least 80 hours per month of paid work, job training, or community service.

✔️ Many people are exempt, including individuals who are pregnant, living with a child under age 14, living with a disability, receiving unemployment, and more.

SNAP participants who aren't exempt have three months to meet ABAWD requirements before benefits are impacted.

Visit our website for more information about the ABAWD rule, exemptions, and resources to help SNAP households maintain their benefits: hungersolutionsny.org/federal-nutrition-programs/snap/abawd-time-limits

03/12/2026

Did you know - many families in NY can get up to $1000.00 per child through NY's Empire State Child Credit by filing a NYS income tax return, even if you had no income?!? You can file and get this money even if you don't have income, don't normally file taxes, or haven't filed taxes in a while. Getting this money will not impact your Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Cash assistance from DSS, or housing benefits. It you save the money, it will not be counted as an asset for 12 months for programs like Medicaid or SSI. Check out more info at https://otda.ny.gov/childcredit and be sure to file your NYS income tax return!

03/05/2026

Have a medical question? Would you like to discuss your medical concerns with a doctor for free? Check out this new program "Ask the Doctor"!

Dr. Gary Berk will be scheduled one day per month to meet with clients to discuss their concerns. Please note, no onsite medical treatment will be provided - just medical consultation. Call 315-386-4730 to learn more!

03/05/2026

March is Women’s History Month.

Disabled women have shaped history, advanced civil rights, challenged artistic norms and transformed how we understand disability.

From Judy Heumann’s leadership in the disability rights movement to Harriet Tubman’s abolitionist legacy, from Frida Kahlo’s groundbreaking art to Alice Wong’s impact on disability storytelling and advocacy, their contributions continue to influence generations.

Representation matters. History includes disabled women. Who else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Image description: Graphic titled “Disabled Women Who Shaped History” with NDI logo in the top right corner. The slide features four women with brief biographies and photos: Judy Heumann (1947–2023), disability rights activist and wheelchair user who helped lead the 504 Sit-in and advance the Americans with Disabilities Act; Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913), abolitionist and political activist who sustained a traumatic brain injury and likely lived with epilepsy; Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), Mexican painter who lived with chronic pain and mobility impairments; and Alice Wong (1974–2025), disability rights activist with spinal muscular atrophy and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. Portrait images of each woman appear below their biographies.

03/05/2026

We all know that food is medicine!
Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a wonderful new program. The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is fueled by local healthcare providers and community partners who refer eligible residents to nutrition workshops paired with up to $150 in vouchers redeemable for fresh produce. The Office for the Aging can refer older adults! Call us at 315-386-4730 for more information!

02/27/2026

Navigating Technology

Join us for a one-hour discussion on navigating today’s digital world as part of Taking Control Self-Directed Home Care! Whether you’re looking to build confidence with technology or learn helpful tips, this session is for you.

🗓 Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 In-person or join us on Zoom!
📲 Scan the QR code or use the Zoom link on the flyer to join virtually!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86228565403?pwd=TvEAGalhTKzX4WqBiFeizWM4HTwggv.1

Let’s build confidence, skills, and independence in today’s digital world.

02/21/2026

When a parent hears, “We are recommending an FBA,” it can feel overwhelming!

But an FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment) is not about labeling a child or determining if they are “bad”!

It is about understanding behavior so we can better support students in developing skills, accessing learning, and experiencing success.

If you would like to better understand your role in the FBA and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) process, join us next Wednesday, 2/25 at 9:00am for:

Parent and Family Engagement in the FBA/BIP Process

We’ll walk through:
• What an FBA is
• How families are involved
• What a BIP should include
• How to advocate for supportive, skill-building approaches

Register for FREE by clicking the link below:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/usrsje7

02/20/2026

Did you know Medicaid covers much more than doctor visits?

Medicaid may also help pay for important services that support health, independence, and quality of life, including:

✔ Transportation to appointments
✔ Long-term care services in your home
✔ Personal Care Assistants
✔ Dental care
✔ Vision services & glasses
✔ Hearing exams & hearing aids
✔ Prescription medications
✔ Behavioral health services, and more!

Many people are surprised by how comprehensive Medicaid coverage can be. If you have questions about eligibility, MILC Facilitated Enrollers are available to help. Serving all of St. Lawrence, Franklin, Jefferson, & Lewis Counties. Call 315-764-9442

02/12/2026

Office for the Aging Offering Ask the Doctor Program - Press Release

The St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging is pleased to announce an exciting new program, Ask the Doctor. Dr. Gary Berk will be providing a free medical consultation service to patients and their families/friends to help them understand their medical conditions and help them make decisions regarding the risks and benefits of treatment. Dr. Berk is a family physician who practiced in Hermon for 35 years and is now retired. People can make appointments to be seen at the Office for Aging and have an hour to review medical records, review portal information and ask questions. The visit is not a substitute for medical care; it is effort to improve that medical care through better understanding and knowledge by the patient.

Dr. Berk will be seeing people one day a month, by appointment only. Clients with acute questions can call the office and staff will try to accommodate same day appointments. However, this will only be available on the scheduled, one day per month Dr. Berk is in the office.

Please note, this service is a free medical consultation only; no onsite hands-on medical care, treatment and/or prescriptions will be provided. Clients seeking this form of care must call their own providers, go to urgent care and/or the emergency room as applicable.

To make an appointment, please call the Office for the Aging at (315) 386-4730. Clients are asked to bring along medical records, your portal sign in information or just be prepared to tell your story. Former patients of Dr. Berk’s are welcome to participate.

# # #

About St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging:

The Office for the Aging provides service and advocacy for county residents 60 years and older. Programs and services include: NY Connects, Nutrition Centers with Congregate Dining and Home Delivered Meals; Home Care Services; Family Caregiver Support & Respite; Medical Transportation; Legal Services; Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance. The Office’s mission is to develop a service system specifically designed to best meet the social and human needs of the elderly.

Contact:
Andrea Montgomery
Director
St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging
(315) 386-4730
amontgomery@stlawco.gov

02/10/2026

Millions of New Yorkers struggle to get enough to eat. SNAP can help you put healthy food on the table, so you don’t have to choose between things like rent, medicine, or food. Your Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator can help. Services are available by phone, email or online, and are free and confidential. Contact the St. Lawrence County NOEP Coordinator at 315-764-9442 x405.

02/08/2026

"Love is in the Air" A one-hour discussion about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and s*x education for people with disabilities. Weds Feb 11, 2026 2-3PM.

You can join remotely via zoom by following the QR code in the photo or clicking the link below. You can also attend the ZOOM at MILC's Watertown, Massena, or Malone offices. If coming to one of MILC's offices - reach out to CDPAS Facilitator staff to register.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86228565403...

"Love is in the Air" A one-hour discussion about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and s*x education for people with disabilities. Weds Feb 11, 2026 2-3PM.

You can join remotely via zoom by following the QR code in the photo or clicking the link below. You can also attend the ZOOM at MILC's Watertown, Massena, or Malone offices. If coming to one of MILC's offices - reach out to CDPAS Facilitator staff to register.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86228565403?pwd=TvEAGalhTKzX4WqBiFeizWM4HTwggv.1