Maximizing Independent Living Choices - MILC

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

02/08/2026

Health insurance changes in 2026 can feel confusing — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

NY State of Health Navigators are here to help you explore your insurance options and find an affordable plan that fits your needs.

✔ Compare health insurance plans
✔ Understand new rules and changes for 2026
✔ Get help enrolling or updating coverage

Navigator services are free, confidential, and available right here in your local community.

📞 Reach out today and get answers you can trust, with offices in Massena and Malone. 518-483-2151 or 315-764-9442

02/06/2026

BOCES students will be offering a FREE Smartphone class on Friday, February 13th at 9 am. The class is open to all older adults and pre-registration is not required!

02/04/2026

"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?pwd=TvEAGalhTKzX4WqBiFeizWM4HTwggv.1

02/04/2026

📢 Reminder: Don’t miss the virtual public meeting on Wednesday, February 4, at 6:00 p.m. about the draft Commissioner Policy that guides the use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs).

✅ OPDMDs are battery or fuel-powered devices, other than wheelchairs, used for locomotion—including golf carts, scooters, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices.

✅ The proposed policy consolidates and streamlines several existing DEC policies and procedures and establishes a framework to identify new opportunities for the use of OPDMDs by people with mobility disabilities.

For more information or to register, head to the link in the comments section below.

02/04/2026

Join our free virtual workshop, "CPSE to CSE for Parents," on February 10th at 11 AM via Zoom, to gain the knowledge and confidence you need for this important transition.

✅ Understand the transition process and how to be an active part of your child’s team.
✅ Learn the key differences between CPSE and CSE services.
✅ Discover the purpose of an IEP and what it means for your child’s education.

Don’t navigate this journey alone! Gain valuable insights and practical tips to feel prepared and empowered!
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 10th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Online via Zoom

🔗 Register now:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qzwsksv
or scan the QR code in the picture below with the camera on your phone!

01/28/2026