North Country Center for Independence

03/05/2026

March Webinar: Independent Living Skills for Autistic Adults & Eliminating Barriers to Access



On Wednesday, March 25 at 1:00 PM, join us for a workshop on Independent Living for Autistic people, featuring Nicole Russell, founder of Autistic Adults NYC, as a guest presenter in partnership with the New York State Independent Living Council.

This virtual conversation will focus on independent living skills for Autistic adults, exploring common challenges across areas such as household management, completing daily tasks like cleaning, chores, and meal prep. The event will also share helpful resources and include space for group discussion, including common barriers that can make it difficult for Autistic people to access independent living.

American Sign Language (ASL) and CART (human) captioning will be provided. The webinar will be recorded and made available to all who register.

This webinar is the second in our year-long series. Stay tuned for information on April's topic!

Join us for a workshop on independent living for Autistic people, featuring Nicole Russell, founder of Autistic Adults NYC, as a guest presenter in partnership with the New York State Independent Living Council. “Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who wor...

03/03/2026

📢 CALL-TO-ACTION: Did PPL force you or someone you know out of CDPAP?

Have you—or someone you know been forced out of CDPAP due to the PPL transition? Please add your name and story using this form or call our hotline at (518) 303-2521. Please also share this form widely to support our advocacy to save CDPAP – we need as many names as possible!
Since PPL took over CDPAP, as many as 150,000 Personal Assistants and 90,000 consumers have left the program based on the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) own data. But DOH is denying that there’s been an exodus from the program – forging ahead with business-as-usual without oversight over PPL’s $11 billion contract.
Caring Majority is collecting the names and stories of consumers, workers, designated representatives and family caregivers who had to leave CDPAP since the transition to PPL. Our stories will shed light on this exodus and why the state must act urgently to restore oversight and choice to the program.

Since PPL took over CDPAP, as many as 150,000 Personal Assistants and 90,000 consumers have left the program. Caring Majority is collecting the names and stories of consumers, workers and family caregivers who had to leave CDPAP in order to shed light on this exodus and why the state must act urgent...

03/02/2026

Join NCCI and the City of Plattsburgh for a day of family fun on May 30th at Melissa Penfield Park from 11am to 4pm!!!

11/10/2025

They were told they might never walk again — until robotics changed everything.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast.
Link in comments

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✨ Real stories. Real care. Real impact. ✨
Living Healthy Together | Steps to Recovery: How Robotics is Transforming Rehabilitation

Somdeb Chatterjee and Valerie Hunter have both accomplished something extraordinary: losing and then regaining their ability not just to walk but move all of their extremities. For Somdeb, the journey began with an international trip during which he contracted a rare and mysterious condition called Gillian-Barre syndrome. For Valerie, it as a trip-and-fall accident while feeding her horses that resulted in a traumatic spinal cord injury.

Their stories could not be more different, but they both walked the same path to recovery: through the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs at University of Vermont Health – University of Vermont Medical Center. There, robotic technology called the Vector is making an impact on the treatment and recovery of individuals dealing with complex neurological conditions and injuries.

Join us as we speak with Somdeb and Valerie about their medical journeys, and with the expert physical therapists who are supporting neurological patients, developing programs and leveraging technology to give themselves and patients like Somdeb and Valerie an edge as they work to regain functionality and independence.

10/28/2025

Have you used ACCES-VR services? They're hosting 3 virtual public sessions where you can learn more and give feedback on your experience! Sign up here:

Virtual Public Input Opportunity The New York State Education Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) invite you to a virtual public input session to share your feedback and help shape

10/24/2025

The 2025 General Election is Nov 4, and early voting starts tomorrow! Dates and times are included here: https://www.clintoncountyny.gov/boe/early-voting-faq

To request an accessible ballot, click here.
https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot -ballot

10/22/2025

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: What It Means for People with Disabilities
The federal shutdown has lasted 2 weeks — and it’s putting millions at risk.
- SNAP & WIC: October benefits are safe, but November could be delayed. Families may go hungry.
- Medicaid & Medicare: Still active but delays in claims and eligibility help are expected.
- Social Security & Disability Benefits: Payments continue, but service delays may affect access.
- Housing & Energy Assistance: Section 8 and LIHEAP are impacted. Lease renewals, inspections, and energy grants may be paused.
📣 What You Can Do:
✅ Contact your Senators & Representatives — urge them to reopen the government and protect healthcare access.
✅ Reach out to banks and utility providers for flexible payment options.
✅ Visit Feeding America to find food assistance near you.
Let’s stand together to protect access to healthcare, food, housing, and dignity.

10/21/2025

Alert: Learn about cuts to vital programs and how you can take action.

On Friday, October 10th, the administration laid off more than 4,000 federal workers in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and four other agencies, including most of the staff at ED that provide support for disabled children a

10/20/2025

We have some slots left to participate in our Halloween trivia event this Saturday, 10/25! For details, see our event page or email Mindy at mindy@ncci-online.com

10/17/2025

Alert: With all of the uncertainty surrounding healthcare, NY's Office of Mental Health is hosting virtual forums to discuss how mental health services may be impacted due to recent federal changes. Click here to sign up for a session.

North Country Center for Independence 8/29/25 North Country Center for Independence 8/29/25 Alert: Raise the Personal Needs Allowance: 40 years at $50 is not enough Action Alert sign Tell New York representatives that nursing home residents need more than a $40/month allowance by signing this petiti...