Westchester Institute For Human Development

02/02/2026

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.

01/29/2026

Researchers in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Home and Community-Based Services at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are looking for people who receive HCBS to pilot test surveys designed to evaluate the person-centeredness of their services. Participants will undergo a brief screening and consent call (Zoom or phone, unpaid) and will complete two or more 10-minute surveys on different aspects of their HCBS (online, via Zoom with a research assistant, or via phone) and will receive a $30 gift card for each completed survey. Participants will complete the same surveys 2 to 9 months later for $40 per completed survey. Participants can complete up to 6 surveys for a total of $200.

To see if you are eligible for the study, take this quick screener: https://redcap.link/hcbsquality For more information email hcbs-rrtc@sralab.org.

This research is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (IRB #: STU00214517).

01/28/2026

We are excited to share that Dr. Susan Wirka Fox, President and CEO of the Westchester Institute for Human Development, has been recognized by City and State NY as one of the 2026 Trailblazers in Health Care.

Dr. Fox has dedicated her career to serving people with developmental disabilities. During her nearly ten years at WIHD, she has led significant growth, launched new programs for young adults, and expanded critical services throughout the Hudson Valley. With a major capital campaign and a new home for WIHD ahead, her leadership continues to move the organization forward.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fox on this incredible honor 😊
🔗 Read more here:

New York’s notable policymakers, providers and practitioners in the medical field.

01/25/2026

Due to the snowstorm, the Cedarwood Hall building will be closed Monday, January 26th. No onsite services will be available. Please contact your program directly with any questions.

01/09/2026

WIHD is actively recruiting for the following positions. Please click on the link for more information or to apply: https://www.wihd.org/jobs/

Speech Language Pathologist (Full Time and Part Time)
CFY Speech Language Pathologist (One Year)
Bilingual Pediatrician (28 Hours Per Week)
Administrative Coordinator (Full Time)
Dental Assistant (Up to 21 Hours Per Week)

01/08/2026

12/31/2025

From all of us at WIHD, we wish you a peaceful and love-filled holiday season 🌟. As we enter the final days of the year, we hope you will consider making a year-end gift that truly transforms lives. Your support gives individuals the strength to believe in themselves and the courage to use their voices. Your kindness makes hope possible. We are deeply grateful for your continued support. 💙

Donate here 👉 https://www.wihd.org/donate/

12/16/2025

The first snowstorm of the season didn't stop families associated with Shrub Oak Troop 238 from dropping off gifts that were donated by parishioners of the Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Shrub Oak! In total, the church provided gifts for over 90 children, as well as an incredibly generous amount of gift cards and pajamas, all of which will be given to children and families involved with WIHD's Child Welfare Services Program. We are so incredibly grateful for this long-lasting and continued partnership with the Seton Parish Giving Tree Program, as well as the assistance of Kathleen Kaiser and Robin Dever and their families!

11/25/2025

WIHD Stars is an Early Intervention child development and family support group led by certified occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists with expertise in assistive technology and pediatric feeding.

During child developmental group time, therapists support growth across all developmental areas—cognition, language, motor skills, social skills, feeding, and speech sound development—using sensory and self-regulation strategies tailored to each child.

In the Parent/Child & Family Support group, caregivers work directly with therapists to learn practical strategies and activity modifications that promote development at home and in the community.

Families are also introduced to supports such as positioning equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, standers, adaptive feeding tools, and AAC. Eligible materials may be available for loan.

If interested, please contact your Early Intervention Service Coordinator. You can also learn more about WIHD Stars in their newsletter:

Email from Westchester Institute for Human Development News Letter November/December 2025 Early Intervention (EI) STARS Program WIHD STARS (Strive Towards Achieving Results) provides a child developme

11/20/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the entire Ride Ahead team!

We are Anthem Award winners 🏆👏

is a 2025 Gold winner in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Documentary or Film category! We’re honored to be recognized by the and admire their work in amplifying voices that spark global change.

https://www.anthemawards.com/winners/list/entry/ #!diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging/documentary-or-film/the-ride-ahead/0/the-ride-ahead/619291

Image Description: Samuel smiling in his wheelchair wearing a Red Sox jersey at a baseball game. “The Ride Ahead” in black text is in the top left corner. Around is a beige border with black text “5th Anthem Awards. 2025 Gold Anthem Award Winner.” and a design of three colorful figures holding up a gold award.