Westchester Institute For Human Development

03/26/2026

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Janet Wright and the Northern Star Quilters Guild for their generous and ongoing donations to our Child Welfare Program.

The beautiful, handmade quilts they provide have been shared with the children and families we serve, offering not only comfort but also a meaningful reminder that they are supported by a caring community.

We are truly grateful for this thoughtful contribution and the warmth it brings to so many. Thank you for making a difference!

03/25/2026

We are proud to honor Diane Woolley, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at White Plains Hospital, with the Katherine A. Kelly Service Award.

Through her leadership, White Plains Hospital partnered with WIHD and Ability Beyond to launch Project SEARCH, providing young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with hands-on workplace training and meaningful employment opportunities.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://wihdgala26.givesmart.com

03/25/2026

Join us for LEND Graduation 2026 🎊

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Celebrate the achievements of our 2026 LEND trainees as they showcase their research, share their work, and mark this important milestone. Guests are invited to view poster presentations, connect with trainees, and enjoy a celebratory lunch.

Location:
Westchester Institute for Human Development
Cedarwood Hall, 20 Plaza West
Valhalla, NY

We hope you’ll join us for this special occasion.
RSVP by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Register here:

03/18/2026

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

During group sessions, therapists support children’s development across all domains—cognition, language, motor skills, social skills, feeding, and speech sound development—using sensory and self-regulation strategies tailored to each child within a group setting.

In the Parent/Child and Family Support component, caregivers participate in a group setting while working directly with therapists to learn practical strategies and activity modifications tailored to their individual family’s needs, supporting carryover at home and in the community.

Families are also introduced to a range of supports, including positioning equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, standers, adaptive feeding tools, and AAC devices. Eligible materials may be available for loan.

If interested, families should contact their Early Intervention Service Coordinator.

Find more info here:

03/18/2026

Varsha Bhatnagar recently attended the Association for Successful Parenting (TASP) Chance to Parent Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where she led a powerful workshop on supporting parents with intellectual disabilities. Her presentation was incredibly well received, highlighting her expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable support for all families.

We are proud to see her representing this important work on a national stage and contributing to such meaningful conversations alongside professionals and advocates from across the country 💙

03/12/2026

Don’t forget! 🎉 Tickets for WIHD’s **2026 Spring Gala: Together We Thrive** are now on sale. Join us on **May 13, 2026** at the Scarsdale Golf Club for an inspiring evening celebrating community, partnership, and impact.

Reserve your tickets today and be part of a night that supports programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Get your tickets here:

Help Westchester Institute for Human Development spread the word about WIHD Spring 2026 Gala!

03/05/2026

Our Spring 2025 Gala was a wonderful evening celebrating the dedication of the extraordinary individuals and partners who make Westchester Institute for Human Development’s work in our communities possible every day.

We are excited to continue this tradition at this year’s gala and would be honored to have your support and presence. There are several ways to participate, including purchasing tickets, placing an ad in our e-journal, or becoming a sponsor.

To learn more and explore the available opportunities, please visit:
https://e.givesmart.com/s/:g2OEwgHxkJb/e/N5V/

Thank you for helping us continue to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. ✨

03/05/2026

The CADB Medicine Research Program is Recruiting Participants for Clinical Trials Involving Autistic Children and Adults! (an independently conducted study not affiliated with or sponsored by WIHD)

https://www.wihd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/4-The-CADB-Medicine-Research-Program-is-Recruiting-Participants-for-Clinical-Trials-Involving-Autistic-Children-and-Adults.pdf

03/02/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Spring Gala hosted by the Westchester Institute for Human Development 💙🌟

Together We Thrive celebrates the power of community and leadership!

Honoring Dr. Susan Fox, Cuddy & Feder LLP, and White Plains Hospital

May 13,2026 at Scarsdale Golf Club 📆

Get your tickets today!!
🔗: wihdgala26.givesmart.com

03/02/2026

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.

02/26/2026

Participants Needed for Autism Research! (an independently conducted study not affiliated with or sponsored by WIHD)

https://www.wihd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Participants-Needed-for-Autism-Research.pdf

02/19/2026

Helping kids and teens better understand and manage their emotions can make a meaningful difference in how they connect with others, build friendships, and succeed in everyday environments.

The Regulation Group offers a supportive group therapy setting focused on developing body awareness, improving focus skills, managing big emotions, and strengthening teamwork and social connections.

For more information or to register, please email njohney@wihd.org
or scan the QR code on the flyer.