Suffolk Independent Living Organization

Calendar of Events

2008 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Children's Mental Health

Friday, 5/9/08 at Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center, 197 Half Hollow Rd, Dix Hills
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

This forum is one in a series of forums across the state administered by the Office of Mental health, whose purpose is to improve the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families in New York State. Speakers will include people from government, parent/family advocates, children's service agencies and more. For accommodations, call Lisa Legendre at (631) 761-2820.

Enrichment Workshop: Women's Issues

Tuesday, 5/13/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

A private discussion including only women and the issues they face living with a disability.

Enrichment Workshop: Men's Issues

Thursday, 5/15/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

A private discussion including only men and the issues they face living with a disability.

Accessible Recreation & Parks Opportunities

Thursday, 5/15/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Accessible parks and recreation opportunities abound in Suffolk County and throughout NY State. Whether it's trails, boating, golf, basketball, softball or more, Something for everyone. Find out about the Green Key which offers a host of benefits to people with disabilities. Get info about our exciting Parks & Trails NY trail assessment project if you enjoy fresh air, nature, fun and a sense of adventure.

Open Mic Night!

Thursday, 5/15/08 at SILO
6:30 PM

A chance to emote your healing mind through Poetry, Words Of Wisdom, Life Inspirations or more. Refreshments Served! To RSVP, get your name on the schedule or for more information contact Khadijah or Fred at 631-880-7929

See For Yourself 2008

Friday, 5/16/08 at Suffolk Cooperative Library System auditorium
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

An Assistive Technology and Resource Fair for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired The Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services was an advisory member of the NY Statewide Assistive Technology Advocacy Project. One of the services of the project is to act as a clearinghouse for information and resources, and as such, the Office of Handicapped Services is happy to announce that the Outreach Services Department of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and the Long Island Talking Book Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled are sponsoring a fair.
Many people who have difficulty seeing regular print are unaware that there are devices such as electronic magnifiers, large type watches, talking clocks, computers that speak and a variety of other items that can make their lives easier. Long Island residents will have an opportunity to find out about the latest "access technologies" and to find appropriate service providers at the fair. Companies will demonstrate their latest products and there will be representatives from a variety of organizations that provide related services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
The fair will be held in the auditorium of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, which is located off of exit 55 of the Sunrise Highway. The library is on the North Sunrise Service Road, just east of Route 101. Admission is FREE, with free light refreshments available throughout the day. For additional information or to request special accommodations due to a disability, call toll-free at 1-866-833-1122 and ask for Talking Books.

Brookhaven Clean-Up and Plant-In at SILO

Saturday, 5/17/08 at SILO
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Volunteers needed for this wonderful way for people with disabilities to show their commitment to their community. Did you know that broken glass makes things very difficult for wheelchair users? How about all the litter that people carelessly throw on the ground for people to trip over? Now is your chance to make a difference! Snacks and drinks will be available for all volunteers. For more information, call Kathleen at SILO.

Great Buccaneer Event (Includes Wheelchair Competition)

Sunday, 5/18/08 at Islip Middle School, 211 Main Street
9:30 AM

A 5K Walk, Run and Wheelchair competition; Family Fun Run and a health fair. Admission: $5-$18. Sponsored by the IDEA Task Force. Advanced and day-of-event registration available. For more information and to register, call 631-859-2264.

Enrichment Workshop: Journal Writing

Tuesday, 5/20/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Journaling is a great way to organize your, thoughts, life, set goals for yourself, or just vent about your day.

Enrichment Workshop: Relationships and Disabilities

Thursday, 5/22/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ever feel excluded in daily life because of your disability? Perhaps you find disability gives you some unique insight. Maybe you just want to forget about disability, treating people with disabilities like everyone else. Talk about your concerns in relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, and ways to improve your communication skills that can lead to a more healthy relationship.

Disaster/Emergency Preparation

Thursday, 5/22/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

For Suffolk County residents with mobility, sensory and mental health disabilities, emergencies such as fires, floods electrical black outs can present a life threatening situation. Planning ahead can protect you and your family when disaster strikes. Creating an emergency survival kit is one way of planning ahead. Bruce Blower, Director of Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services will address all of the elements of successful Emergency Preparation.

Enrichment Workshop: What's Holding You Back?

Tuesday, 5/27/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ever feel like you're just not motivated anymore? Participants of this workshop will talk about the "stinkin' thinkin'" and other issues that hold them back, and how to get back on track.

Enrichment Workshop: HIV/AIDS

Thursday, 5/29/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Get rid of the myths and learn the real truth about real people living with the disease.

Covered Dish & Movie-"Warm Springs"

Thursday, 5/29/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

The true but little-known story about the physical and spiritual evolution of the man who would become president. Warm Springs follows Roosevelt's story from the heady times before he contracted polio through the initial onset of his polio, subsequent despair, and eventual rebirth. Enjoy a pot-luck supper, great film and great conversation!

Enrichment Workshop: Fear of Independence

Tuesday, 6/3/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Participants will share their fears openly, and encourage one another to take the next step toward gaining or maintaining independence.

Enrichment Workshop: Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Thursday, 6/5/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Discuss why people start, and how people can stop?

Scat Chat

Thursday, 6/5/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Want to do something about Suffolk County's public bus system and para-transit service? Then come to SILO for Scat Chat on the first Thursday of every month. Please join us along the road to real solutions to Suffolk County's transportation problems.

Utilizing Suffolk County Transit: Your Options.

Thursday, 6/5/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Learn how to use fixed route and paratransit in Suffolk County. A county representative will explain how you can maximize your transportation options and will discuss reduced fare program for seniors, accessible fixed-route buses and travel for persons with disabilities.

Enrichment Workshop: Planning for Your Future

Tuesday, 6/10/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Talk about realistic steps you can take to realize your dreams and goals. Topics include educational, family, and other dreams.

Enrichment Workshop: How Does Society View the Disabled?

Thursday, 6/12/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Discuss how far society has come in accepting disability, and misconceptions society still holds.

Housing: Fair and Accessible

Thursday, 6/12/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, together with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, is called the Fair Housing Act: It states that discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and handicap is illegal in the sale or rental of most dwellings. A spokesperson for LI Housing Services will be available to discuss fair and accessible housing issues and answer your questions.

Enrichment Workshop: Recreational Activities

Tuesday, 6/17/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Talk about what you do for fun, and get some ideas for how to spend your spare time.

Enrichment Workshop: Disabilities and Equality

Thursday, 6/19/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Discuss how to keep the system fair and equal for all people.

Chips & Dip & Flick- "At First Sight"

Thursday, 6/19/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

When a New York architect falls in love with blind, charismatic masseur she convinces him to undergo experimental surgery that will allow him to see the world as she sees it - in all its chaotic, colorful glory. In this new, exciting time together, they soon learn that all gifts come with a price and vision is comprised of a multitude of senses. Starring Val Kilmer and Mira Sorvino. Enjoy assorted dips & chips and a top rate movie!

ADAPT Youth Summit--June 20-23, 2008

Friday, 6/20/08 at Chicago

The following is taken directly from the Roving Activist Blog:
Calling all youth with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 30!
Do you have that anger, a fire in the belly, mad passion, and a sense of urgency about disability rights and issues?
Have you always wanted to do something but didn't know how? Have you always wanted to fight for disability rights in the style of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or Mahatma Gandhi?
Well, here is your chance! The ADAPT Youth Summit will take place this year in Chicago from June 20-23, 2008. Veteran ADAPT members will facilitate and provide training in direct and grassroots action! Applications are due March 16th, so don't delay! If you have any questions about the application or the youth summit, please call or e-mail Rahnee Patrick at (312) 663-1292 or rahneek@hotmail.com

SILO's Carwash Fund Raiser

Saturday, 6/21/08 at SILO

Volunteer for some water fun in the sun on Saturday, June 21. Whatever your skills, we've got a job for you. SILO needs volunteer washers, dryers, and greeters for our summer carwash. Or, if you can't volunteer, just drop by SILO in Coram to get your car washed at our great low price of $5 per car and $7 per truck.

Enrichment Workshop: Spiritualism or Not

Tuesday, 6/24/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Discuss how, and if, spirituality plays a part in your life.

Enrichment Workshop: Peer Pressure

Thursday, 6/26/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Talk about how peer pressure affects your life, and ways to overcome it.

Social Security: Applying for SSI For Your Child

Thursday, 6/26/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Caryl Tetro, Area Work Incentives Coordinator for Social Security will discuss what parents need to know about the age, application and eligibility guidelines and requirements needed to obtain Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) for their child. Bring your questions and your children for an evening of great information!

Scat Chat

Thursday, 7/3/08 at SILO
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Want to do something about Suffolk County's public bus system and para-transit service? Then come to SILO for Scat Chat on the first Thursday of every month. Please join us along the road to real solutions to Suffolk County's transportation problems.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Fair and Barbecue

Saturday, 7/26/08 at SILO
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SILO invites community members, agencies and organizations to make this year's ADA Celebration the best celebration ever of the independence of people with disabilities! There will be delicious food, live entertainment for the whole family, vendors, fun raffle prizes and more. Call us today to find out about sponsorship or vendor opportunities, and reserve a space in our program. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of the most comprehensive pieces of equal rights legislation for people with disabilities to date. It provides for equal access to people regardless of disability and ensures that America continues to be the land of opportunity -- for all Americans.