Westchester Institute For Human Development

September was a special month of celebration and connection at WIHD! 💙

On September 15, we welcomed friends, supporters, community partners, Board members, and staff to Cedarwood Hall to celebrate our WIHD community and look ahead to the exciting next chapter at 80 Grasslands Road.

Then, on September 23, WIHD’s Executive Team invited staff and Board members to gather at Tramonto Restaurant to celebrate Dr. Susan Fox’s retirement and recognize her many years of dedicated leadership and service to WIHD.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for these special moments, and especially to Susan for the lasting impact she has made on WIHD and the community we serve.

Here’s to celebrating where we’ve been, and all that lies ahead! 💙

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.

A special thank you to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Iota Omega Chapter for recognizing WIHD at their Community Partner Recognition Ceremony!

We are grateful for their partnership and continued commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Thank you for celebrating WIHD and the work we do together! 💚

Please join us in welcoming the WIHD LEND Class of 2027!

Over the next two semesters, members of the Class of 2027 will engage in interdisciplinary leadership training to strengthen their knowledge and skills as leaders working to improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.

We are thrilled to welcome this incredible group to WIHD and look forward to seeing the impact they will make throughout the year and beyond!

We were pleased to welcome New York State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky to WIHD on Tuesday!

Assemblymember Shimsky met with Dr. Susan Fox and WIHD’s new President & CEO, Dr. Tricia Patrick, to learn more about WIHD’s programs, the individuals and families we serve, and the exciting next chapter ahead as we prepare for our upcoming move.

We are grateful to Assemblymember Shimsky for taking the time to visit WIHD, learn more about our work, and discuss the ways we can continue supporting individuals with disabilities and their families throughout our community.

Thank you, Assemblymember Shimsky, for your time, interest, and support of WIHD’s mission!

We’re so grateful to the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for their continued support of our community! 💚

Every year, the sorority donates to our school supply drive to help make sure children have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn. This year, they donated an incredible **50 backpacks and 72 school supply kits**!

Thank you to AKA for making this annual tradition possible and for your continued generosity and commitment to supporting children and families in our community. 🎒📚

Congratulations to James Sage on completing his Eagle Scout project! 🦅

James donated a massive collection of 3-D printed equipment and helped WIHD’s Assistive Technology Department adapt toys to make them more accessible.

We’re so grateful for his creativity, hard work, and dedication to inclusion. Thank you, James, for putting your skills to work to make a meaningful impact! 💙

**Your Future Housing Plan: Share Your Voice**

What does your ideal housing future look like? 🏠

The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, with support from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), is conducting a survey to better understand the housing needs, goals, and experiences of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in New York State.

The survey asks about:
• Your current housing situation
• Plans for the future
• Housing supports and services you may need
• Concerns and ideas about future housing

Your feedback can help inform future housing resources, planning, and supports for people with I/DD and their families.

📅 **Please complete the survey by Friday, August 14, 2026.**

👉 **Take the survey:**

Your Future Housing Plan Survey Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Join Beyond the Screen, an evidence-based life skills workshop designed to help children build confidence, emotional awareness, self-kindness, and more through the stories they already love.

📅 August 17–20
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Valhalla, NY

For just $350, participants receive 12 hours of skill development in a fun, supportive environment.

Scan the QR code to learn more or contact [email protected] with any questions.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=k4qKdU9taEGcM2wvi5Gzir8_FEQ5Zt5BpkJWC2aj4aJUOVNYSUlFR1dITEZCSUZIMDA3SkdVUzhGSy4u&route=shortur