The Greene County Council for the Disabled is an advocate for all individuals with disabilities; providing them with, and directing them to resources and information they need not only to survive, but flourish.  As a council, we will educate the community in areas of inclusion and universal access; removing attitudinal, economic, and structural barriers which prevent equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Established August 20th 1986, as the “Advisory Council on the Handicapped” with the intent of a volunteer advisory council to “pay special attention to the needs of handicapped citizens”.  Since reorganizing in February 2010, the council has:

Established “One Point in Greene County for the Disabled Community”.  Before being established, there was no single point of entry in Greene County for individuals with disabilities.  One Point in Greene County for the Disabled Community is responsible for:

• Receiving and returning phone calls and connecting individuals with disabilities to community supports.

• Publishing “The Grapevine”,  a quarterly newsletter that is distributed to Greene County residents with disabilities.  This has information about services available and upcoming events that benefit the disabled and their families.

• Connecting individuals impacted by disabilities to established agencies that assist these individuals in reaching their potential of becoming an active member of their community.

Other functions that the Greene County Council for the Disabled performs are:

• Hosting a twice yearly “meet and greet” for families transitioning from Early Intervention into pre-school.  This will make the process of transition easier because many barriers and unknowns will be removed during this time.  
• Hosting a yearly transitions “fair” to introduce school age children with disabilities to college & employment opportunities upon completion of high school.  The transitions fair will allow agencies and colleges to meet families and students and start the process of employment or college before graduation.
• Advocacy & emotional support.  This is one of the biggest needs for families impacted by a disabled loved one.  Most individuals with disabilities are unable to advocate for themselves because of the challenges they have to live because of their disability.  Most family members are unable to advocate because they don’t know how to navigate the “system”.  The Greene County for the Disabled is a voice for them and can connect them to the helps they need to live successful and productive lives. 
• Project Lifesaver;  The Greene County Sheriff’s Department recently became trained in the search and rescue of individuals that are “at risk” of wandering and becoming lost.  Greene County Council for the Disabled has partnered with the Sheriff’s department to reach out to the disabled community and get the “at risk” individuals enrolled.  This program was initiated through a grant from Ulster-Greene ARC.
• Medicaid eligibility.  Individuals with developmental disabilities are entitled to services provided by NYS OPWDD upon meeting eligibility requirements and being enrolled.  The eligibility process can be overwhelming and intimidating.  Many eligible individuals are not receiving the necessary services because they have not gone through the process.  GCCD can help get these individuals enrolled.