Tompkins County Whole Health Celebrates Disability Pride Month
Published on July 25, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health’s Children with Special Care Needs (CSCN) invites the community to join in the celebration of Disability Pride this month! Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 and to celebrate the history and achievements of people with disabilities, while acknowledging and raising awareness of the struggles that continue to be faced.
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Tompkins County Legislature proclaimed July 2025 as Disability Pride Month, celebrating the gifts, experiences, and contributions of the disabled community, acknowledging the reality of the disabled experience, and recommitting to creating an inclusive community.
TCWH’s CSCN’s Early Intervention Program (EI) provides services to families with children from birth to three years old who have developmental delays and disabilities, as well as services to children in this age range with a diagnosed physical or mental conditions that have a high probability of developmental delay or disability (such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, vision impairment, or hearing impairment.)
Children are eligible to participate in EI following completion of an evaluation of their overall communication, social-emotional, adaptative, cognitive and physical development. Based on the degree of delay in one or more areas of development and/or the child's diagnosis, a service plan will be developed. Participation in the Early Intervention program is voluntary and provided at no cost to the family. Children enrolled in EI work one-on-one with specialized therapy teams that can include community health nurses, social workers, special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. To learn more, go to our webpage or call the office at (607) 274-6644.
Director of CSCN Jessica Clark Manderville stated, “It is so rewarding to work with the families in Tompkins County. Our specialized, in-house therapy team is so passionate about their work, offering a warm, supportive environment for infants and children to thrive. We are honored to celebrate Disability Pride Month, to recognize the resilience of the families we serve and to honor the hard work and achievements of children with special needs.”
TCWH is currently hiring for multiple positions within Children with Special Care Needs. These positions are county-based, providing both on-site and in-home therapeutic services to families in Tompkins County. Positions can be either part-time or per diem, depending on the desires of the applicants. Benefits of working for TCWH’s CSCN include use of a county fleet, billing that is completed by the county, and competitive salary. Go online to learn more and apply!
CSCN Director Jessica Clark Manderville shared, “We are seeking applicants who are passionate about early childhood development and family-centered care. Whether you’re looking for a few hours a week or a steady part-time caseload, join a team dedicated to reducing service delays and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children across Tompkins County!”
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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