BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
March 7, 2024
Assistance Filing Taxes
Lighthouse Guild will serve people who are visually impaired by aiding with filing their 2023 federal, state and city income tax returns through a partnership with the IRS and the Foodbank for New York City. They offer three options for having your taxes completed:
- Contactless In-Person--- The client must come to the Lighthouse Guild located at 250 West 64th Street and meet with an Intake Specialist. A volunteer on site will assist with uploading documents to the tax preparation portal for the tax preparer to remotely receive your documents. Appointments available through April 4, 2024.
- Remote End-To-End Virtual – This is a 100% virtual filing option that allows you to complete the entire tax filing process without having to go to the intake site. The following link will allow you to fill out the intake forms and upload your documents to the portal using your computer/ laptop tablet or smartphone. https://fbnyc.tfaforms.net/388938&orgid=0010h00001ifGZS
- In-person with social distance – There will be a limited number of slots for visually impaired clients who exceed the $65,000 income ceiling. Priority in this option will be given to those who do not meet the Food Bank income criteria. The tax preparer will be available at Lighthouse Guild (located at 250 West 64th Street.) A volunteer will contact clients when this schedule is available to set up appointments.
An appointment is required for the contactless in person appointment with the intake volunteers and for the in person with social distancing with the tax preparer. Appointments with the intake volunteers and the tax preparer are available on a first come, first serve basis.
To make an appointment, please contact Lighthouse Guild’s Reading Services Program at 646-874-8683, Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For more information, see https://lighthouseguild.org/events/2023-tax-preparation-program/
Airnb
Airbnb has added an Adapted Category on their website https://www.airbnb.com/ which allows a person to find unique homes that include step free paths into a home, accessible bedrooms, bathrooms and more. Each home that is in this category shows images to confirm the accessible features available.
Microsoft Disability Scholarship
The Microsoft Disability Scholarship seeks to empower students with disabilities to achieve more through access to education leading to a career in technology. Up to 10 awards of $5,000 will be granted. Applications will be accepted until March 13. Learn more: www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx
Autism Can Do Scholarship
Are you a high school student who will be graduating this year, or a current college student who will be enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester? John’s Crazy Socks is accepting applications for the Autism Can Do Scholarship. Applicants are asked to share a brief personal statement and what they will do with the scholarship. They are also asked to submit a design for a pair of socks. Applications will be accepted until March 15. Learn more: www.johnscrazysocks.com/pages/autism-can-do-scholarship-2024
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship
The National Federation of the Blind’s annual scholarship program applications are now open. There are thirty $8,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Applications will be accepted until March 31. Learn more: www.scholarships.nfb.org
Guardianship Clinic
When a child with special needs turns 18 years old, the parents are no longer considered their legal guardians. Tafkid in Brooklyn will be running a free guardianship clinic with attorney Sarah Moskowitz after Pesach. She will help with the process including assistance in completing the forms. Sarah will also be holding a workshop on special needs trusts, wills, and financial planning for the future and protecting our children’s benefits. For more information or to register contact 718-252-2236