REBOUND

Today, 2/16/02, I began the process of assembling waivers or releases that will allow photographs to be publised on the blog.  Tomorrow, I anticipate distributing some of these documents and discussing with the directors at each facility, whether or not modifications will be needed for that particular facility.  Of course, if any changes are necessary they will be made.  Hopefully, I will be able to re-post most or all of the photos

DONE

As of 8:38 am. today, the only photographs of people remaining on this blog are of me, employees at Maplewood Manor, and deceased former residents of Maplewood Manor.

A GRINDING HALT

At 2:30 today(2/14/12) I received a phonecall from the assistant director at the Saratoga Bridges day treatment facility in Clifton Park.  He advised that he had recently viewed this blog and that it was illegal of me to post photographs of consumers on the blog without their guardian's consent.  I advised him that I was unaware of this and he stated that it was part of the public health law.  At his request I advised that I would take down the photos either later today or tomorrow.
I immediately called Fred Ratto,the Regional Resource Development Specialist at  Southern Adirondack Independent Living.  Unfortunately, Fred could not give me a definitive opinion and didn't have an attorney there that could speak to me.  Fred suggested contacting my service coordinator,  I called him at 3:50, but could only leave a recorded message.
More as this situation developes.
I just had a call(4:20) from my service coordinator and he confirmed what the assistant director had told me.  However, he was going to see if anything could be done in this case.  I will wait until tomorrow morning, hoping the service coordinator comes up with good news(but I really don't think so).

FINALLY!

In November of 2011 I had stated that once the IRS approved my application  for The Therapy Dog,Inc to have 501c3 status, donations would be tax deductible.  The good news is that although it's now 3 months later, on Monday morning, 1/30/12, I submitted the application for 501c3 status.    My attorney advises that unfortunately, the IRS is woefully slow processing these applications and it may be three months before I receive approval.

3/27/12 letter from the IRS granting 501c3 status to The Therapy Dog, Inc. retroactive to 11/09/11