A MONTH OF DISCOVERY JUNE 2026

Dear Friends,

It’s been another exciting month at The Center for Discovery! From celebrating our graduates and welcoming state leaders to sharing innovative ideas and everyday moments that make our community so special, we’re excited to bring you a few highlights from across our campus. We hope you enjoy this month’s stories!

State Leaders Visit TCFD to Explore Food, Farming & Innovation

We were honored to welcome NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay, and Governor Kathy Hochul‘s Hudson Valley representatives to The Center for Discovery for a recent tour highlighting our innovative approach to nutrition, healthy food, and agriculture.

Their visit included a tour of our farm, our staff café – the Farmacy – and the Children’s Specialty Hospital, where they saw firsthand how fresh, nutrient-dense food is grown, harvested, and prepared before becoming part of everyday life through our Department of Nourishment Arts®.

Thank you to Commissioner Ball, Assembly Member Kay, and Governor Hochul’s team for taking the time to learn more about our work!

LISTEN IN – TCFD is on Curtain Call!

Our recent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was just featured on the June 15 episode of Curtain Call, a WJFF Radio production! Hear how collaboration across The Center brought this incredible story to life here (tune in at the 46-minute mark).

Kicking Off Disability Pride Month in Sullivan County

The Center for Discovery was proud to join the Sullivan County Legislature for its Disability Pride Month kickoff celebration, bringing together community members, advocates, organizations, and local leaders to recognize inclusion and accessibility, along with the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month throughout July, we remain committed to creating communities where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered.

Read more about the kickoff event in the Democrat here.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

The Center for Discovery recently celebrated the Class of 2026, honoring the growth and incredible journeys of our graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, teachers, and staff, this special milestone was a celebration of our graduates’ bright futures ahead.

Congratulations to all! Read more about this memorable day and view highlights from the celebration here.

Adapted Scarf Blower: A Colorful Sensory Experience

The Innovation Team introduced a new device at the recent summer carnival held on our South Campus. The Adapted Scarf Blower is a fun and engaging sensory device inspired by a leaf blower, adapted with a large acrylic tube and a switch hookup for easy operation. Instead of blowing leaves, it launches lightweight, colorful scarves through the clear tubing, creating an exciting visual display.

As the scarves float across the yard, individuals can watch, chase, collect, and reload them for repeated play. This activity promotes visual tracking, movement, and a rich social experience. The Adapted Scarf Blower also offers an inclusive and enjoyable way to support active engagement in outdoor recreation events.

Watch it in action here.

Daily Decisions: How Fast is Your Fast Food?

The latest installment of DNA Daily Decisions from the Department of Nourishment Arts (DNA) is here! The recent edition explores how a little planning can help us save time, money, and make healthier choices, even on our busiest days.

Check out the new video and companion guide for simple meal planning ideas, grab-and-go snack tips, and a new challenge: skip the drive-thru by preparing a quick meal or snack from home.

Remember, health is found in your Daily Decisions!

Watch the video here.

View the companion guide here.

TCFD Earns International Innovation Award!

TOM Global Innovation Challenge

The Center for Discovery’s Stability Chair has been named a Best Documentation Award Winner in the 2026 TOM Global Innovation Challenge, earning international recognition.

The Stability Chair is an adaptive seating solution designed to provide enhanced postural support and functional positioning. Its open-source design allows makers, clinicians, and caregivers to build, customize, and adapt the chair to meet each individual’s unique needs.

The TOM Global Innovation Challenge brings together innovators from around the world to create open-source assistive technology that can be freely shared, replicated, and adapted to improve the lives of people with disabilities. TCFD’s Stability Chair was recognized for its outstanding documentation, making it easier for others to build and customize the design. 　

Learn more and see the chair in action: Stability Chair　

Congratulations to the TCFD Innovation Labs Team, our student Matthew, and everyone who supported them on this exciting achievement!

Craving More TCFD Moments?

From everyday achievements to special celebrations and program highlights, follow along on social media to see the stories that make The Center such a special place.