May 8, 2026
The Boost News
AUTISM
Who gets to speak for mothers of autistic children? Controversial changes to the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) include public members dedicated to “causes unsupported by mainstream scientific research.” Think MAHA moms. “When I look at the committee, I just see a sea of Whiteness,’ said a former member. (The 19th News)
Aluminum in vaccines not linked to autism, other health problems (Univ. of Minnesota CIDRAP)
OPINION: Profound Autism Is Difficult Enough Without This Debunked Method An historian of medicine writes that the science doesn’t back up the alleged success of Facilitated Communication. (The New York Times)
MEDICAID ‘FRAUD’
Many Minnesotans rely on programs under scrutiny for fraud (Star Tribune)
Minnesota Legislature passes office of inspector general bill aimed at preventing fraud (News from the States)
SNAP
Republicans Claim Widespread Food Stamp Fraud. What’s Missing: Hard Evidence. Much of the Foundation for Government Accountability’s rhetoric hearkens back to the Reagan-era myth of the “welfare queen.” (Mother Jones)
CAREGIVERS
U.S. Rep Rob Menendez seeks hotline for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities I first saw this news in Disability Scoop, which has a paywall, but you can find its story here. (Hudson County View)
STATE NEWS
Note: This starts with New York, where a majority of The Boost’s readership currently is based, and continues alphabetically by state.
Disabled New Yorkers Oppose Bill to End 24-Hour Shifts for Home Aides The “No More 24” bill has turned allies into opponents, pitting workers’ rights activists against disability advocates and those who need round-the-clock care. (The City)
Support Cracks for Bill Banning 24-Hour Home Care Shifts (The City)
Private schools, public dollars: A staggering racial gap in NYC special ed tuition payments (Chalkbeat)
Best Buddies Launches Its First Inclusive Living Community in NYC in Collaboration With Future Centered Care I don’t usually run press releases, but this seems exciting given that the Manhattan location hopes to serve as a scalable model for inclusive housing across the five boroughs for neurodiverse adults. (Best Buddies/Future Centered Care)
CT lawmakers approve caregiver tax credit (NHPR)
Colorado overhauls school oversight for students with disabilities (Fox21news.com)
Colorado Medicaid cuts pose concerns for locals with disabilities Another example of the unfolding crisis. (The Daily Sentinel)
CAREGIVING
Family caregiving inflicts emotional, financial toll, new US News survey finds (McKnights Home Care)
VOTING
For Texans with disabilities, voting can take weeks — or be out of reach (Texas Public Radio)
OPINION
Want to Help Disabled People? Be More Like George H.W. Bush. As Vice President George H.W. Bush met with advocates, he came to believe that protections did not constrain Americans but rather were instrumental in empowering disabled people to live full and happy lives. (The New York Times)
GOOD IDEAS
New York City Ballet dancers teaching choreography to group with disabilities (abc7ny.com)