NY School Worker Indicted For Submerging Autistic Children In Pool: DA (Patch)
Opinion: For millions of Americans with disabilities like me, Medicaid means freedom (Long Island Press)
Abuse, neglect documented in NJ’s group homes (NJ Spotlight News)
California agrees to include religious schools as special ed placements (K12 Dive)
Idaho parental disability caregiver program to end, following federal approval (News from the States)
Fla. Gov. DeSantis signs autism package (Florida Phoenix)
New law protects Coloradans with disabilities and their right to live, receive care at home (Denver 7)
Pennsylvania Congressman Perry sends stunning letter to a mother who advocated for her disabled son (The Keystone)
The Medicaid Problem Nobody Is Talking About (Governing)
How the GOP’s proposed Medicaid cuts could affect millions of family caregivers (PBS)
Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics (The Conversation)
No Sex Differences in Autistic Toddlers at Time of First Diagnosis, Study Finds (today.ucsd.edu)
JetBlue Was Named No. 1 for Wheelchair Accessibility in 2025 (Travel & Leisure)
Report finds abuse and neglect in New Jersey group homes, Medicaid cuts could affect family caregivers, and more developmental disability news for week ending May 30, 2025.
NY School Worker Indicted For Submerging Autistic Children In Pool: DA The case reportedly stems from a January incident at the Jesse J. Kaplan School in Rockland County. (Patch)
NYC students see 35% increase in extreme bus delays. Most affect buses transporting students with disabilities. (Gothamist)
Opinion: For millions of Americans with disabilities like me, Medicaid means freedom The author is advocate and activist Bernard Carabello, who “escaped the Willowbrook State School” in 1972. (Long Island Press)
Abuse, neglect documented in NJ’s group homes (NJ Spotlight News)
California agrees to include religious schools as special ed placements (K12 Dive)
Idaho parental disability caregiver program to end, following federal approval It’s got just two months to go, despite Idaho having a shortage of direct care workers. (News from the States)
Fla. Gov. DeSantis signs autism package The bill reportedly increases early detection opportunities and educational interventions, but funding has to be included in the 2025-26 budget, which the Legislature has yet to pass. (Florida Phoenix)
New law protects Coloradans with disabilities and their right to live, receive care at home (Denver 7)
Pennsylvania Congressman Perry sends stunning letter to a mother who advocated for her disabled son It was called “callous and cold.” (The Keystone)
The Medicaid Problem Nobody Is Talking About Imposing the new rules or tightening up on waste would be done by the contractors the states hire.(Governing)
Exploring the potential impact of Medicaid cuts in Trump’s big budget bill (PBS)
How the GOP’s proposed Medicaid cuts could affect millions of family caregivers (PBS)
Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics (The Conversation)
No Sex Differences in Autistic Toddlers at Time of First Diagnosis, Study Finds (today.ucsd.edu)
RFK Jr. pushes back target date for autism report (Axios)
Bradley Cooper’s ‘Caregiving’ highlights U.S. care crisis through real caregiver stories (PBS Wisconsin)
Teachers Join Forces to Understand Dyscalculia, a Math-Related Learning Disorder (The 74)
JetBlue Was Named No. 1 for Wheelchair Accessibility in 2025 (Travel & Leisure)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here. It would be great to have more activities around the state.
RELATED: Your One-Stop Guide to Navigating I/DD System and Services via Webinars & Workshops
Fri., May 30, 2025: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics: Learn some tips and tricks to the application process. When and how to apply, the eligibility requirements and how to best make the process less stressful. (WIHD Community Support Network, Yonkers Public Schools)
Tues., June 3, 2025, Wed., June 11, 2025 or Tues., June 17, 2025: General Information Session to Learn More about Supported Decision-Making NY: This is for anyone who wishes to learn more about supported decision-making (SDM), and the SDMNY facilitation process. Appropriate for individuals who are considering creating their own SDM agreement, or for parents, guardians, service providers and others who wish to learn more. Includes time for Q&A. (SDMNY)
Tues., June 3, 2025, or Thurs., June 5, 2025: Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Get information related to the decision-making process, the types of test accommodations that are available, and how they are documented on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). (FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., June 4, 2025: Supporting Neurodiverse Teens: Navigating Puberty, Relationships and Social Boundaries: This presentation is designed to empower parents of autistic and neurodiverse adolescents with the knowledge and tools to support their children through puberty, including review of the unique social interactions that arise during this time. (Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone and NYS Regional Centers for Autism Spectrum Disorders)
June 10, 2025: American Association of People with Disabilities’ Tech Forum: The focus of our upcoming forum is the recently promulgated ADA Title II regulation on web accessibility. This landmark regulation establishes legal obligations for all state and local governments to ensure their websites, mobile applications, and digital documents are accessible to individuals with disabilities. (The American Assn. of People with Disabilities)
Wed., June 18, 2025: Brooklyn Developmental Disability Council Family Support Fair: Meet nearly 70 agencies that offer support to people with intellectual and developmentally disabled in Brooklyn.
Wed., June 18, 2025: Lunchtime Discussion: Self Direction 2025, Why is the Life Plan Important: Register by June 17. (Mid-Island Y JCC)
Fri., June 20, 2025: Manhattan Family & Professional Resource Fair 2025: Learn about programs and services, and connect with service provider organizations. Where: CUNY Graduate Center 365 5th Ave., Concourse Level, NYS (Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council)
Mon., June 26, 2025: B.I.P.O.C (Black, Indigenous, People Of Color) Monthly Support Group: Are you a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) and a parent or caretaker of a loved one with special needs 21 years old and under? Join this group to learn, share experiences and resources in a confidential space. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Thurs., July 10, 2205: Lunchtime Discussion: Self Direction 2025, Understanding IDGS & OTPS: Register by July 9. (Mid-Island Y JCC)
Thurs., Aug. 14, 2025: Lunchtime Discussion: Self Direction 2025: Understanding the budget template: Register by Aug. 11. (Mid-Island Y JCC)
Tues., Sept. 9, 2025: Lunchtime Discussion: Self Direction 2025: Launched, Now What?: Register by Sept. 8. (Mid-Island Y JCC)
Stock photo: Help is here: Learn SSI basics on Friday, May 30. (Credit: Freepix)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here. It would be great to have more activities around the state.
DISCOUNT ALERT: All Jacob Burns Film Center Kids screenings now cost $5. Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings at the new, lower price.
Mon., June 2, 2025: Neurodivergent Parenting Connection Meet-Up: Bedford. Join other parents of neurodivergent children of all ages for pizza, drinks and connection. RSVP required. (Inclusive Initiative)
Mon., June 2, 2025: Hear Our Voices! Readers with Disabilities Book Club: HOV’s Readers With Disabilities Book Club is a social group for young adults of all reading levels who love books. Play book-ish games, talk about favorite reads, and discover new books with all types of disability representation. Hosted by Mo Kikoler. There is no required reading to join each meeting. (Community Support Network)
Sun., June 8, 2025: Sensory-friendly screening of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville.
Sun., June 8, 2025: Adaptive Wheelchair Skating NYC 2025: NYC. Free adaptive skating clinic for those with disabilities at Hudson River Park Pier 62. (Play It Forward)
Sat., June 14, 2025: Sensory Friendly Screening of How to Train Your Dragon: Bedford Playhouse, Bedford.
Sat., June 14, 2025: Get Outdoors & Get Together Day: Select locations around New York. Free, inclusive and accessible events to connect people to nature and increase outdoor access. For people of all abilities, ages, identities and backgrounds. Program and scheduling details for each location will soon be available on the NYS Parks website at parks.ny.gov. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and their own games or sporting equipment. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov. (A partnership including OPWDD)
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Sat., June 21, 2025: Music for Autism: Pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner: Brooklyn.
Sun., July 6, 2025: Sensory-friendly screening of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville.
Sun., July 13, 2025: Disability Unite Festival: NYC. The sixth annual Disability Unite Festival at Central Park. There will also be a livestream. (Disability Unite)
Sun., July 27, 2025: For adults: SqueakyFest 2025, Live Comedy Show: New York City. The first-ever multi-city disability comedy festival. (Squeaky Wheel Media, a satirical website about disability, with a focus on physical disabilities)
AMC Sensory-friendly films: Ten AMC movie theaters around New York State offering sensory-friendly screenings. Go to the link to find the ones near you.
The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
The Boost’s Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Stock photo: Attend the neurodivergent parenting connection meet-up in Bedford on June 2. (Credit: Pexels.com)
By Naomi Brickel, Project Director, Supported-Decision Making New York
Everyone turns to trusted people when making important decisions, including where to live, how to manage money and what healthcare to choose. But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), outdated beliefs and stigma have led to their decision-making rights being limited or removed entirely.
As many caregivers know, in New York this has been done mostly through Article 17-A guardianship, which has long been used for people with developmental disabilities. While often well-meaning, this legal tool can result in a total loss of civil rights, without requiring any notification of the person or proof that they’re unable to manage their own affairs.
At Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY), we believe everyone should have the right to make their own decisions and to have those decisions legally recognized. We understand that everyone makes decisions with various kinds of support and that people with developmental disabilities (DD) may simply need more or different kinds of supports. As a powerful alternative to guardianship, Supported Decision-Making (SDM) empowers individuals with I/DD to retain their decision-making rights with help from trusted supporters. Everyone uses support, and needing help doesn’t have to mean giving up autonomy.
In 2022, New York passed Mental Hygiene Law Article 82, legally recognizing SDM Agreements (SDMAs) and requiring third parties like banks, doctors and landlords to acknowledge and accept the decision-making rights of individual who have them. These agreements are created through a structured facilitation process developed by SDMNY. SDMNY’s facilitation process is a unique, three-phase model involving a trained facilitator working with a Decision-Maker (an individual with a developmental disability) and their chosen supporters to develop a formal Supported Decision-Making Agreement, with the goal of empowering the individual and providing a legally recognized alternative to guardianship.
This process helps individuals build decision-making skills, maintain their legal rights, and shape their own lives. Facilitation is key and consists of a three-phase process:
Phase 1: This involves establishing a relationship with the Decision-Maker, exploring how they make decisions, and identifying potential supporters and areas where they want support.
Phase 2: The focus is on educating chosen Supporters about the SDM process and their roles, helping them to understand decision-making steps and concepts like dignity of risk.
Phase 3: This is when the Facilitator, Decision-Maker and Supporters develop and negotiate the terms of the Supported Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA), ensuring everyone understands their roles before signing the document that memorializes how the decision-maker will be supported without surrendering their right to decide.
In great recent news, New York State OPWDD has shown its belief and buy-in of the SDMNY process by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an organization to take over SDMNY’s work beginning Sept. 1, 2025 for the next five years, The goal is to further develop and maintain the statewide model for providing sustainable, statewide Supported Decision-Making Facilitation services to allow people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to make full use of SDM consistent with New York Mental Hygiene Law Article 82.
Supported Decision-Making is more than a legal tool — it’s part of an international human rights movement promoting dignity, inclusion and self-determination, empowering people with disabilities to lead their own lives one supported decision at a time.
To learn more, visit sdmny.org, email sdmny.info@gmail.com, or call (646) 807-8483.
Nine bills were passed out of the Senate Disabilities Committee on May 27, 2025, in what was likely the last meeting of the legislative session. The bills touch on issues including special education, the state’s service delivery system, group homes, and the subminimum wage.
Below, a quick rundown:
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Judge blocks Trump’s orders to dismantle the Education Department and fire employees (AP)
NYC schools fail to protect students with disabilities from lengthy suspensions (Chalkbeat)
Judge extends CDPAP transition deadline amid calls for more support and transparency (CBS 6 Albany)
New Hampshire mom builds nonprofit to support adults with developmental disabilities (WMUR)
Florida families of children with developmental disabilities stuck in line for assistance (CBS News)
As Trump Shakes Up Oversight of Special Ed, Frustrated DC Parents Want Change (The 74 )
Federal budget bill would squeeze state Medicaid budgets (Pluribus News)
Families of disabled children frequently struggle to pay medical bills (Washington Post)
Nonprofit Wants to Take on Civil Rights Cases Trump’s Ed Dept. Left Behind (The 74)
States Drop Effort To Overturn Section 504, But Continue To Challenge Disability Protections (Disability Scoop)
Supreme Court deadlock leaves in place ruling blocking nation’s first religious charter school (CNN)
Ill. Teacher Dragged 6-Year-Old With Autism by His Ankle. Federal Civil Rights Officials Might Not Do Anything. (ProPublica)
As autism ignites a national conversation, Temple Grandin has something to say (NBC News)
Judge blocks Trump’s orders to dismantle the Education Department and fire employees The administration, naturally, will challenge the ruling. (AP)
The two consolidated lawsuits challenging the president’s order argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to support special education, distribute financial aid and enforce civil rights laws.
NYC schools fail to protect students with disabilities from lengthy suspensions (Chalkbeat)
Judge extends CDPAP transition deadline amid calls for more support and transparency (CBS 6 Albany)
Disabilities Beat: Legislators join push for ILCs to return as CDPAP fiscal intermediaries (WXXI)
Consumers requested extension of CDPAP preliminary injunction to Aug. 15 (Politico)
New Hampshire mom builds nonprofit to support adults with developmental disabilities (WMUR)
Florida families of children with developmental disabilities stuck in line for assistance (CBS News)
As Trump Shakes Up Oversight of Special Ed, Frustrated DC Parents Want Change The district reportedly has failed to identify and adequately serve thousands of students with disabilities and has one of the highest rates of special ed complaints in the nation. (The 74 )
Federal budget bill would squeeze state Medicaid budgets (Pluribus News)
Families of disabled children frequently struggle to pay medical bills (Washington Post)
Nonprofit Wants to Take on Civil Rights Cases Trump’s Ed Dept. Left Behind The National Center for Youth Law is hiring former department attorneys to resolve complaints. (The 74)
States Drop Effort To Overturn Section 504, But Continue To Challenge Disability Protections (Disability Scoop)
Supreme Court deadlock leaves in place ruling blocking nation’s first religious charter school (CNN)
Ill. Teacher Dragged 6-Year-Old With Autism by His Ankle. Federal Civil Rights Officials Might Not Do Anything. The department’s Office for Civil Rights regional office in Chicago was one of seven abolished by the administration in March. (ProPublica)
Specialized charter schools need to ensure inclusive practices, report says (K-12 Dive)
Exclusive: Trump administration defunds autism research in DEI and ‘gender ideology’ purge During the first four months of 2025, the NIH has reduced funding for autism-related research by an estimated $31 million to $116 million from $147 million in the same period in 2024. (Reuters)
For kids with autism, swim classes can be lifesaving (AP)
Autism Leaders United in Call for Action Following Roundtable in Washington D.C. (ASAN)
As autism ignites a national conversation, Temple Grandin has something to say (NBC News)
Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities strive to live independently. But even those able to theoretically achieve that goal run into a major roadblock: the lack of affordable housing.
While there isn’t much in the way of uplifting news in New York’s recently passed fiscal year 2026 budget, there is some funding being allotted to help invigorate the state’s affordable housing stock.
The budget includes a variety of measures. Below are some points, courtesy of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal newsletter:
Photo: Downtown Buffalo (Credit: PICRYL)
The New York State Justice Center’s latest newsletter remembers the life of Mary St. Mark, who died this month at age 84. The mother and advocate was a force of nature, as were her four cohorts, who helped change the lives of countless individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
In honor of St. Mark, The Boost recommends you watch this wonderful video of the work done by St. Mark and her colleagues, Anna Mae Vener, Dorothy Stone, Mary Bonsignore (who passed away in 2020) and Nellie Velez, all of whom had or have children with I/DD. They devoted their lives to advocacy and profoundly impacted public policy starting in the 1960s and ’70s, at a time support was severely limited and in many instances nonexistent.
Perhaps best known as the “Ladies in Red,” among their signature accomplishments was in 1994, when through organizing and protesting they induced then-Mayor Guliani to restore cuts he had made to funding for people with developmental disabilities.
St. Mark was also president and chairperson of the Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD) for nearly three decades, an active member of the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council for over 50 years, and in 2014 joined the Justice Center Advisory Council as a parent advocate.