More Developmental Disability News for Week Ending Dec. 20, 2024

More CDPAP lawsuits in NYS, an artist with developmental disabilities shows at MoMA, special ed teachers are exhausted, and more developmental disability news for the week ending Dec. 20, 2024.\

Spotlight: DSPs

Already Battered Disability Providers Say More Cuts Could Be Coming

A survey released this week by ANCOR finds that a whopping 90% of providers serving people with I/DD have faced moderate or severe staffing shortages in the last year. As a result, 69% said they had declined new clients and 39% indicated that they shuttered programs or services. More than a third said they were considering additional program cuts. (Disability Scoop)

The survey fittingly is called The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2024.

New York

NY lawmakers delay promised boost to early intervention services The state promised families a major investment in early intervention programs, but lawmakers have yet to make good on their word. (msn.com via NY Daily News)

NY ed chief talks regionalization, state aid, special ed The discussion at a town hall touched on the need to “honor differences” when it comes to high school grad requirements for students with disabilities, and more. (lohud.com)

New Accessible Playground at Brewster Elementary School (Brewsterschools.org and Putnam Examiner)

CDPAP

How Fast is NY’s Home Care Program Growing? A report notes that “at the heart” of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program debate is the question of growth, and the percentage being cited is very “misleading.” (Fiscal Policy Institute)

Rochester home care agency sues Hochul’s troubled CDPAP transition Lawyers for All-American Homecare Agency are asking a federal judge to stop the state Dept. of Health from carrying out the proposed transition of CDPAP. The lawsuit joins a barrage of challenges. (Times Union)

NYS got help from union to rig the bidding for Gov. Hochul’s $9B home health aide program overhaul: suit Mark’s Homecare LLC filed the latest suit in Albany Supreme Court. (NYPost)

Empire Center Sues Health Department for Records on CDPAP and Medicaid One suit seeks records relating to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, a costly and rapidly growing form of Medicaid home care that is being overhauled. (Empirecenter.org)

New York’s Fastest-Growing Union Is Management’s Best Friend — and Some Workers Don’t Even Know They’re Members This has some interesting info in it about New York’s leading health care union, 1199SEIU, and CDPAP. (TheCity.nyc)\

Commentary: New York’s seniors need home care. To get it, they need Hochul’s help. This says she can start by supporting the Fair Pay for Home Care Act and hitting the brakes on changes to CDPAP. (Times Union)

Outside of New York

Conn.’s Prospector Theater Brings Sparkle to the Kelly Clarkson Show Guests were founder of The Prospector in Ridgefield, Conn., a non-profit providing employment for people with disabilities through operation of a movie theater and online popcorn business, and two of its “Prospects,” or employees. (Hamlethub.com)

Nevada governor asked lawmakers to scrap plan for autistic girls facility in favor of gaming-backed homeless campus (Nevadacurrent.com)

Alabama pediatric care clinic caters to patients with I/DD (whnt.com)

Justice Dept. Finds Arizona’s Dept. of Child Safety Discriminates Against Parents and Children with Disabilities (justice.gov)

Joshua Long has led Chicago Public Schools’ disability office for a year. What has changed? (Chalkbeat.Org)

Education

Special ed teacher shortage creating ‘point of exhaustion’ More takes from a U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ listening session. (k12dive.com)

Students with disabilities are spending more time in general ed. Are teachers being prepared? This report out of Oklahoma includes a look at the largest universities in the country that have a patchwork of special ed requirements for future teachers. (kgou.org)

ABLE Act

A Little-Known Law to Fight Disabled Poverty Just Turned 10 The Obama-era ABLE Act is simple, popular, bipartisan— and it works. Why isn’t it better known? (Mother Jones)

Subminimum Wage

Advocates are pushing to end lower wages for disabled workers. Some families are opposed. (USAToday.com)

Medicaid

Nine States Will End Medicaid for 3 Million People if Trump Cuts Program They are Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia. (governing.com)

Cracker Barrel Addendum

Dad says daughter was called ‘this’: Angry parents protest Cracker Barrel over students’ treatment A crowd protested  the Maryland Cracker Barrel where a group of special needs and autistic children were denied dine-in service. (USAToday.com)

Opinion

School Choice for Some But Not for All?  A new paper from the Center for Reinventing Public Education found families are often faced with convoluted admissions policies, limited transportation options and a dearth of choices. (The74million.org)

RFK Jr. thinks people like me are just evidence of Big Pharma’s crimes (MSNBC.com)

Travel

Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities (Transportation.gov)

This is the world’s most disability-friendly airline And…it’s Air New Zealand. (Conde Nast Traveler)

Art

With This MoMA Artist, the Painting Does the Talking Marlon Mullen’s show at the Museum of Modern Art, the first by a developmentally disabled artist, speaks volumes. (New York Times)

NYS Webinars for the Week Starting Dec. 20, 2024

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.

WEBINARS

Fri., Dec. 20, 2024: Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review Meeting: (WIHD Community Support Network and Yonkers City School District)

January, 2025: OPWDD and National Center for Cultural Competence Family Listening Sessions: Part of an effort to improve communication, language access and outreach to underserved communities. They’re intended to hear about people’s experiences in accessing supports and services based on a family’s cultural beliefs and practices, in your preferred language, and that are appropriate and fair for your family member with IDD. For families currently receiving supports and services. or have received them in the past, or are unable to access supports and services. (Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence)

Wed., Jan. 8, 2025: Benefits Planning and Employment in the New Year: Myths and facts about employment and benefits. (The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities)

Wed., Jan. 8, 2025: Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, NYSED OSE Partnership)

Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025 and Thurs., Jan. 16, 2025: Special Education 101: Virtual Training of the Parent Member: A 4-hour virtual training  where participants will learn about the entire Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, and those eligible can join committee meetings as a volunteer Parent Member. (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership)

Tues., Jan. 14, 2025: 10 Basic Financial Steps for Families to Consider: From applying for government benefits and consideration of a letter of intent to a general overview of the ABLE act and special needs trusts. (Rockland Transition Consortium)

Jan. 23, 2025, Jan. 30, 2025 and Feb. 6, 2025:  Self Patience and Compassion: For Parents and Caregivers: Three-part virtual series designed to help you build patience and compassion for yourself while learning tools to stay grounded and present. Open to all. (NYC District 75 and FamilyKind)

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards: Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2025: The awards from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

 

NYS Rec & Entertainment Starting Dec. 20, 2024

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.

Sundays in December, 2024: NYC Transit Museum Holiday Nostalgia Rides: Consisting of eight cars from the 1930s. See link for times and accessible stations.

Fri., Dec. 20, 2024: Fun Fridays Holiday Movie Night with Bridges: West Nyack, N.Y., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., BRIDGES office in the Palisades Center. The Boost can’t post the QR code for registration so contact Emily Rocks at ERocks@BridgesRC.org or (845) 624-1366 Ext. 107. (BRIDGES)

Mon., Dec. 23, 2024: Virtual Open Mic Holiday Edition: For neurodivergent/disabled people and allies of all ages, performers and audience: “Live Your Dreams as a Singer, Karaoke Star, Musician, Comic, or Poet. Or Come to Dance and Enjoy!” (Open the Lid)

Sun., Jan. 5, 2025: New York City Ballet Sensory-Friendly George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^®: Slight modifications include adjustments to lighting and sound levels, designated break areas and additional event staffing to assist with audience needs.

Sat., Jan. 11, 2025: NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show Sensory Friendly: Sensory Friendly Mornings for a calmer visit to the Holiday Train Show. Additionally, ticket provides access to NYBG’s outdoor gardens and collections.

January, 2025 – June 2025: Decks & Dice: A Young Adults Game Group: Tarrytown, N.Y. For young adults with and without disabilities, ages 21-35, support staff welcome. Every last Sunday of the month. Cost: $5 (Shames JCC on the Hudson)

Year-Round:

The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Boost’s 2024 Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults) 

I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Home Page Listing Post

Hundreds of thousands of students are entitled to training and help finding jobs. They don’t get it

OPWDD Announces $850 Million Dollar Investment in New York’s Developmental Disability Service Providers

Families left in dark about impact of alternate assessment track on students with disabilities

Commentary: CDPAP changes are needed to get runaway costs under control

Home Care Advocates, users demand alternatives as NY pushes CDPAP transition

Adults living with developmental disabilities in New Jersey require more support | Opinion

WA Legislature weighs paying parents who care for children with disabilities

California Might Kick 400,000 Kids Off Medicaid

Minnesotans with disabilities say state’s proposed budget cuts would ‘bring us backward’

Trump says ‘something really wrong’ with autism rates ahead of RFK Jr. vote

Autism Takes Center Stage As RFK Jr. Nomination For HHS Secretary Advances

A controversial autism therapy is gaining prominence, but some say it hurts neurodiverse people

Don’t Forget Americans With Severe Autism

Disabilities Beat: If federal funding stops, what’s at stake for disabled people?

The Boost’s Summer 2025 Sleepaway Camp Special

Welcome to The Boost’s second-annual summer sleepaway spectacular.

The camps listed below are mostly in New York State, with a few in other North East locales. They all focus on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities, and offer summer experiences such as outdoor activities, teen travel and college readiness.

Two things to note:

• This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
• We’ve posted camps that got back to us during the fact-checking stage.

This list is designed to grow! If you have any camps you’d like to see added, contact The Boost here.

CAMP AKEELA & BEYOND AKEELA

• Address: One Thoreau Way, Thetford Center, Vt., 05075
• About: Camp Akeela is a “traditional New England camp program” for campers diagnosed with Asperger’s, NLVD or a similar neurodiverse profile. Beyond Akeela helps prepare older campers for life after high school, with an emphasis on social skills, independence and college readiness. Also available: a one-week Family Camp.
• Ages: Camp Akeela, 3^rd-10^th graders; Beyond Akeela, 10^th-12^th graders
• Date and rates
• Financial aid available: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP ANNE

• Address: 228 Four Corners Rd., Ancramdale, N.Y., 12503
• About: “A traditional summer camp experience,” run by AHRC New York City. It’s for people who require various levels of support and may also have physical and/or medical needs.
• Ages: 5+-adult
• Dates and rates: Contact the camp for rates.
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP DUNNABECK AT KILDONAN

• Address: 473 Skiff Mountain Rd., Kent, Conn., 06757 (at the Marvelwood School)
• About: A camp for children and teens with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Provides 1-to-1 Orton-Gillingham instruction. (Day camp also offered.)
• Ages: 8-16
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: ACA “affiliated”

CAMP LEE MAR

• Address: 450 Route 590, Lackawaxen, Pa., 18435
• About: A full curriculum incorporating an academic and speech program with traditional camp activities. It also offers daily living, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. Older campers work on transitioning skills and then take part in vocational training and job skills activities.
• Ages: 7-21
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP PA-QUA-TUCK

• Address: 2 Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches, N.Y., 11934
• About: Run by the Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc., this is a traditional summer camp with one-week sessions for campers with a wide range of disabilities.
• Ages: 6-adult
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP PATHFINDER

• Address: 3 Chenango Rd., Edmeston, N.Y., 13335
• About: Part of Pathfinder Village, a planned community, this is a small camp for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities who have a level of physical/emotional health that will allow them to benefit from camp.
• Ages: 18+
• Dates and rates: Coming soon, check the website.
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: No

CAMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES: BREIRA B’RAMAH & TIKVAH

• Address: Wingdale, N.Y., 12594
• About: Breira B’Ramah, the Jewish camp of the Conservative Movement, is an inclusion program for campers who benefit from additional support due to communication disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tikvah is a self-contained program for campers who have a range of intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Ta’am Ramah is a one-week program to give rising third graders a taste of camp. Check out Camp Ramah’s other overnight and day camps, including its camp in the Poconos.
• Ages: Breira B’Ramah, entering grades 3-11; Tikvah, 10-17
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP RAMAPO

• Address: 22 Camp Ramapo Rd., Rhinebeck, N.Y., 12572
• About: Summer Adventure is a camp setting for neurodiverse children and teens needing help building essential conflict-resolution skills. Its Teen Leadership includes a variety of team-building activities and work experience opportunities. NOTE: There’s an Introductory Week for children not yet ready for a full sleepaway camp experience.
• Ages: 6-16
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP REECE

• Address: 1782 S. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, N.Y., 12843
• About: “Fully immersive environment for individuals with disabilities.” Offers differentiated instruction and modified activities. Its sibling institution is The Reece School, a non-profit special education school in New York City.
• Ages: 10-17
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

CAMP SKYWILD

• Address: Camp Reimagined, 160 Big Pond Rd, Huguenot, N.Y., 12746
• About: This camp, active in Michigan since 2013, is designed for autistic children and their siblings. It offers a traditional experience complete with cabins, campfires, tie-dye, swimming, archery and more. New this summer: The Teen Program for siblings who have aged out of the program or for young people who want to be better allies.
• Ages: 7-17 for those with ASD; 6–13 for neurotypical siblings; 13-16 for Teen Program
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Scholarships available.
• ACA accredited: No

CAMP WILTON

• Run by New York State OPWDD
• Address: 3 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 12866
• About: Serving people with developmental disabilities from areas across northeastern New York. Eight separate one-week sessions. One special week of the program is dedicated to people who have Prader Willi Syndrome.
• Ages: 18+
• Dates and rates: Check with camp for cost, which is negligible.
• Financial aid: No
• ACA accredited: No

FROST VALLEY YMCA MAC PROGRAM

• Address: 2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, N.Y., 12725
• About: Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) is a partnership between the Young Adult Institute (YAI) and Frost Valley YMCA. It’s a recreational program where the focus is having fun in a supportive and inclusive residential camp setting. Campers are included in the larger camp population, while still maintaining a camaraderie in their “villages.” There’s a ratio of 3:1 (camper:staff) to help allow for additional support with ADLs, navigating social interaction, and flexibility for specific needs.
• Ages: 8-18
• Dates and Rates: Contact camp for dates. The tuition of one MAC session (two weeks) is currently being determined and will be updated on the website soon. Payment options include Self-direction and partial family reimbursement (for campers with OPWDD eligibility in NYC).
• Financial aid available: Yes
• ACA accredited: Don’t know

KAMP KIWANIS

• From the NY District Kiwanis Foundation
• Address: 9020 Kiwanis Rd., Taberg, N.Y., 13471
• About: A traditional summer program with outdoor activities and arts designed to mainstream children with special needs. Non-competitive, it has an emphasis on group and team building.
• Ages: 8-14; teen program, 15-17; high-functioning special needs, 18+
• Dates and rates: Will be posted soon.
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

LIONS CAMP BADGER

• Address: 725 LaRue Rd., Spencer, N.Y., 14883
• About: Operated by the Empire State Special Needs Experience, it’s a traditional summer program for people with a variety of special needs and abilities. It also welcomes nonverbal campers and encourages the use of communication devices, and one session offers 1:1 support for campers who need maximum support. Day camp also offered.
• Ages: 6-17; 18-28; 28+ of various abilities
• Dates and rates: Check website in January 2025.
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: No

THE LODGE 

• Address: 653 Colgate Rd., East Jewett, N.Y., 12424
• About: Run by AHRC New York City, it’s a vacation “alternative” to traditional summer rec programs for young adults and adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers four 11-day vacations (two for older adults, two for younger adults).
• Ages: 13-17; 18+
• Dates and rates: Contact for rates.
• Financial Aid: Medicaid will pay some costs if eligible.
• ACA accredited: Yes

ROCHESTER ROTARY SUNSHINE CAMP

• Address: 809 Five Points Rd., Rush, N.Y., 14543
• About: Since 1922, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has provided a summer camp for children with disabilities. It features activities, arts & crafts, nature trails and more. It also has a Family Sensory Center. Divided into two sessions. Must reside in Monroe County or bordering counties (Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne). Exceptions will be made based on “Out of County Acceptance Procedure” on the online application.
• Ages: Session 1, 7-15; Session 2, 16–21
• Dates and rates: Use the contact on the website for info.
• Financial aid: Unclear
• ACA accredited: No

SUMMIT CAMP & TRAVEL

• Address: 168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, Pa., 18431
• About: A structured traditional camp program that includes work on social skills development and executive functioning; Upper Camp for teens also works on vocational and personal development; Teen Travel program for teens struggling with social learning skills and that features both national and international tours.
• Ages: Summer Camp, 8-14; Upper Camp, 15-21; Teen Travel, 15-21
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Yes

TRANSITIONS SUMMER IMMERSION EXPERIENCES

• Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y., 12117
• About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Day programs also available.
• Ages: College and Beyond, entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life, young adults up to 27
• Dates and rates
• Financial aid: Yes
• ACA accredited: Not applicable

Developmental Disability News for Week Ending Dec. 13, 2024

Trump draws false link between autism and vaccines, New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program change gets more pushback, and more developmental disability news for the week ending Dec. 13, 2024.

Spotlight: CDPAP

NY Republicans urge Congress to intervene in troubled CDPAP transition Eight New York GOP members argued that the state has evaded federal oversight and rushed the restructuring of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). (Times Union)

Firm in alleged Hochul bid-rigging scheme was set for takeover before it even won contract A possibly hyped-up report that PPL posted a related job position prior to being awarded the contract. Not saying it might not be meaningful, but consider the source. (New York Post)

OP-ED: The negative impact of New York’s CDPAP program change on minority communities For the West African community, many of whom rely on multilingual caregivers, accessing culturally sensitive services through local fiscal intermediaries has been crucial. (Amsterdamnews.com)

Center for Disability Rights in Geneva, N.Y., says future in jeopardy under changes made by Hochul administration The Center holds a news conference to note that the CDPAP change will have “devastating” effects. (Finger Lakes Times)

Looking for Reform in All the Wrong Places: Why Can’t We Get Home Health Care Right? The Center for New York City Affairs takes on the CDPAP administrative change. (Centernyc.org)

Related: Hochul expected to veto contract trans­parency bill for second time The Boost won’t have the update in time for the newsletter, but the governor is expected to veto a bill Friday, Dec. 13, for a second time that would improve transparency of state spending. Current state Finance Law does not require the state comptroller’s office to review state contracts after the executive declares an emergency. And state leaders sometimes remove that oversight during negotiations — like with the recent $9 billion Medicaid home care contract.

Timely News

UnitedHealth Is Strategically Limiting Access to Critical Treatment for Kids With Autism A secret internal cost-cutting campaign targets a growing financial burden for the company: the treatment of thousands of children with autism across the country. (ProPublica)

New York

NYS Webinars, Resource Fairs & More Starting Dec. 13, 2024

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.

WEBINARS

Fri., Dec. 13, 2024: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights virtual listening session:  This follow-up to its all-day briefing about teacher shortages in special education is open to public comments about improving access to education for students with disabilities.

Mon., Dec. 16, 2024: Have you wondered about BOCES?: Get your questions answered about their educational supports and services. If you have difficulty registering, email jbaumann@putnamils.org or call (845) 228-7457, ext. 1108. (The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force)

Tues., Dec. 17, 2024: What is Medicaid and how can we save it — again?: (Autistic Self Advocacy Network)

Tues., Dec. 17, 2024: Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities and Functional Needs: For Independent Living Centers and service providers. (Institute on Disability Awareness at Niagara University)

Tues., Dec. 17, 2024: Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services: A broad overview of several core disability service systems in order to understand the different eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for a variety of supports. (Lower Hudson Family, Community Engagement (FACE) Center and NYSED OSE Partnership)

Thurs., Dec. 19, 2024: Turning Words Into Pictures: Learn how to create visual strategies and use them in variety of ways to support children with learning differences in your home/classroom environment to help decrease challenging behaviors and more. (Adapt Community Network)

Fri., Dec. 20, 2024: Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review Meeting: (WIHD Community Support Network and Yonkers City School District)

Tues., Jan. 14, 2025: 10 Basic Financial Steps for Families to Consider: From applying for government benefits and consideration of a letter of intent to a general overview of the ABLE act and special needs trusts. (Rockland Transition Consortium)

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards: Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2025: The awards from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

Photo: Financial Steps webinar (credit: Freepix.com)

NYS Rec & Entertainment Starting Dec. 13, 2024

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.

Sundays in December, 2024: NYC Transit Museum Holiday Nostalgia Rides: Consisting of eight cars from the 1930s. See link for times and accessible stations.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024: Taylor Swift Eras Party: Tarrytown, N.Y. A chance to sing the musician’s songs, and play with Swifite crafts. Check for cost. (Shames JCC on the Hudson)

Sun., Dec. 15 and Tues., Dec. 17, 2024: The Sound of Music Sing-Along: A sensory-friendly event at Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville.

Sun., Dec. 15, 2024 and Sat., Jan. 11, 2024: NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show Sensory Friendly: Sensory Friendly Mornings for a calmer visit to the Holiday Train Show. Additionally, ticket provides access to NYBG’s outdoor gardens and collections.

Sun., Jan. 5, 2024: New York City Ballet Sensory-Friendly George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^®: Slight modifications include adjustments to lighting and sound levels, designated break areas and additional event staffing to assist with audience needs.

Year-Round:

The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Boost’s 2024 Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults) 

I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

NYS Webinars, Resource Fairs & More Starting Dec. 6, 2024

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.

WEBINARS

Mon., Dec. 9, 2024: Parenting with Pride and Disabilities: Group for parents of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. (Parent to Parent of NYS)

Tues., Dec. 10, 2024: Rockland County Transition Workshop Series for Families and Students with Disabilities in all Districts A guide for families to understanding OPWDD supports and services. (Transition workshops offered through Rockland BOCES and the Rockland Transition Consortium)

Tues., Dec. 10, 2024: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility (WIHD Community Support Network)

Tues., Dec. 10, 2024: Understanding Self-Direction: Learn what Self-Direction is and the many benefits it can offer. (Parent to Parent of NYS)

Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024: Residential Placement Online Discussion Group: Support and conversation for families with children and adults of all ages that currently have children in residential school or a group home. (Parent to Parent of NYS)

Mon., Dec. 16, 2024: Have you wondered about BOCES?: Get your questions answered about their educational supports and services. If you have difficulty registering, email jbaumann@putnamils.org or call (845) 228-7457, ext. 1108. (The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force)

Tues., Dec. 17, 2024: What is Medicaid and how can we save it — again? (Autistic Self Advocacy Network)

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards: Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2025: The awards from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

Photo: Explore keeping fit with Hear Our Voices! (Credit: Pexels.com) 

NYS Rec & Entertainment Starting Dec. 6, 2024

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.

REC & ENTERTAINMENT

Sundays in December, 2024: NYC Transit Museum Holiday Nostalgia Rides: Consisting of eight cars from the 1930s. See link for times and accessible stations.

Fri., Dec. 6, 2024: Mom’s Night Out at Breakthrough Fit: Hartsdale, N.Y. A night of yoga and wine for moms while kids are upstairs doing activities and eating pizza. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $45.

Sat., Dec. 7: Moana 2: Bedford Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Screening: Bedford, N.Y. (Westchester County)

Sun., Dec. 8, 2024: The Nightmare Before Christmas: Jacob Burns Film Center’s Sensory Friendly Screening:  Pleasantville, N.Y.

Wed., Dec. 11, 2024: Hear Our Voices Holiday Party: For members of this self-advocacy group or those interested in becoming one. Live DJ and Karaoke. Cost: Free. Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Address: WIHD Cedarwood Hall, 20 Hospital Oval W, Valhalla, NY. RSVP to Mkikoler@wihd.org or call 914-493-8119.

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024: Holly Jolly Karaoke Party: Levittown, N.Y. (Long Island). Space is limited. RSVP by end of day Monday, Dec. 9, to Yonette at 516-796-0144.

Sun., Dec. 15, 2024 and Sat., Jan. 11, 2024: NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show Sensory Friendly: Sensory Friendly Mornings for a calmer visit to the Holiday Train Show. Additionally, ticket provides access to NYBG’s outdoor gardens and collections.

Sun., Jan. 5, 2024: New York City Ballet Sensory-Friendly George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^®: Slight modifications include adjustments to lighting and sound levels, designated break areas and additional event staffing to assist with audience needs.

Year-Round:

The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Boost’s 2024 Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults) 

I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs

Photo Credit: PickPik