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.
Month of November, 2024: Omnium, an Inclusive Circus: Through Nov. 10, this circus will be at various places around NYS. It offers integrated ASL, assisted listening devices, a calming area in the lobby, ADA seating and more.
Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Free Introductory Lacrosse Clinic for First-Time Players: An inclusive Wheelchair Pick Up & Play Event sponsored by USA Lacrosse in Bedford, N.Y. (Able Athletics)
Sun., Nov. 10, 2024: Especially Everyone Concert & Dance Party!: The EE Experience will be at the Shames JCC on the Hudson. An inclusive and interactive musical experience, it encourages participation from people of all abilities. Sensory accommodations are made through sound and light design, as well as a sensory-break area. Cost: $15-$20
Fall, 2024: Jacob Burns Film Center’s Sensory Friendly Screenings: Located in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: Bedford Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Located in Bedford, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: ReelAbilities New York Fall Lineup: ReelAbilities is a film festival and streaming service focusing on people with disabilities. All events and screenings are held at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Fall, 2024: Intrepid Museum Fall Access Programs: NYC’s Intrepid Museum’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
Photo: Stock image of a boy playing lacrosse, pexels.com
The world’s first TV station run for and by people with learning disabilities and autism, key takeaways from an investigation into magnetic resonance therapy and more developmental disability news for the week ending Oct. 25, 2024.
NY candidates discuss their stance on Disability rights ahead of elections (WBFO.org)
Teachers’ pay at LI schools for the disabled lags far behind public schools (Newsday.com)
Kansas disability waitlists see major progress after legislative action Some Kansans with disabilities have had to wait for more than 10 years to obtain a disability waiver. (newsfromthestates.com)
Inside the world’s first TV station run for and by people with learning disabilities All the reporters at TV BRA – which means “TV Good” – are disabled or autistic; most have a learning disability. (BBC)
More kids than ever need special education, but burnout has caused a teacher shortage More than half of U.S. public schools anticipate being short-staffed in special education. (The Conversation)
Key takeaways from our investigation into the science behind an alternative autism therapy In recent years, dozens of clinics in the U.S. and beyond have started offering an experimental treatment called magnetic resonance therapy, or MERT. (Los Angeles Times)
Mom Reveals Early Signs of Autism by Sharing Video of Her 8-Month-Old (Newsweek)
Families sacrifice time and money caring for loved ones Across the U.S., family members caring for loved ones provide an estimated $600 billion in unpaid services each year, sacrificing time, money and often their well-being to care for aging loved ones, according to an AARP survey. (CBSnews.com)
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the airline “provided unsafe and undignified physical assistance to passengers” that at times resulted in injuries. (NBCnews.com)
The Mets Gave My Son With Autism a Gift. Now Is a Good Time to Say Thank You This is a sweet love letter. (New York Times)
The U.S. Department of Labor has a new tool that provides access to more than 700 accommodation ideas for workers with disabilities and their employers.
The Situations and Solutions Finder offers examples of workplace accommodations shared by users of the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service of the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Examples are from organizations large and small, across industries, and from the private and public sectors.
The tool allows users to filter and save results by disability, limitation and/or occupation. Developmental disability options include “Autism Spectrum,” “Intellectual Impairment,” “Learning Disability,” “Non-Verbal Learning Disability,” “Neurodiversity” and “Speech Impairment.”
After choosing the disability, a series of examples and solutions are offered.
The press release for the new tool notes that not all examples of accommodations “may be effective for every person or workplace, as accommodations are unique to each individual, but common patterns exist to assist employers and workers in assessing options.”
It also reports that a survey of JAN data from employers between 2019 and 2024 finds nearly half of reported accommodations for workers with disabilities can be made at no cost and that the median cost for those that require a one-time expense is $300.
Time goes fast and while it seems as if New York State’s 2024-25 fiscal year budget recently passed, Gov. Kathy Hochul will be submitting her next Executive Budget in January two-and-a-half months from now.
The intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community consistently is given short shrift in New York’s budgets, and many of the crises connected to this vulnerable population have been left to fester and grow.
To have your voice heard, you can join New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) at its Capitol Rally on Tues., Nov. 19, 2024, at the NYS State Capitol Building in Albany. Its focus is the 2025-26 Executive Budget, and it has three legislative priorities it believes will help stabilize support systems:
“Systemic underfunding has driven us into a critical staffing crisis and left nonprofit provider agencies struggling to provide adequate supports for New Yorkers with disabilities,” Mike Alvaro, NYDA president, tells The Boost in an email. “A 7.8% Medicaid rate increase this year would stop the bleeding and allow every aspect of care — including direct support providers, housing, food, transportation, and more — to receive the necessary resources.”
Rally Details
When: Tues., Nov. 19, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: New York State Capitol Building, War Room, 2nd Fl., State Street and Washington Avenue, Albany, N.Y., 12224
NYDA is a statewide coalition of more than 300 non-profit organizations providing services and support to more than 130,000 New Yorkers with I/DD. For more information on NYDA, visits its website.
How to find autism-friendly colleges, a national shortage of special ed classroom assistants and more developmental disability news to know for the week ending Oct. 18, 2024.
Home care supplier: New York state needs more time for CDPAP Medicaid changes One of four regional subcontractors helping to administer changes to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program said lawmakers need to delay the April 1 deadline when they return to Albany next year. (Spectrum News)
Opinion: NY ABLE celebrates seven-year anniversary I’m including this as a reminder that savings don’t have to jeopardize public benefits. (City & State)
RISE Life Services Opens New Day Hab Center in Suffolk County (Long Island Press)
How NYC high school admissions process sorts kids by race, poverty, disability (Chalkbeat)
Judge halts Robert Roberson execution minutes before death sentence Despite flawed forensic testimony, an autistic father — whose perceived unemotional behavior was deemed inappropriate by police officers and others — has been on death row.
After 304 days in the ER, Maine girl finally gets a home The stay highlights the severe shortage in services for children with disabilities. (Portland Press Herald)
Disability advocate group working to serve Helene victims after Asheville office damaged When one local Arc office was destroyed, another stepped in. (wral.com)
N.M. Health Care Authority must provide in-home nursing services to children with life-threatening illnesses So says the law. (SantaFeNewMexican.com)
How to Find Autism-Friendly Colleges (USnews.com)
New Programs Create Opportunities for Students Who Have I/DDI Dallas College coordinates accommodations and support for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to programs and services. (TexasMetroNews.com)
With Record Special Ed Enrollment, Schools Face ‘Dire’ Shortage Of Trained Staff Special ed assistants are highly sought after, according to school leaders and staffing agencies. (Disability Scoop)
Voters with disabilities are feeling ignored by presidential candidates: Report Issues range from inaccessible campaign materials to Trump’s discriminatory statements. (ABC News)
Sensory-Friendly Halloween for Autistic Children A how-to guide. (Autism Parenting Magazine)
Reframing How We View Neurodivergent Children (Psychology Today)
Suit Over Gender Dysphoria Could Dismantle New Disability Rules I found this 17 state lawsuit — led by Texas — pretty scary. “The attack is really about the regulatory process of the federal government, and this will impact almost every interaction that a disabled person has with the services and supports that they receive.” (Mother Jones)
New Report on Home and Community-based Services It’s from the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. (Capitol Connection)
Why Does Philanthropy Keep Overlooking Disability Funding? (Philanthropy.com)
Tears As Little Girl in Wheelchair Finally Sees a Barbie Who Looks Like Her “Seeing a Barbie in a wheelchair lights up Dallas’ day.” (Newsweek)
These Apps Help People With Disabilities Travel More Easily They offer an array of info about accessible and inclusive locations, from ramps and sensory needs to gender neutral restrooms. (Wired)
On Creating Nuanced Depictions Of Neurodivergence Onscreen Once More, Like Rain Man follows a young actress on the spectrum as she auditions for “the limited, stereotypical roles for neurodivergent creatives.” (Deadline)
Takeaways From the Christopher Reeve Documentary ‘Super/Man’ Perhaps the most relatable: Money is a problem even for Superman when it comes to at-home medical care, with Reeve’s having costed $400,000 annually. (New York Times)
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.
Sat., Oct. 26, 2024: Miracle League of Westchester’s A Very Special Halloween: Trick or treating, hayrides, sensory haunted house and more, for people with special needs.
Month of November, 2024: Omnium, an Inclusive Circus: From Nov. 1 – Nov. 10, this circus will be at various places around New York State. It includes integrated ASL, assisted listening devices, a calming area in the lobby, ADA seating and more.
Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Free Introductory Lacrosse Clinic for First-Time Players: An inclusive Wheelchair Pick Up & Play Event sponsored by USA Lacrosse in Bedford, N.Y. (Able Athletics)
Sun., Nov. 10, 2024: Especially Everyone Concert & Dance Party!: The EE Experience will be at the Shames JCC on the Hudson. An inclusive and interactive musical experience, it encourages participation from people of all abilities. Sensory accommodations are made through sound and light design, as well as a sensory-break area. Cost: $15-$20
Fall, 2024: Jacob Burns Film Center’s Sensory Friendly Screenings: Located in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: Bedford Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Located in Bedford, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: ReelAbilities New York Fall Lineup: ReelAbilities is a film festival and streaming service focusing on people with disabilities. All events and screenings are held at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Fall, 2024: Intrepid Museum Fall Access Programs: NYC’s Intrepid Museum’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
Thurs., Nov. 7, 2024: Transition – Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle/High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes
Fri., Oct. 25, 2024: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility: Learn about the range of OPWDD services available to you and your loved one, and about the requirements for service eligibility. (WIHD Community Support Network)
Wed., Oct. 30, 2024: How can the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP) work with you?: This segment will cover the basics and provide information on the program and its eligibility. (Jawonio)
Fri., Nov. 1 & Fri., Nov. 8, 2024: Tinder, Grindr & More: Supporting People with IDD Who Are Dating Online: Part One is Online Safety, Part Two is Using the App. (NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation)
Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Financial Empowerment: Small Steps for Big Results: This session provides tips and tools to help build or expand financial literacy that is inclusive of people with disabilities. (Jawonio)
Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Waiting for an Educational Placement: A growing number of students with disabilities are placed on home instruction while waiting for an appropriate educational placement. What you need to know about district-provided home instruction and placement waitlists. (Disability Rights NY)
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services Webinar: With an overview of OPWDD Eligibility and Care Management. (AHRC NYC)
Wed., Nov. 20, 2024: Hear Our Voices! Monthly Disability Conversations Group: Hear Our Voices!, part of WIHD’s Community Support Network, explores relevant topics for self-advocates. Meets monthly the third Wednesday of each month. Up next: Nov. 20. All dates at link.
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day. Scholarships are available, check them out here.
Sat., Oct. 26, 2024: Annual Disability Awareness Fair in Poughkeepsie: Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products and services. (Taconic Resources for Independence)
Fri., Nov. 15, 2024: 40th Annual Queens Family Support Research Fair (Queens Council on Developmental Disabilities)
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: Audience participation at an Especially Everyone Experience (courtesy of EE).
This past spring, Social Security loosened several barriers to accessing SSI payments. On Sept. 30, 2024, they went into effect.
First, the agency will no longer include food in its In-Kind Support and Maintenance (IMS) calculations. This removes a critical barrier for SSI eligibility due to an applicant’s or recipient’s receipt of informal food assistance from friends, family, and community networks of support.
Second, it has expanded its ISM rental subsidy exception that until now been available only for SSI applicants and recipients residing in seven states, including New York. This final rule provides that a “business arrangement” exists, such that the SSI applicant or recipient is not considered to be receiving ISM in the form of room or rent, when the amount of monthly required rent for the property equals or exceeds the presumed maximum value (PMV). (The above link breaks this down.)
This is “expected to offer about 41,000 people a bump of roughly $132 per month in benefits,” reports Disability Scoop.
And third, there is now an expanded definition of a Public Assistance Household, which should make more people qualified for SSI. See details at the link.
Two years ago, in 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) devised a strategy to support family caregivers. The need for change was all too clear.
The report, the “National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers” noted that:
As many of you know, family caregivers are the foundation of the nation’s system of long-term care. Replacing the support they provide with paid services would cost an estimated $600 billion, according to AARP.
The 2022 strategy was developed jointly by the advisory councils created by the RAISE Family Caregiving Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act, with extensive input from the public, including family caregivers and the people they support. It had five goals:
1: Increase awareness of and outreach to family caregivers;
2: advance partnerships and engagement with family caregivers;
3: strengthen services and supports for family caregivers;
4: ensure financial and workplace security for family caregivers;
5: expand data, research, and evidence-based practices to support family caregivers.
And it presented nearly 350 actions the federal government would take to support family caregivers in the coming year — limited, however, to activities possible under existing budgets, programs, and authorities — and more than 150 actions that could be adopted at other levels of government and across the private sector to build a system to support family caregivers.
The U.S.Dept. of Human Health & Services has now released the “2024 Federal Progress Report” on the strategy. So, how is it doing? Below, a quick summary.
This includes:
There’s much more needed, and hopefully much more help on the way. The update is a fairly easy, if long, read, so check out the report if interested in the details.
Photo: Nathan Anderson on Unsplash
The NYS Comptroller’s alarming school statistic, alleged CDPAP fraud, how to prepare for a disaster when caring for a person with disabilities and more developmental disability news for the week ending Oct. 11, 2024.
Report: Almost All Disabled Students Lack Access to College Readiness Programs
This report from the Center for Learning Equity is an analysis of charter and district school enrollment of students with disabilities. Botton line: It finds a “devastating lack of access” to the opportunities that make college possible.
Some highlights:
Interestingly, research shows that 85% of students in special education are capable of achieving on grade level. “There’s no barrier that’s stopping them if their needs are met.” (The74million.org)
Eight Individuals Charged in $68 Million Social Adult Day Care and Home Health Care CDPAP Scheme They allegedly siphoned off Medicaid funds through a network of social adult day cares and a home health care fiscal intermediary. (Brooklyn Eagle)
One in three NYS students missed 10% of the 2022-2023 school year, per Comptroller In the Large City high schools, the 2022-2023 absenteeism rate for students with disabilities was an alarming 71.2%. (News10.com)
School Absences Rise as Special Ed Fails Students A class-action lawsuit argues that the NYC school system falls short in helping students with emotional disabilities. (New York Times)
NYS schools get renewed Special Olympic status 13 schools have been named new National Banner Unified Champion Schools, and nine more renewed their status for another four-year term. (Finger Lakes Times)
Biden DOJ weighs in on NYC lawsuit aimed at keeping NYPD from mental health responses It alleges NYC discriminates by typically sending police — rather than mental health specialists — to respond to 911 calls where someone is reported to be having a mental health crisis. (Gothamist)
Sen. Pete Harckham Honors Four Self-Advocates in Hudson Valley (Sen. Harckham)
Three Northwell Health GoHealth Urgent Care centers receive ‘Autism Friendly Designation’ (Huntington Now)
New law expands transportation options for NJ seniors and people with disabilities It expands on an existing pilot program that allows taxis, limos and ride-share services to replace NJ Transit’s oft-criticized Access Link vans. (northjersey.com)
San Antonio has first-in-US program offering new approach for children with autism Autism Community Network’s PACT program is said to focus on how parents can identify skills, not deficits. (ksat.com)
Hurricane Milton: What to do if you or a family member has disabilities, special needs This is for hurricanes in Florida, but it has a good checklist for any emergency. (USA Today)
How parents and caregivers of children with autism can evaluate potential treatments and interventions Experts on what to watch for. (Los Angeles Times)
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.
Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: The Danny Awards at NYC’s Town Hall: Musicians from around the globe perform at the awards show honoring musicians with disabilities. Tickets and livestream are free. (Daniel’s Music Foundation)
Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: Shames JCC on the Hudson One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop: Handmade bracelets, paintings and more created by neurodivergent artisans. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 20, 2024: Music For Life’s Halloween Band Festival in Nyack: Seven inclusive bands (with musicians 11 to 30 years old) will perform; costumes encouraged. Cost: $10. RSVP: info@musicforlifecenter.com
Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Free Introductory Lacrosse Clinic for First-Time Players: An inclusive Wheelchair Pick Up & Play Event sponsored by USA Lacrosse in Bedford, N.Y. (Able Athletics)
Fall, 2024: Jacob Burns Film Center’s Sensory Friendly Screenings: Located in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: Bedford Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Located in Bedford, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: ReelAbilities New York Fall Lineup: ReelAbilities is a film festival and streaming service focusing on people with disabilities. All events and screenings are held at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Fall, 2024: Intrepid Museum Fall Access Programs: NYC’s Intrepid Museum’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
Tues., Oct. 15, 2024: Learn about ACCES-VR: Adult Career and Continuing Ed Services: Find out what ACCES-VR is all about, what services they can provide to adults as well as students ages 14-21.
Wed., Oct. 16, 2024: Hear Our Voices! Monthly Disability Conversations Group: Hear Our Voices!, part of WIHD’s Community Support Network, explores relevant topics for self-advocates. Meets monthly the third Wednesday of each month. Oct. 16th is next up. All dates at link.
Wed., Oct. 16, 2024: Adapt Community Network 2024 Virtual Family Connect Summit: For parents/caregivers who have family members with developmental disabilities, and professionals.
Wed., Oct, 16, 2024: Guardianship 17A Filing Webinar: Walkthrough on filling out Guardianship 17A forms and filing. (AHRC NYC)
Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024: NYS BIPOC Virtual Parent Group: A space to learn, and share experiences and resources. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Fri., Nov. 1 & Fri., Nov. 8, 2024: Tinder, Grindr & More: Supporting People with IDD Who Are Dating Online: Part One is Online Safety, Part Two is Using the App. (NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation)
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services Webinar: With an overview of OPWDD Eligibility and Care Management. (AHRC NYC)
Tues., Oct. 15, 2024: Positive Behavior Solutions for Families (series) A four-session workshop series for parents, families, and caregivers of children ages 2-5. (Lower Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Wed., Oct. 16, 2024 – Fri., Oct. 18, 2024: Skirboll Family Autism Conference: Free 3-day interactive conference offers information sessions presented by national experts on various topics related to autism spectrum disorder.
Fri., Oct. 18, 2024: SILO’s 7th Annual Self-Advocacy Free Conference in Long Island: Self-Initiated Living Options along with guest speakers, workshop facilitators, professionals, community members and their families will share experiences on empowerment through self-advocacy for people with disabilities.
Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: The 2024 Black Autistic Girls and Women’s Summit Free, virtual event addressing the needs and experiences of Black autistic girls and women. (Autism in Black)
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day. Scholarships are available, check them out here.
Sat., Oct. 26, 2024: Annual Disability Awareness Fair in Poughkeepsie: Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products and services. (Taconic Resources for Independence)
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: Audience participation at an Especially Everyone Experience (courtesy of EE).