Despite fierce opposition to the planned overhaul of the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, Gov. Kathy Hochul has awarded the multibillion-dollar contract to Georgia-based firm Public Partnerships, LLC.
Public Partnerships, which will move its headquarters to New York, will take over management of the program by mid-2025 and will subcontract with about 30 regional home care companies across the state, according to the governor’s announcement.
RELATED NEWS: A Timeline of the CDPAP Overhaul and Its Opposition
This single corporation is replacing the state’s existing network of approximately 600 fiscal intermediaries (FIs). The process of choosing the agency was done without oversight from the NYS comptroller’s office.
Advocates are up in arms, with many fearing the program hitting the state’s most vulnerable population will lead to chaos. Fox 5 News did a report on the change, and spoke with a recipient and a parent.
CDPAP is a Medicaid program that provides at-home health care services for eligible chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs). It gives recipients — roughly 250,000 New Yorkers participate in the program — flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers, and enables them to live in their communities of choice instead of, say, in institutions.
Some advocates argue that Hochul hopes to reduce the number of approximately 250,000 clients served, and that recipients could lose the long-time caregivers critical to daily living, and with whom they’ve created important ties. There are also anecdotal reports that caregivers risk a cut in wages.
Additionally, according to a report from Spectrum News 1 in late September, PPL has a history of delaying home care worker pay. It’s currently being sued in Pennsylvania for federal and state wage violations, and has faced allegations it fraudulently obtained its former contract in Pennsylvania.
Here are some of the the articles that came out after the announcement:
‘We’re flexible’: New York leaders eye leeway in home care program changes (State of Politics)
NY finalizes massive home care contract with Georgia company (Times-Union)
Public Partnerships, LLC to manage Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (Spectrum News 1)
Gov. Hochul picks Georgia firm to run NY home health care program over objections (Gothamist)
Statewide Protests against changes to CDPAP (wgrz.com)
State Celebrates Disability Rights Employment Awareness Month by Gutting Homecare Program that Employs and Serves People with Disabilities Press release from the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL)
Concerns over changes coming to Medicaid program, CDPAP (Rochester First)
The Boost’s Best Podcasts list is a way to discover the conversations and people who know exactly what parents, caregivers and self-advocates are going through. Ranging from let-it-all-out takes on raising children with disabilities to what an inclusive education can actually look like, there’s sure to be a podcast you’ll enjoy.
If you know of an exceptional podcast you think should be included, reach out! Contact The Boost or email fromtheboost@gmail.com
A Little Something Extra with Nancy Gianni & The GiGi
Just Needs: Parenting children with disabilities
Abilibee, a new, free app for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and the people who support them, is designed to help navigate the complex and difficult-to-understand systems and services offered by New York State from early intervention to adulthood.
The app offers planning tools to help with advocacy efforts, notifications for when to start transition planning activities, and provides contacts and useful information as well as a curated library of resources.
It’s from the non-profit Abilities First with funding from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
“It became clear that navigating the current system for individuals with developmental disabilities is overwhelming,” said Marcy Handler, director of Strategic Initiatives at Abilities First and project lead for Abilibee, in a press release. ”We wanted to create a solution that would close the gap, providing families with resources they need to confidently advocate and ensure they have access to the support they need and deserve.”
Get more information on the app at Abilibee.org.
NYS HCBS wavier renewed, some studies suggest autistic people are more likely to have eating disorders, and more developmental disability news for week ending Oct. 4, 2024.
Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Renewed It became effective Oct. 1, 2024, for a five-year period through September 2029.
Blue envelopes in NY cars are raising law enforcement awareness about autism Broome County Sheriff’s Department joins the growing initiative. (pressconnects.com)
A $15,000 grant will help families in Staten Island get autism services CrimsonRise was awarded a grant to create scholarships so that non-speaking autistic children can receive Spelling to Communicate services. (SIlive.com)
Westchester advocates lose bid to force Lyft to offer more wheelchair-accessible vehicles (AOL)
NY Lego resale store honored for providing jobs for people with disabilities Brick It Again in Valley Cottage, operated by Jawonio, is being given the 2024 Program Innovation Award from CP of New York State. (lohud.com)
NJ wants new penalties to fight abuse in group homes for people with disabilities Group homes for New Jerseyans with developmental disabilities could face a bevy of new regulations under legislation introduced in Trenton. (Northjersey.com)
Conn. Organization aims to increase employment for people with intellectual disabilities The Dept. of Aging and Disability Services/Bureau of Rehab Services and other local orgs partner to create AllWorkCT. (NBCconnecticut.com)
New Oregon program pays parents to care for kids with intensive medical, behavioral needs — but few can access it The rollout for the Children’s Extraordinary Needs program has exposed major limitations. (Investigate West)
$9M special ed fund to address failures from Flint water crisis The agreement establishes a Special Education Fund to cover special ed and related services, paid for in large part by the State of Michigan. (Detroit News)
Michigan’s vulnerable students continue to miss school at higher rates than peers Post-pandemic, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students were chronically absent at a rate notably higher than statewide average. (Chalkbeat.org)
Overcrowded classrooms in Ohio a ‘nightmare’ for kids with autism “Are we always going to have to fight for them to get the education that they deserve?” (spectrumnews1.com)
Missourians with disabilities and seniors could lose at-home care under new eligibility algorithm The assistance is part of Medicaid’s home and community based services program. Can any state get this right? (Missouri Independent)
This disabled woman built a career. A federal program that helped now penalizes her In yet another instance of SSI’s out-of-date, overly complex rules, one women lost access to crucial medical coverage when her paycheck kicked her out of the program. (NPR)
(Also: See “Entertainment” below, for the View‘s interview with the star and director of Patrice: The Movie!)
Senate Punts On Autism Act Lawmakers approved a short-term extension of the nation’s primary autism law, but the path to renewing the measure, which includes nearly $2 billion for the developmental disability, could be rockier than expected. (Disability Scoop)
Some studies suggest autistic people and those with ADHD are more likely to have eating disorders. Here’s why (The Conversation)
The Students Who Are Overlooked by Most AI Tools A new report points out that most AI technologies are not developed based on the needs of students with disabilities. (Education Week)
New unified robotics program promotes inclusivity between students, school districts The program in Pennsylvania creates teams that integrate neurotypical and neurodiverse students who will work together with the goal of winning a December competition. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
More Restrooms Have Adult-Size Changing Tables To Help People With Disabilities A new federal law will mandate them in many airports in coming years, and states can adopt building codes that call for them. (KFF Health News)
‘Patrice: The Movie’ stars and director talk new documentary And on over on ABC’s The View, Whoopi Goldberg described the documentary as shining “a much-needed light on the next phase of marriage equality: People with disabilities.” The film explores the SSI marriage penalty. (abcnews.go.com)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, registration links. If you have a free event, webinar or other information you’d like to share with The Boost, please contact us here.
Sun., Oct. 6, 2024: The EE Experience at The Nyack Center is an inclusive, interactive musical experience that encourages participation from people of all abilities. Sensory accommodations are made through sound and light design, as well as a sensory-break area.
Sat., Oct. 5,2024: Harvest Mess & Music Fest in Briarcliff Manor Music and sensory play for children 6 months to 12 years.
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: New York City’s Intrepid Museum offers monthly 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. 1, 2024: Navigating the Special Ed Journey in NYC (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Fri., Oct. 4, 2024: Introduction and overview of OPWDD and Family support services Presented by Jacqueline Tripodi of NY State Institution on Disability. (Citywide Council for District 75 NYC)
Tues., Oct. 8, 2024: Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member: Four-hour virtual parent member training given four times per year. (Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center; Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center; NYSED OSE Partnership)
Tues., Oct. 8, 2024: Understanding & Monitoring IEP Goals: (Monroe Woodbury SEPTA and Westchester Independent Living Services)
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Parenting With Pride: New virtual support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Guardianship and Future Care Planning (AHRC NYC)
Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024: What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education?: Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Learn how to communicate effectively. (Adapt Community Network)
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: Guardianship 17A Filing Webinar: Walkthrough on filling out Guardianship 17A forms and filing. (AHRC NYC)
Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024: NYS BIPOC Virtual Parent GroupA space: A space to learn, and share experiences and resources. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
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. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services Webinar: With an overview of OPWDD Eligibility and Care Management. (AHRC NYC)
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services (AHRC NYC)
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium in Albany: Third annual. Assists in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers and more.
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Diverse Abilities Job Fair at Westchester County Center: One-on-one time slots with certain employers will be available only during the first hour and then time with these employers will open to other attendees.
Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024: Virtual Family Connect Summit: From Adapt Community Network. For children with disabilities, families, providers and other stakeholders to learn about navigating services.
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: 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. In Long Island.
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: (Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day.) Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Some 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)
Photo: Audience participation at an Especially Everyone Experience (courtesy of EE).
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, registration links. If you have a free event, webinar or other information you’d like to share with The Boost, please contact us here.
Sun., Oct. 6, 2024: The EE Experience at The Nyack Center is an inclusive, interactive musical experience that encourages participation from people of all abilities. Sensory accommodations are made through sound and light design, as well as a sensory-break area.
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: The Ride Ahead Virtual Sneak Peek Samuel Habib and Dan Habib screen and discuss their new feature film, The Ride Ahead, which follows Samuel Habib, “a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability.”
Sat., Oct. 5,2024: Harvest Mess & Music Fest in Briarcliff Manor Music and sensory play for children 6 months to 12 years.
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: New York City’s Intrepid Museum offers monthly programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
Mon., Sept. 30, 2024: Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families Training: To promote and encourage student and family involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. (Lower Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Navigating the Special Ed Journey in NYC (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Tues., Oct. 8, 2024: Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member: This is a 4-hour virtual parent member training given four times per year. (Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center; Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center; NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Parenting With Pride: New virtual support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Wed., Oct. 16, 2024: Hear Our Voices! Monthly Disability Conversations Group: Hear Our Voices!, part of WIHD’s Community Support Network, is educational programming that explores relevant topics for self-advocates. It meets monthly via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month. Oct. 16th is next up. Get all dates and register at the link.
Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024: NYS BIOPOC Virtual Parent GroupA space: A space to learn, and share experiences and resources. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services Webinar: With an overview of OPWDD Eligibility and Care Management. (AHRC NYC)
Fri., Sept. 27, 2024: Legislative Advocacy 101 session (Coalition for Self Direction)
Mon., Sept. 30, 2024: Census Bureau Livestreams Meeting With Stakeholders on Disability Data Needs
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium in Albany: Third annual. Assists in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers and more.
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Diverse Abilities Job Fair at Westchester County Center: One-on-one time slots with certain employers will be available only during the first hour and then time with these employers will open to other attendees.
Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024: Virtual Family Connect Summit: From Adapt Community Network. For children with disabilities, families, providers and other stakeholders to learn about navigating services.
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.
Wed., Oct, 16, 2024: Guardianship 17A Filing Webinar: Walkthrough on filling out Guardianship 17A forms and filing. (AHRC NYC)
Fri., Oct. 18, 2024: SILO’s 7th Annual Self-Advocacy Free Conference: 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. In Long Island.
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. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. NOTE: CALL FOR VENDORS! If interested, contact Annie Bridson, director, Supportive Services, Shames JCC, at abridson@shamesjcc.org.
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: (Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day.) Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Some scholarships are available, check them out here.
Deadline Sept. 30, 2024: The Patricio “Pat” Figueroa, Jr. Scholarships: From NYS Independent Living Council. Provides funding for young adults with disabilities to attend and participate in independent living-related conferences, and/or national disability and leadership trainings.
Photo: A crowd circle at an Especially Everyone Experience (courtesy of EE).
The Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election is coming up fast. Now — right now! — is the time to make sure that self-advocates and all the people in our lives with developmental disabilities have their voices heard. The Boost’s NYS 2024 Voting Guide can help make that happen.
This easy-to-read, step-by-step guide serves a dual purpose. It’s a general, detailed overview of voting, from registration and voting deadlines to how to find your poll site, and a resource for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their parents and caregivers. It covers topics such as who can vote, an issue most pertinent to guardianships, accessibility and disability voter rights.
To put this piece together, The Boost relied on a variety of carefully curated links from expert sources. Links to these sites and more can be found under “Resources” at the bottom of this article.
For people with developmental disabilities, having a vote is hardly ever a given. Decisions are made by others all the time — by Medicaid, family members, advocates, providers.
But the right to vote in an election extends, in theory (more about that later) to every U.S. citizen. It’s a fundamental right, one that can empower people to speak up in all parts of their lives.
“Voting lets people with [developmental disabilities] participate as citizens in the decisions made by their local communities and at the state and federal levels. It’s a major way for them to raise their voice,” says Jonathan Goldwasser, senior supervisor at YAI and a facilitator of its Hudson Valley, New York, self-advocacy group.
In the 2020 presidential election, 17.7 Million Americans with disabilities voted, a “significant increase” over 2016, according to a report from the Program for Disability Research at Rutgers University and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). And turnout increased by 5.9 points relative to 2016’s Trump vs. Clinton match-up — slightly more than the increase among citizens without disabilities.
Heartening, but there’s so much room for improvement. In 2020, 38 million citizens with all disabilities were eligible to vote — representing close to one-sixth of the electorate.
Below, The Boost’s 2024 Voting Guide.
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is up against Republican former president Donald J. Trump.
Also on the ticket are four third-party candidates: (Note: Some will not appear on all state ballots.) Independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who suspended his run but plans to remain on some ballots; Independent Cornel West; Green Party’s Jill Stein; and the Libertarian Party’s Chase Oliver.
While the Constitution protects the fundamental right to vote, it also gives states the authority to set voting qualifications for both federal and state elections.
You’re eligible to vote in New York if you meet all of the following requirements:
Most pertinent to the IDD population is the issue of guardianship. Parents who pursue guardianship of their adult child with a developmental disability may worry that this will endanger their child’s right to vote.
While New York Election Law § 5-106(6) states that no person who has been adjudged incompetent may vote in New York State, New York’s Article 17A guardianship law, which provides for guardianship of a person with IDD, “is silent as to declaring a person incompetent,” says Sandi Rosenbaum, a Special Education / Special Needs Advocate at Littman Krooks, LLP, in New York.
“Rather, it addresses whether such a person needs a guardian to make personal, financial, and medical decisions for them to protect their interests. Thus, a finding that a person requires a guardian does not inherently constitute a finding of incompetence, and being subject to Article 17A guardianship does not, on its own, deny a person’s eligibility to vote.”
The important takeaway: Only a judge can make the decision that someone is not competent to vote. Election officials and poll workers cannot stop someone from voting because of a disability.
You must register before you can vote in New York.
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) has a brightly designed, easy-to-read online packet that details what to do before stepping into the booth. It’s geared toward support staff in group homes, but it’s a great outline to ensure your loved one has a plan.
The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has a FAQ that’s also helpful.
One easy way is via Check Your Registration at vote.org.
Voter registration info in multiple languages can be found here.
(Info from voterriders.org).
To register to vote:
If you don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number you provide to official records, you’ll have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
You can use one of the following:
Register online: Oct. 26, 2024, deadline.
Mail Registration: Applications must be received by a board of elections no later than Oct. 26, 2024.
In Person Registration: Oct. 26, 2024.
NOTE: You will be notified if you need to provide ID with your ballot.
Early mail ballots: Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot.
Accessible ballots: For voters with a print disability, which means any disability that interferes with the effective reading, writing, or use of printed material, and require a ballot with accessible features.
You can also call 800-367-8683 to request an absentee ballot application.
NOTE: In-person voting using an accessible Ballot Marking Device (“BMD”) during early voting or on Election Day is still available to voters with a disability who do not want to vote using the accessible ballot system.
Absentee ballots: Qualifications include:
POLL SITES
This easy form can help you quickly find your site.
VOTING DEADLINES
Note: early in-person voting and mail-in voting can help make the process less stressful for some.
You don’t need a government-issued ID to vote in-person.
If you didn’t verify your identity when you registered, you need to provide ID the first time you vote for President or Congress.
It might be useful to know what kind of voting machine will be at the polling place. The NYS Board of Elections provides some of that information here.
Voters with disabilities have the federal right to vote privately and independently by marking a paper ballot or using a Ballot Marking Device (BMD). This device is equipped with features to allow the voter to adjust for size and contrast the ballot image, and allow the use of a “Sip-N-Puff” or paddle device by voters with limited hand dexterity.
Every polling site is required to have a BMD in working order. Poll staff are trained and must be prepared to assist all voters requesting to use the BMD, regardless of their disability.
NOTE: Despite the requirement, not every site has a BMD or, at least, one in working order. Reach out to your County Board of Election if you have questions.
Can a person with I/DD have someone with them to help them vote? A resounding “yes.” Check out 13 Things Voters with Disabilities Need to Know from Disability Rights New York (DRNY) to learn about this and more. It also has helpful information such as where to call with accessibility complaints
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has a handy Your Federal Voting Rights wallet-size card that can be printed out and taken to the voting site. It’s a great resource to have on hand should there be a problem and a way to ensure that poll workers know the law, too.
If you have any problems when you vote, you can contact:
OPWDD: FAQ About Voting
Rev Up: Toolkit
Self-Advocacy Association of New York (SANYS)
U.S. Dept. of Justice Voting Rights and Elections Website
U.S. Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities
COVID-19, which caused academic setbacks for students nationwide, was found to disproportionately impact three vulnerable populations: those with disabilities, English learners and homeless youth.
The data, from a new report from the Center on Reimagining Public Education (CRPE), found that these vulnerable populations are struggling due to the lack of needed resources for academic recovery.
Below, two key highlights from the report, The State of the American Student: Fall 2024.
Chronic Absenteeism Rates Skyrocket
As an example, the report points to Los Angeles, where chronic absenteeism among English learners “more than doubled among students with disabilities.” And in Minneapolis, it “doubled or nearly doubled among students with disabilities in more than a third of schools.”
Special Education Referrals At All-Time High
The report notes that in 2022–23, 7.5 million public school students received services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “Anecdotally, school and district leaders nationwide report that kindergartners are entering school with significant academic and social struggles, leading to higher referral rates to special education.”
The 74 Million’s Special Ed Students, English Learners Face Greatest Setbacks has more of the important details.
Child care harder to find for children and parents with disabilities, CDPAP opposition grows, and more developmental disability news for week ending Sept. 20, 2024.
Think Child Care is Hard to Find? It’s Even Tougher for Children, Parents with Disabilities
While most parents struggle to find child care, parents of children with disabilities — and parents with disabilities themselves — often face additional challenges, according to a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
There are various barriers to finding and using child care programs, including:
For one specific example, child care programs often require children to be toilet trained by age 3. “For some parents of children with disabilities—this can be an automatic disqualifier for their child,” the report notes.
You can read the whole report here.
Home care agencies sue N.Y. in federal court over CDPAP change Four home care agencies serving New York City and its suburbs join a wave of opposition against the plan. (Times Union)
Center for Disability Rights Calls on Hochul to Protect CDPAP and the Disability-Led Organizations that Established Them (Center for Disability Rights)
NYC cracked down on private school special ed costs. Hundreds of children lost services. The city’s Ed Dept. has stepped up enforcement of a June 1 deadline for special ed services — one loosely enforced — while simultaneously giving families less notice about the deadline than in past years. (Chalkbeat)
Lawmaker Calls On State Leaders to Reform New York’s Beleaguered Guardianship System A resolution intends to force Albany to take up the cause of those whom judges have deemed incapable of managing their own affairs. (ProPublica)
Tom Golisano Gifts $360 Million to 82 Non-Profits Across Upstate New York They include disability services. (Democrat & Chronicle)
Museum telling history of people with disabilities to open on Long Island Slated to open in the fall of 2025, it reportedly will be the nation’s only brick-and-mortar museum on the topic. (Long Island Business News)
Fed-up families say N.J. ignores abuse in group homes. But that may change soon The state doesn’t have the authority to impose fines when developmentally disabled get hurt inside state-licensed facilities. Lawmakers are weighing a change. (nj.com)
Conn. airport airline offers children with autism a chance to get used to boarding process Bradley Airport hosted its third “Autism Flies” event in partnership with Autism Double-Checked and Breeze Airways. (NBC Connecticut)
Johns Hopkins health system to pay disabled patients for alleged violations during COVID In one instance, a young woman with intellectual disabilities reportedly was not allowed to bring her mother into the hospital’s psychiatric unit after being admitted after a suicide attempt. (Washington Post)
‘I hope it makes a difference’: Parents who helped spark Maine DOJ lawsuit speak out (New Center Maine)
For Oregonians with disabilities, mental health care can be tough to access (kgw.com)
Doctors Get Clearer Picture On Developmental Milestones For Kids With Down Syndrome (Disability Scoop)
Opinion: Having a Child With Down Syndrome Changed the Way I Think About IQ “As a lifelong overachiever, I’d never questioned the importance of intelligence tests—until I saw my daughter’s unique way of being.” (Wall Street Journal)
Opinion: Tina Brown, And When Even Autism Becomes Politicized Another take on the media response to Gov. of Minnesota and vp nominee Gus Walz’s neurodivergent son, Gus. “This politicizing of autism and disabilities is not surprising: nearly all issues today are seen through the lens of partisan politics. But in the case of autism, it is especially misplaced and counterproductive.” (Forbes)
Autism CARES Act of 2024 Is Halfway There The bill passes the House, and the Senate’s up next. Deadline: Sept. 30, 2024. (Autism Society)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, registration links. If you have a free event, webinar or other information you’d like to share with The Boost, please contact us here.
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. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. NOTE: CALL FOR VENDORS! If interested, contact Annie Bridson, director, Supportive Services, Shames JCC, at abridson@shamesjcc.org.
Sat., Sept. 21, 2024: Bedford Trifesta 2024: Music, face painting, a “Zen Zone” for neurodivergent children and families, and more.
Sun., Sept. 29, 2024: Rockefeller State Park Preserve’s Abilities Celebration: Second annual. Includes debut of all-terrain chairs.
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: New York City’s Intrepid Museum offers monthly programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
Fri., Sept. 20, 2024: Special Ed Task Force Webinar: Updates on NYS special ed laws, regulations, state and federal guidance and other trending topics or issues. (Special Education Task Force [SETF])
Upcoming OPWDD Public Meetings, in-person or virtually:
Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: Nuts & Bolts of Transition Stipends for Housing Webinar: For those thinking about living independently or are supporting someone on their housing journey. (NY Housing Resource Center)
Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Preschool Special Education) for Families Webinar (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Thurs., Sept. 26, 2024: Let’s Talk About Sex and Sexuality: For parents, caregivers and helpers of neurodivergent adolescents and young adults. (Ramapo for Children)
Thurs., Sept. 26, 2024: Abilibee App Grand Launch Buzz New York-based Abilities First, with funding from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, is launching a free, innovative app named Abilibee. It’s an all-in-one guide to navigating life for individuals with developmental disabilities, from early intervention through adulthood, helping parents and caregivers be their best advocates. At the launch you’ll learn how to make the most of Abilibee in your daily life.
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Navigating the Special Ed Journey in NYC (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Wed., Oct. 6, 2024: Parenting With Pride: New virtual support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Sat., Sept. 21, 2024: Inclusive Services Resource Fair at Brooklyn Public Library: 10th Family Resource Fair for children and teens with disabilities.
Fri., Sept. 27, 2024: Legislative Advocacy 101 session From Coalition for Self Direction
Mon., Sept. 30, 2024: Census Bureau Livestreams Meeting With Stakeholders on Disability Data Needs
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium in Albany: Third annual. Assists in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers and more.
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Diverse Abilities Job Fair at Westchester County Center: One-on-one time slots with certain employers will be available only during the first hour and then time with these employers will open to other attendees.
Wed., Oct. 10, 2024: Virtual Family Connect Summit: From Adapt Community Network. For children with disabilities, families, providers and other stakeholders to learn about navigating services.
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: (Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day.) Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Some scholarships are available, check them out here.
Deadline Sept. 30, 2024: The Patricio “Pat” Figueroa, Jr. Scholarships: From NYS Independent Living Council. Provides funding for young adults with disabilities to attend and participate in independent living-related conferences, and/or national disability and leadership trainings.