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.
All are free unless otherwise noted.
Applications are open for Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD)’s LEND program
LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) is an interdisciplinary leadership training program on Thursdays from early September to early May.
It’s funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the federal government at 52 sites around the country.
The LEND Program at WIHD is for two semesters. LEND trainees include graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; self-advocates; and family members of children and adults with disabilities. Trainees develop knowledge and skills they will need to become leaders working with and on behalf of children with disabilities and other special health care needs, and their families, to improve health outcomes and decrease disparities.
Tues., April 15, 2025: Special Education Training: Tools to empower you at every step of navigating the special education system. (New York Lawyers for the Public Interest)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Considering Residential Placement: For families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home. Must register in advance to attend. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility: (WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists)
Wed., April 16, 2025: Self-Direction for the Long Haul: How to navigate the changing needs of individuals with complex support needs as they experience accelerated aging, including maintaining fidelity of staff training, sustaining relationship networks, and assuring engagement in meaningful activities while aging in place. (Part of the 2025 National Self-Direction Conference: Virtual Series.)
Thurs., April 17, 2025: Autism Myths and Misconceptions: Will cover topics including how the ways we talk about autism can hurt or help autistic people; how some autistic people are left out of people’s ideas about autism; some of the wrong things people believe about autism.
Thurs., April 17, 2025: Parent To Parent NYS-BIPOC Group: For Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC) and parents or caretakers of a loved one with special needs 21 years old and under. Come together as a group to learn, share experiences, resources and empower each other in a safe and confidential space.
Fri., April 25, 2025: Disability Mayoral Forum and discussion with candidates on accessibility and inclusion of NYC (CIDNY)
Thurs., May 1, 2025: Buffalo OPWDD Open House: Learn about developmental disability services, connect and network. Where: OPWDD, 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo. Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If reasonable accommodations are needed call 718-517-2010.
Thurs., May 15, 2025: 37th Annual Family Support Conference – Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council Inc. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. First come, first served. No “at the door/on-site” registration.
Wed., June 18, 2025: Brooklyn Developmental Disability Council Family Support Fair: Meet nearly 70 agencies that offer support to people with intellectual and developmentally disabled in Brooklyn.
Stock photo: Attend the Parent to Parent BIPOC group. (Credit: Unsplash.com)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here. It would be great to have more activities around the state.
DISCOUNT ALERT: Starting this month (April, 2025), all JBFC Kids screenings will offer $5 tickets for everyone — kids and adults alike, Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings all at the new, lower price.
Sat., April 12, 2025: Sensory-friendly A Minecraft Movie at the Bedford Playhouse
Sun., April 13, 2025: Diversability Meetup Club at the Harrison Library: Mingle, make new friends, and enjoy a sensory-friendly movie in a welcoming space. This event will also take place on the following Sundays in 2025: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.
Thurs., April 24, 2025: Especially Everyone Open Mic Night at River House: An inclusive open mic. Perform or enjoy the entertainment. Address: 125 River Rd Ext, Cos Cob, Conn.
Mon., April 28,2025: Flag Football with the New York Giants: An evening of football, fun, and community. At Pace University in Pleasantville. For athletes of all abilities. Cost: $25 and includes an official NFL football for autographs. (Able Athletics)
Wed., April 30, 2025: Neurodiversity Celebration Event at the Katonah Village Library
Sat., May 4, 2025: The Especially Everyone Experience, an inclusive concert: At the Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown. This interactive, sensory-friendly live music event is designed with neurodivergent-informed best practices so that people of all abilities can fully participate.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym: There are two New York-based We Rock the Spectrum franchises, one in New Rochelle (Westchester County), the other Staten Island. Locations in Brooklyn and Long Island in the works.
AMC Sensory-friendly films: Ten AMC movie theaters around New York State offering sensory-friendly screenings. Go to the link to find the ones near you.
The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities Added: Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan!
The Boost’s Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Photo: New York Giants (Credit: Flickr)
In New York, a restraining order throws up a CDPAP transition roadblock, the Trump administration’s latest orders affect “special needs” in education and community living, Georgia eliminates the subminimum wage, and more developmental disability news for the week ending April 4, 2025.
It seem with every new Trump administration headline comes more bad news for the disability community. In the last week-and-a-half alone, President Trump announced that: The Department of Education is closing and “special needs” — yes, it was that vague — is being moved to the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS); HSS is being gutted, with some 10,000 staffers expected to be fired; and HSS’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) will be eliminated.
Where will the ACL, the program that provides services and supports for people living in the community, actually land? And in what shape and with how many people? All unclear.
HHS firings undermine federal government’s ability to care for vulnerable Americans “The cuts, ostensibly to reduce redundancies and increase efficiency, have gutted entire agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services, and closed divisions across several agencies that explicitly deal with disability. What’s left, current and former employees say, may not be enough for the federal government to care for vulnerable populations, and imperil numerous services for aging populations, people with mental illness, and Medicare recipients.” (Stat/paywall)
RFK Jr. Moves to Close Administration For Community Living (Mother Jones)
A Second Trump Shock To Programs For Seniors And People With Disabilities (Forbes)
HHS layoffs hit Meals on Wheels and other services for seniors and disabled (NPR)
Judge partially blocks NY health department’s CDPAP transition The “beleaguered reorganization” faces a new roadblock after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that will block the state Dept. of Health from immediately ceasing to work with companies that have facilitated the services. (Times Union)
NELP urges Governor Hochul to delay CDPAP transition amid concerns (CBS 6 Albany)
John Mannion’s first bill would block Trump from dismantling special education programs (Syracuse.com)
New Yorkers living with disability face a crisis. We have to protect them | Opinion ((lohud.com)
Mother of nonverbal, autistic student in Buffalo Schools wants answers after incident with substitute The 5-year old, nonverbal student reportedly was “a bit bloody” because a substitute teacher had hurt the student’s arm. (Buffalo News; paywall)
Disabilities Beat: What funding for Daniel’s Law would mean to New Yorkers (WXXI)
Columbia OT Students Build Assistive Devices to Empower Local Children with Disabilities (Columbia Univ.)
New bill passes requiring Georgia workers with disabilities to be paid minimum wage (WSB Atlanta)
Illinois advocates push for new bill to limit waivers signed by parents of students with disabilities (Chalkbeat)
Colorado schools could soon be required to screen K-3 students for dyslexia (Chalkbeat)
Gov. Newsom releases California’s ‘Master Plan’ to support people with developmental disabilities (Times of San Diego)
Mehmet Oz confirmed as Secretary of Medicare and Medicaid agency (AP)
K-12 schools must sign certification against DEI to receive federal money, administration says (AP)
How the Education Department helps students with disabilities get an education The “administration hasn’t specified exactly which programs will be moved, and whether IDEA is among them, but the conservative policy playbook Project 2025 does propose moving IDEA to HHS.” (NPR)
Democrat senators probe Trump administration on the future of special education in the US (USA Today)
Special education and Trump: What parents and schools need to know (Hechinger Report)
A Texas Student was Kneed in the Face by a School Cop: Her Civil Rights Case is One of Thousands That May Never Be Resolved (The 74 Million)
Immigration Crackdowns Disrupt the Caregiving Industry. Families Pay the Price. (KFF Health News)
Bradley International Airport in Conn. becomes first to earn Autism Double-Checked certification (WWLP)
HHS firings undermine federal government’s ability to care for vulnerable Americans (Stat/paywall)
RFK Jr. Moves to Close Administration For Community Living (Mother Jones)
Judge partially blocks NY health department’s CDPAP transition (Times Union)
John Mannion’s first bill would block Trump from dismantling special ed programs (Syracuse.com)
New Yorkers living with disability face a crisis. We have to protect them | Opinion ((lohud.com)
Colorado schools could soon be required to screen K-3 students for dyslexia (Chalkbeat)
Gov. Newsom releases California’s ‘Master Plan’ to support people with developmental disabilities (Times of San Diego)
K-12 schools must sign certification against DEI to receive federal money, administration says (AP)
How the Education Department helps students with disabilities get an education (NPR)
Democrat senators probe Trump administration on the future of special education in the US (USA Today)
A Texas Student was Kneed in the Face by a School Cop: Her Civil Rights Case is One of Thousands That May Never Be Resolved (The 74 Million)
Immigration Crackdowns Disrupt the Caregiving Industry. Families Pay the Price. (KFF Health News)
Bradley International Airport in Conn. becomes first to earn Autism Double-Checked certification (WWLP)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here. It would be great to have more activities around the state.
DISCOUNT ALERT: Starting this month (April, 2025), all JBFC Kids screenings will offer $5 tickets for everyone — kids and adults alike, Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings all at the new, lower price.
Fri., April 4, 2025: Sensory Story Time at the Pound Ridge Library: Sensory story time for children ages 2 – 6 accompanied by a caregiver. Registration not required.
Fri., April 4, 2025 and Sun., April 6, 2025: 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival New York at the Shames JCC on the Hudson: The JCC in Tarrytown is screening three films from the world’s largest showcase of accessible international cinema by and about people with disabilities, reframing existing disability narratives will have.
Sat., April 5, 2025: Beauty & Bonding: Soap and Candle Making: Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown: A social group for women and all who identify as female and non-binary/gender expansive. This group has been created with the intention of providing a special place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. Cost: Member, $30; Non-Member, $35.
Sat., April 5, 2025 and Sun., April 6, 2025: Branching Out in Brookville, L.I.: An immersive theater production from the Tilles Center for Performing Arts designed for audiences on the autism spectrum as well as visitors with limited movement, sensory or complex communications needs.
Sun., April 6, 2025: Sensory-friendly Despicable Me at Jacob Burns Film Center: Starting in April, all JBFC Kids screenings will offer $5 tickets for everyone — kids and adults alike, Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings all at the new, lower price.
Mon., April 7, 2025: Blind AF at Jacob Burns Film Center: The documentary is centered on Shawn Cheshire, an army veteran, blind Paralympic champion, and world-record holder who takes on an unprecedented 3,600-mile cross-country bike journey on a single, non-tandem bicycle. Q&A with Director Gina Levay and Cheshire. Presented in partnership with the ReelAbilities Film Festival.
Sat., April 12, 2025: Sensory-friendly A Minecraft Movie at the Bedford Playhouse
Sun., April 13, 2025: Diversability Meetup Club at the Harrison Library: Mingle, make new friends, and enjoy a sensory-friendly movie in a welcoming space. This event will also take place on the following Sundays in 2025: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.
Thurs., April 24, 2025: Especially Everyone Open Mic Night at River House: An inclusive open mic. Perform or enjoy the entertainment. Address: 125 River Rd Ext, Cos Cob, Conn.
Mon., April 28,2025: Flag Football with the New York Giants: An evening of football, fun, and community. At Pace University in Pleasantville. For athletes of all abilities. Cost: $25 and includes an official NFL football for autographs. (Able Athletics)
Wed., April 30, 2025: Neurodiversity Celebration Event at the Katonah Village Library
Sat., May 4, 2025:The Especially Everyone Experience, an inclusive concert: At the Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown. This interactive, sensory-friendly live music event is designed with neurodivergent-informed best practices so that people of all abilities can fully participate.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym: There are two New York-based We Rock the Spectrum franchises, one in New Rochelle (Westchester County), the other Staten Island. Locations in Brooklyn and Long Island in the works.
AMC Sensory-friendly films: Ten AMC movie theaters around New York State offering sensory-friendly screenings. Go to the link to find the ones near you.
The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities Added: Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan!
The Boost’s Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Photo: Especially Everyone hosts an inclusive open mic and will put on a high-energy, interactive live music event. See dates above. (Credit: Especially Everyone)
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.
All are free unless otherwise noted.
Applications are open for Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD)’s LEND program
LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) is an interdisciplinary leadership training program on Thursdays from early September to early May.
It’s funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the federal government at 52 sites around the country.
The LEND Program at WIHD is for two semesters. LEND trainees include graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; self-advocates; and family members of children and adults with disabilities. Trainees develop knowledge and skills they will need to become leaders working with and on behalf of children with disabilities and other special health care needs, and their families, to improve health outcomes and decrease disparities.
Fri., April 4, 2025: NYAIL Webinar Series 2025: Virtual Disability Town Hall with Senator Chuck Schumer: There will also be Medicaid advocates and experts. Learn about the latest Medicaid developments in Washington. This will also cover the financial and human impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts, answer question and tell you how to take action.
Fri., April 4, 2025: April Autism Acceptance Family Engagement Forum: An event dedicated to supporting families and professionals working with children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This forum will feature expert discussions, valuable resources, and guidance on accessing autism-related services. (Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program)
Sat., April 5, 2025: Youth Abilities Fair: A Special Needs Resource Fair: Suffolk County. Includes a sensory room and magic show. Address: Middle Country Public Libraries, Eastwood Blvd., Centereach, N.Y. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (In partnership with Middle Country SEPTA)
Tues., April 8, Wed., April 9 and Thurs., April 10, 2025: Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives: A three-workshop series that will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood. (WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists)
Tues., April 8, 2025: NYS Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board Public Meeting: Virtual or in-person attendance. The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was created in November of 2016 to help provide guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports.
Tues., April 8, 2025: Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families (FACE and NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., April 9, 2025: Public Meeting of the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council: Attend virtually by checking out the link. In-person meetings held at: Albany’s Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 7; 25 Beaver St., OPWDD, 3rd Floor, Room 3K11, NYC (Please bring a state issued photo ID. (The Boost note: Hmm, interesting); 415A Oser Ave. Hauppauge; 187 Northern Concourse, Conference Room B, Syracuse; 1021 Broadway, Room 433, Buffalo.
Wed., April 9, 2025: Resource & Transition Fair Plainview-Old Beth Page Central School District:Information and resources of interest for families of students with disabilities of all ages. Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Address: Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, 50 Kennedy Dr., Plainview, NY 11803. For more info contact: Christina Karayiannis at ckarayiannis@POBschools.org.
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes (AHRC NY)
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Free Resource and Transition Fair in West Nyack: For students of all ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, families, & professionals. (Rockland Transition Consortium)
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Virtual Lunchtime Discussion -Navigating the System OPWDD Eligibility & Services (Mid Island Y JCC/ Adler Center)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Special Education Training: Tools to empower you at every step of navigating the special education system. (New York Lawyers for the Public Interest)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility: (WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists)
Wed., April 16, 2025: Self-Direction for the Long Haul: How to navigate the changing needs of individuals with complex support needs as they experience accelerated aging, including maintaining fidelity of staff training, sustaining relationship networks, and assuring engagement in meaningful activities while aging in place. (Part of the 2025 National Self-Direction Conference: Virtual Series.)
Thurs., April 17, 2025: Autism Myths and Misconceptions: Will cover topics including how the ways we talk about autism can hurt or help autistic people; how some autistic people are left out of people’s ideas about autism; some of the wrong things people believe about autism.
Fri., April 25, 2025: Disability Mayoral Forum and discussion with candidates on accessibility and inclusion of NYC (CIDNY)
Wed., June 18, 2025: Brooklyn Developmental Disability Council Family Support Fair: Meet nearly 70 agencies that offer support to people with intellectual and developmentally disabled in Brooklyn.S
Stock photo: Sen. Chuck Schumer will attend April 4’s NYAIL Webinar Series 2025: Virtual Disability Town Hall.
A video released late last month, “Paul and Hava: A Pathway to Marriage,” is a must-see for people interested in disability inclusion and equality.
A beautiful look at two consenting adults whose “ability to marry was constantly called into question” because they both have developmental disabilities, it focuses on their loving relationship and the work it took to ensure they could live together. It would be no surprise to anyone that their “dedicated and tenacious parents” were a big help in their journey.
The video was created by the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) in partnership with the Office of General Services, Digital and Media Services division. It was inspired by a meeting Paul, Hava and their families had with Council Membership, which a spokesperson says, “left a big impact on our council membership.”
Subsequently, members approved the creation of the video to preserve Paul and Hava’s story as well as bring awareness to the topics of marriage, sexuality and consent as they relate to people with developmental disabilities. It was released March 31, 2025, as part of CDD’s celebrations of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
SS backs off plan to cut phone services for disabled people, Palisades Mall has a new sensory space, and more developmental disability news for week ending March 28, 2025.
State workers asked to volunteer to assist with CDPAP transition (Times Union)
Fraudster-Linked Company Set to Begin Massive Insurance Contract for Home Health Workers (NYS Focus)
Questions loom as New York state gives 30-day grace period for Medicaid home care transition (Spectrum News)
Department of Health and PPL: CDPAP transition issues are not our fault (City & State)
OPINION: State Will Continue to Protect CDPAP Consumers and Workers After April 1 Transition Deadline (Empire State)
Poughkeepsie Police Can Now Track Wandering Elderly, Autistic It’s part of Project Lifesaver. (Hudson Valley Post)
Sensory Room offers space to decompress at giant Palisades Center mall (lohud.com)
Texas Representative refers to Greg Abbott, who is disabled, as ‘Governor Hot Wheels’ (Washington Post)
Developmental disability community ‘tentatively exuberant’ at restored funding (Maryland Matters)
Ohio families fight for control over care of developmentally disabled amid ongoing battles (Local12.com)
How Medicaid and SNAP cuts could affect your state New York could lose 87,000 jobs, a new estimate finds. (Axios)
Medicaid Cuts Could Cost States Billions in Tax Revenue and a Million Jobs (Governing.com)
Many People With Disabilities Risk Losing Their Medicaid if They Work Too Much (KFF)
New Survey Finds Medicaid Cuts Would Devastate School Staffing and Services (The 74 Million)
OPINION: It’s time to block-grant Medicaid (STAT)
Disability Advocates Worry New Federal Spending Plan Will Lead To More Programs Being Slashed (Disability Scoop: Paywall)
Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies in a major restructuring (AP)
Vaccine critic’s apparent selection to head HHS autism study shocks experts David Geier doesn’t have a medical degree and was disciplined for practicing medicine without a license. (STAT)
Social Security backs off plan to cut phone services for disabled people (AP)
Long waits, waves of calls, website crashes: Social Security is breaking down (Washington Post)
The ADA Is Turning 35—And It’s in Trump’s Crosshairs A Q&A with Tony Coelho, the Americans with Disabilities Act’s main author. (Mother Jones)
Special ed experts worry about students with disabilities post-Education Department (USA Today)
Exec Order to Shut Down Dept. of Ed Will Have Devastating Impact on Students with Disabilities (Natl. Disability Rights Network)
Trump signs sweeping executive order attempting a major overhaul of American elections (NBC News)
OPINION: Autism’s Cult of Redemption: What I learned in the alt-medicine & anti-vaxxers movement (John Summers)
OPINION: We need to stop diagnosing each other with autism and ADHD (The Independent)
The Stimming Pool review – film-makers on the autistic spectrum dive ingeniously into the uncanny (The Guardian)
Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here. It would be great to have more activities around the state.
DISCOUNT ALERT: Starting in April, all JBFC Kids screenings will offer $5 tickets for everyone — kids and adults alike, Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings all at the new, lower price.
Wed., April 2, 2025: Left Behind at the Bedford Playhouse: This documentary is about a group of mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City, the largest school district in the country. A Q&A session follows the film.
From Thurs., April 3, 2025 to Fri., April 25, 2025: Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center in NYC: Big Umbrella Festival welcomes kids, teens, and adults for a dynamic series of programming over three weekends, designed with and for neurodiverse audiences.
Thurs., April 3, 2025 – Wed., April 9, 2025: 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival New York: The festival is committed to reframing disability through the power of film.
Fri., April 4, 2025: Sensory Story Time at the Pound Ridge Library: Sensory story time for children ages 2 – 6 accompanied by a caregiver. Registration not required.
Fri., April 4, 2025 and Sun., April 6, 2025: 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival New York at the Shames JCC on the Hudson: The JCC in Tarrytown is screening three films from the world’s largest showcase of accessible international cinema by and about people with disabilities, reframing existing disability narratives will have.
Sat., April 5, 2025: Beauty & Bonding: Soap and Candle Making: Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown: A social group for women and all who identify as female and non-binary/gender expansive. This group has been created with the intention of providing a special place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. Cost: Member, $30; Non-Member, $35.
Sat., April 5, 2025 and Sun., April 6, 2025: Branching Out in Brookville, L.I.: An immersive theater production from the Tilles Center for Performing Arts designed for audiences on the autism spectrum as well as visitors with limited movement, sensory or complex communications needs.
Sun., April 6, 2025: Sensory-friendly Despicable Me at Jacob Burns Film Center: Starting in April, all JBFC Kids screenings will offer $5 tickets for everyone — kids and adults alike, Enjoy family-friendly films every Saturday at 11 a.m., plus the monthly sensory friendly screenings all at the new, lower price.
Mon., April 7, 2025: Blind AF at Jacob Burns Film Center: The documentary is centered on Shawn Cheshire, an army veteran, blind Paralympic champion, and world-record holder who takes on an unprecedented 3,600-mile cross-country bike journey on a single, non-tandem bicycle. Q&A with Director Gina Levay and Cheshire. Presented in partnership with the ReelAbilities Film Festival.
Sat., April 12, 2025: Sensory-friendly A Minecraft Movie at the Bedford Playhouse
Sun., April 13, 2025: Diversability Meetup Club at the Harrison Library: Mingle, make new friends, and enjoy a sensory-friendly movie in a welcoming space. This event will also take place on the following Sundays in 2025: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.
Wed., April 30, 2025: Neurodiversity Celebration Event at the Katonah Village Library
Sat., May 4, 2025: The Especially Everyone Experience, an inclusive concert: At the Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown. This interactive, sensory-friendly live music event is designed with neurodivergent-informed best practices so that people of all abilities can fully participate.
Year-Round
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym: There are two New York-based We Rock the Spectrum franchises, one in New Rochelle (Westchester County), the other Staten Island. Locations in Brooklyn and Long Island in the works.
AMC Sensory-friendly films: Ten AMC movie theaters around New York State offering sensory-friendly screenings. Go to the link to find the ones near you.
The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities Added: Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan!
The Boost’s Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Photo: Blind AF at the Jacob Burns Film Center (Credit: Courtesy of Jacob Burns)
All are free unless otherwise noted.
Applications are open for Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD)’s LEND program
LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) is an interdisciplinary leadership training program on Thursdays from early September to early May.
It’s funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the federal government at 52 sites around the country.
The LEND Program at WIHD is for two semesters. LEND trainees include graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; self-advocates; and family members of children and adults with disabilities. Trainees develop knowledge and skills they will need to become leaders working with and on behalf of children with disabilities and other special health care needs, and their families, to improve health outcomes and decrease disparities.
Mon., March 31, 2025: Special Education 101: Virtual Training of the Parent Member: Four-hour 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. (FACE, LHRPC, NYSED OSE Partnership)
Fri., April 4, 2025: NYAIL Webinar Series 2025: Virtual Disability Town Hall with Senator Chuck Schumer: There will also be Medicaid advocates and experts. Learn about the latest Medicaid developments in Washington. This will also cover the financial and human impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts, answer question and tell you how to take action.
Fri., April 4, 2025: April Autism Acceptance Family Engagement Forum: An event dedicated to supporting families and professionals working with children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This forum will feature expert discussions, valuable resources, and guidance on accessing autism-related services. (Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program)
Sat., April 5, 2025: Youth Abilities Fair: A Special Needs Resource Fair: Suffolk County. Includes a sensory room and magic show. Address: Middle Country Public Libraries, Eastwood Blvd., Centereach, N.Y. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (In partnership with Middle Country SEPTA)
Tues., April 8, Wed., April 9 and Thurs., April 10, 2025: Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives: A three-workshop series that will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood. (WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists)
Tues., April 8, 2025: Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families (FACE and NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., April 9, 2025: Resource & Transition Fair Plainview-Old Beth Page Central School District: Information and resources of interest for families of students with disabilities of all ages. Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Address: Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, 50 Kennedy Dr., Plainview, NY 11803. For more info contact: Christina Karayiannis at ckarayiannis@POBschools.org.
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes (AHRC NY)
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Free Resource and Transition Fair in West Nyack: For students of all ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, families, & professionals. (Rockland Transition Consortium)
Thurs., April 10, 2025: Virtual Lunchtime Discussion -Navigating the System OPWDD Eligibility & Services (Mid Island Y JCC/ Adler Center)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Special Education Training: Tools to empower you at every step of navigating the special education system. (New York Lawyers for the Public Interest)
Tues., April 15, 2025: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility: (WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists)
Fri., April 25, 2025: Disability Mayoral Forum and discussion with candidates on accessibility and inclusion of NYC (CIDNY)
Stock photo: A variety of resource fairs are in this week’s listing. (Credit: Freepik)