The Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) NYS, in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, has shared some wonderful videos in its CDD Connect newsletter.
To highlight the month’s theme, A World of Opportunities, it asked self-advocates “what they like to do,” “what they are proud of and passionate about,” and what “their goals are for the future.”
The Boost highly recommends you watch the videos below, and share them with other self-advocates.
What are you proud of and passionate about?
NYS CDD is one of 56 state councils on developmental disabilities in the U.S. and its territories created through the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act).
Since 2006, the annual Case for Inclusion has been reporting “comprehensive data and policy recommendations regarding the effectiveness of state programs in supporting life without limits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families,” according to its Executive Summary.
It focuses on seven issue areas:
I’m going to put the key findings here, but if you’ll find the information helpful, dig into the whole report, found here, for details and policy recommendations.
New York State 2024-25 budget negotiations are underway and every voice counts. Add yours by attending an April 3rd rally in Albany, organized by New York Disability Advocates (NYDA). This is a call to action to invest in the future of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and, importantly, the people who support them.
Rally Details
What: Albany rally for essential investments in care
When: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: The well of the legislative office building, 198 State St., Albany, N.Y.
You do not have to register to attend, but, register if you’d like here!
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul, in her 2024-25 budget amendments, proposed draconian changes to CDPAP.
The changes “would drastically reduce the number of agencies providing service so severely it could potentially eliminate fee-for-service CDPA in New York City,” CDANY writes in a statement, “cut eligibility to over 100,000 children, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, adults with severe developmental and neurological disabilities, people with traumatic brain injury, and those who are unable to communicate because they are nonverbal or face language barriers; impose a 12% pay cut on workers, bringing compensation in New York City to the lowest levels since 2018; and corrode the basic tenets of self-direction.”
However, in good news, both the Senate and Assembly have rejected the governor’s cuts in their one house budget proposals.
Read all about Hochul’s proposed changes here.
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Herbie’s Burgers (formerly McDonald’s) in the Empire State Plaza Concourse, Albany
Lunch vouchers will be provided!
You can also apply for a travel scholarship, here.
A school district goes all in on inclusion, a viral ad challenges stereotypes about Down syndrome and more developmental disability news for the week ending March 23, 2024.
I read with great interest how, over the next eight years or so, Portland Public Schools will no longer send most of its students with disabilities to schools outside their neighborhoods. (The Oregonian)
I had advocated for my niece throughout her school years, and inclusion felt like a false promise. Warned off by the schools she attended that she wouldn’t receive the needed education in a general ed class, especially due to staff shortages, I gave up before I even fought. The more is learned about inclusion, however, the more I regret if not the choice, then at least not having explored it further.
Direct Support Professional shortage in NY This video report talks to a parent, a DSP provider, and more. Worth a watch. (Fox 5)
Opinion: NY’s disability support workers need a raise in the state budget More coverage. Let’s hope it helps. (Newsday)
Hochul wants to trim program that helps disabled. What does TikTok have to do with it? “Several have pointed out that Hochul’s plan [to make cuts to CDPAP] would end up shifting costs instead of saving them.” (democratandchronicle.com)
Transitions helped brothers with autism navigate college journey Haydn and Griffin Elmore, both on the autism spectrum, are embarking on their college journey with resilience and determination. (spectrumlocalnews.com)
Bill to Create a State Office for Coloradans with Disabilities Passes Committee The goal of this office would be to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. (cohousedems.com)
Mock election in Arizona helps those with developmental disabilities to vote I love this idea. The mock event was a collaboration between the Arizona Secretary of State, the Maricopa County Recorder’s office, and the Maricopa County Elections office. (Arizona PBS)
Kansas Governor Announces Budget Amendment to Increase Funding for I/DD It’s pretty great to read about a governor who wants to put more money toward I/DD. (governor.kansas.org)
Viral ad challenges stereotypes about Down syndrome: ‘Assume I can drink a margarita’ (today.com)
Disabilities Beat: On World Down Syndrome Day, let’s stop infantilizing adults (WBFO.org)
What Trump Supporters Think When He Mocks People With Disabilities No surprise, they “continually found ways to excuse their favored candidate’s behavior.” (The Atlantic)
FY 24 budget proposal cuts Education Department by $500M The U.S. Dept. of Ed would get $500 million less for fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year, though Title I and state grants for special ed services — two of the largest K-12 federal funding programs — would each get a $20 million increase over FY 2023 allocations. (K12dive.com)
Special education advocates warn of ‘chilling effects’ from anti-DEI efforts Growing efforts to limit diversity, equity and inclusion programs in elementary and secondary schools may negatively impact special education activities.” (k12dive.com)
Federal Proposal Could Have ‘Chilling Effect’ On Disability Research Much of what’s known about the experiences of people with autism and other developmental disabilities is based on Medicaid and Medicare data, but researchers are warning that a new proposal could sharply limit access to that information. (Disability Scoop)
New children’s book ‘Flap Your Hands’ celebrates stimming as expression This podcast features the book’s author and illustrator, whose book takes families “through a colorful journey of acceptance and joy.” (wbur.org)
Netflix’s Disability Dating Shows Need to Be Rethought The new flurry of reality shows such as Love on the Spectrum feature disabled contestants — “and invite an ableist gaze.” (IndieWire)
Hulu To Debut Autism Comedy The half-hour comedy Dinosaur centers on Nina, a 30-something with autism who loves living with her sister and best friend, Evie. (Disability Scoop)
Build 4 Life is having a four-hour “mini-camp” for children and young teens on April 1, Easter Monday, when most schools will be closed.
It’s promising outdoor and interactive games, a treasure hunt, storytelling, yoga and more. Water and Snacks will be provided during breaks between activities.
Details
When: Monday, April 1, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 13
Where: American Legion, Flint Place, Larchmont, N.Y., 10538
Cost: $115
Book here.
Questions? Contact Claudine at ClaudineGebhard@build4life.com
This online training will support parents as they prepare for their child’s transition from preschool special education to kindergarten.
Topics covered include:
Details
When: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Organized by Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE CenterLower Hudson Early Childhood FACE CenterNYSED OSE Partnership.
Jacob Burns, the nonprofit cultural arts center in Pleasantville, N.Y., that encourages and celebrates diversity in filmmaking, will be screening Rocco Up, a short documentary about a nonverbal autistic boy (Rocco) whose father is teaching him to surf.
Rocco and his family, along with the film team, will be in attendance. They’ll also participate in what’s sure to be an interesting post-screening Q&A and reception. Here’s everyone participating:
This will be a sensory friendly screening and there will be live ASL interpretation.
The night is being presented in partnership with The Nicholas Center, BluePath Service Dogs and Pleasantville SEPTA, and is part of the Community Matters: Now More Than Ever series at the film center.
Calling all tech fans! This summer, neurodiverse students ages 10 – 24 can dive into different tech topics with fun virtual workshops run by the New York City City-based non-profit Tech Kids Unlimited (TKU). No experience is required.
The virtual week-long workshops will each teach a different tech topic. They are:
Details
When: July 2024, Monday – Friday
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $59 a workshop
Tech Kids Unlimited is an education nonprofit that teaches students who learn and think differently to explore the creative power of tech. Students practice work readiness skills, and build confidence through virtual and in-person programs in a fun and supportive community.
The Boost has posted its share of self-direction workshops, including last week, which points to its daunting nature. Here’s another webinar, below, for those who want to learn about these services, obtained through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Self-direction services allow for more choice in OPWDD-funded supports and services. It gives people a say (up to a point) in where they live, how they spend their days, how they stay healthy and active and more.
RELATED NEWS: Highlights of the Newly Released National Self-Direction Survey
To be approved for self-direction, the individual must be eligible for OPWDD services, enrolled in the Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waiver, and participating in Care Management services through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO). Learn what this all means in the webinar below.
RELATED NEWS: Self-Direction and Community Classes in NYS: Know Your Rights
Details
When: March 19, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
You must register. Click here.
The organizer of this webinar is Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD).