Trump Administration Goes After Disability Community
Opinion: Posted March 21, 2025
No matter where you stand on Trump 2, it’s likely that some of his administration’s cuts have you worried about those in your life with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). There’s cause for concern, as their cumulative affect is what gives them so much power.
Especially chilling is the executive order to begin eliminating the Department of Education, which, does however, require an act of Congress. The department, among many other things, ensures that schools that receive federal funding comply with federal regulations protecting civil rights, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its closing would disproportionately hurt students with disabilities, including anyone with an IEP or 504 plan.
Equally worrisome is how in the name of “wokeness” regulations and language related to accessibility and disability are being excised from government agencies.The Justice department, for instance, has just removed 11 guidelines for US businesses on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reportedly including whether people with disabilities could have visitors at hospitals or medical facilities.
The New York Times has pulled together a list of words being disappeared by agencies. They include: accessible, advocacy, disabilities, disability, DEI, diverse, diversity, inclusion, inclusive, inclusivity, mental health, person-centered, person-centered care, sense of belonging, underserved, and vulnerable populations.
If these words are forbidden, how can issues concerning the I/DD community be addressed? They can’t.
And the hits keep coming. A new Social Security Agency proposal would force millions to file Social Security claims in person. The policy is so new that it’s still unclear how many of the phone services will be cut. This is happening just as SSA offices around the country are being closed down, and the result will likely mean chaos for people with disabilities.
Will the administration’s cuts put any money saved where it’s needed? Well, first we’d need to know what’s being saved, hard to do when there’s no transparency. And in DOGE’s zeal to slash and burn, it seems any good that might come from scaling back budgets and fighting fraud is being wildly outweighed by cuts to vital services and important research.
Stay tuned, and stay active.
Disability News March 21, 2025
Deadline for NY home care program transition delayed a month (Times Union)
Op-ed: A workforce in crisis: It’s time for New York to step up (Bronx Times)
Lawmakers, advocates and contractors beg Hochul to delay April 1 CDPAP deadline (City & State)
As CDPAP deadline nears, calls for an extension grow (NY State of Politics)
New York advocates, lawmakers make last-ditch effort to delay home care transition (Spectrum Local News)
Editorial: Save money on Medicaid home care: Hochul’s plan is the right move (Daily News)
High school students with autism gain college mentors in NYC program (K12 Dive)
Parents respond to Ohio state senator’s ‘harmful’ comments about students with disabilities (Cincinnati Enquirer)
NJ advances bill to improve school bus safety for students with disabilities (Northjersey.com)
This College in NJ Offers Free Programs for Students with I/DD (NJ Family)
Florida Senate passes comprehensive bill on autism, with a goal to understand its prevalence (Health News Florida)
How Washington state is reducing restraint and seclusion in schools (K12dive.com)
Minnesota cuts back employment services for people with disabilities (Star Tribune)
Trump signs executive order to begin dismantling Education Department (CNN)
Parents Sue Trump Administration for Allegedly Sabotaging Education Department’s Civil Rights Division (ProPublica)
Analysis: Debunked myths that vaccines cause autism are increasing stigma (The Guardian)
Private equity firms consolidating homes for disabled (Washington Post)
8 photography winners with disabilities who show the world their perspective (NPR)
A celebration of artists with intellectual disabilities in Italy (Euro News)
Surf therapy for children with disabilities: how it’s changing lives in South Africa (The Conversation)
Developmental Disability News for Week Ending March 21, 2025
President Trump signs executive order that aims to eliminate the Department of Education; in New York, lawmakers and advocates beg the governor to extend CDPAP deadline and more developmental disability news for week ending March 21, 2025.
NEW YORK
Op-ed: A workforce in crisis: It’s time for New York to step up Direct Support Professionals provide essential care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and while their work is crucial, the state has not provided sufficient investment. (Bronx Times)
Lawmakers, advocates and contractors beg Hochul to delay April 1 CDPAP deadline (City & State)
As CDPAP deadline nears, calls for an extension grow (NY State of Politics)
Advocates warn of crisis, saying thousands await enrollment in NY’s home care program (CBS 6 Albany)
New York advocates, lawmakers make last-ditch effort to delay home care transition (Spectrum Local News)
Local residents sound alarm as CDPAP changes loom (Wivb.com)
Editorial: Save money on Medicaid home care: Hochul’s plan is the right move (Daily News)
Fraudster-Linked Company Set to Begin Massive Insurance Contract for Home Health Workers Leading Edge’s background raises concerns of whether the upcoming transfer could present an opportunity for a company with a sketchy past to cash in on the backs of New York’s health care workforce, paid for by taxpayer money. (NY Focus)
High school students with autism gain college mentors in NYC program (K12 Dive)
OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK
Parents respond to Ohio state senator’s ‘harmful’ comments about students with disabilities Sen. George Lang (Rep.) told a crowd, “We know for a fact that it costs more to teach a student with severe disabilities … compared to a student who comes from a family with a loving mom and a loving dad who put education at a high level.” (Cincinnati Enquirer)
NJ mother of autistic teen who died on school bus urges lawmakers to pass ‘common-sense’ safety bill (NJ.com)
NJ advances bill to improve school bus safety for students with disabilities (Northjersey.com)
This College in NJ Offers Free Programs for Students with I/DD (NJ Family)
Florida Senate passes comprehensive bill on autism, with a goal to understand its prevalence (Health News Florida)
How Washington state is reducing restraint and seclusion in schools (K12dive.com)
Minnesota cuts back employment services for people with disabilities (Star Tribune)
EDUCATION
Parents Sue Trump Administration for Allegedly Sabotaging Education Department’s Civil Rights Division (ProPublica)
MEDICAID
Opinion: Why Most States Will Not Replace Federal Medicaid Cuts (KFF)
AUTISM
Opinion: Sorry, RFK: There Is No Autism Mystery (New York Times)
Analysis: Debunked myths that vaccines cause autism are increasing stigma (The Guardian)
HOUSING
Private equity firms consolidating homes for disabled Private equity firms are buying up companies that care for people with I/DD, according to a report that warns that the surge of investment in a traditionally nonprofit industry could result in investors’ demands coming before needs of their vulnerable clients. (Washington Post)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Why police still lack training to effectively respond to people with disabilities (PBS)
LASTLY, SOME GOOD NEWS!
Moms create specialized candle company for adults with disabilities (Today)
Here are 8 photography winners with disabilities who show the world their perspective (NPR)
When Attitudes Take Form: A celebration of artists with intellectual disabilities in Italy (Euro News)
Surf therapy for children with disabilities: how it’s changing lives in South Africa (The Conversation)
NYS Rec and Entertainment Starting March 21, 2025
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.
Fri., March 21, 2025: Fun Friday – Dance Aerobics: West Nyack. Ages 14 – 24. GYMGUYZ will lead a dance aerobics class. Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: Besso Community Room, 4th floor, Palisades Mall by the ice rink. To learn more, contact Emily Rocks at ERocks@BridgesRC.org or (845) 624-1366 Ext. 107.
Sat., March 22, 2025: Sensory-Friendly Screening of Disney’s Snow White: Bedford Playhouse in Bedford.
Six Sundays starting March 23, 2025, ending May 11, 2025: Inclusive Lacrosse with Able Athletics: Bedford, N.Y. Athletes participate in inclusive sessions designed to foster teamwork, skill-building, and confidence in a supportive, adaptive environment. All abilities welcome with activities tailored to needs.
Sun., March 23, 2025: Music for Autism In-Person Concert with Gabe Medd: Autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families.
Thurs., March 27, 2025 – Sat., March 29, 2025: Marvels of Media Festival: Astoria (Queens) at the Museum of the Moving Image. This wonderful festival recognizes the outstanding media work of autistic media-makers through an exhibition, film screenings, and in-depth panel discussions.
Thurs., March 27, 2025: Monthly Open Mic: Cos Cob, Conn. Welcoming space where people of all abilities can share their talents, connect, and celebrate music together. (Especially Everyone and River House)
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 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., 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 2024 Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Photo: Soap and candle making at Shames JCC in the Hudson (Credit: Pexels.com)
NYS Virtual Webinars & Programs Starting March 21, 2025
WEBINARS & MORE
For a full list of organizations offering webinars in New York, check out Your One-Stop Guide to Navigating I/DD System and Services via Webinars & Workshops.
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., March 21, 2025 or Tues., March 25, 2025: OPWDD Services and Eligibility: The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental and intellectual disabilities. (WIHD)
Thurs., March 27, 2025 or Thurs., April 10, 2025: Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes (AHRC NY)
Four Thursdays starting March 27, 2025: Positive Solutions for Families (series): These sessions will provide strategies to support your children’s social and emotional development and address challenging behaviors in a positive, effective way. (WIHD)
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: 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 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)
Fri., April 25, 2025: Disability Mayoral Forum and discussion with candidates on accessibility and inclusion of NYC (CIDNY)
Stock photo: Train to be a parent member for CSEs. (Credit: Freepik)
More news for March 14, 2025
Ed Dept. created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence? An excellent overview and explainer. (AP)
Trump Ed Dept. layoffs challenged in court by 21 state attorneys general It’s being spearheaded by NYS AG Letitia James. (Chalkbeat)
What Ed Dept. layoffs could mean for students with disabilities (NBC News)
Ed Dept. layoffs gut its civil rights office, leaving discrimination cases in limbo (AP)
Bill being pushed to support medically fragile children (Fox NY 5)
CDPAP plan sparks protest, arrests, and confusion as April 1 looms (News 10)
CDPAP supporters want registration deadline extended (News 10)
Home care patients, workers fear ‘major disruption’ on April 1 (Times Union)
Medically Unnecessary: Kids with complex needs in Florida moved to state insurance that doesn’t help (Health News Florida)
Debate over school choice in Texas centers around low-income students and those with disabilities (CBS News)
Opinion: Upending Assumptions About Self Direction (Impact, from the Institute on Community Integration)
CDC will research widely debunked link between vaccines and autism (NBC News)
Sesame Place Launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (TravelPulse)
‘It’s supposed to be intense’: inside the experimental film that ‘truly captures’ autism (The Guardian)
More Developmental Disability News for Week Ending March 14, 2025
Upending assumptions about Self Direction, New York’s CDPAP transition remains under fire, inside the experimental film that “captures” autism, and more developmental disability news for week ending March 14, 2025.
SPOTLIGHT: Dept. of Education
Unable, for now, to close the Dept. of Education — which requires an act of Congress — President Trump is dismantling it from the inside. This week, department Secretary Linda McMahon cut half of its workforce, with the biggest impact being felt by its civil rights office. Below, articles to get you caught up.
Ed Dept. created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence? An excellent overview and explainer. (AP)
Trump Ed Dept. layoffs challenged in court by 21 state attorneys general It’s being spearheaded by NYS AG Letitia James. (Chalkbeat)
What dismantling Ed Dept. means for kids with disabilities This is a good “what will happen” article. It notes that students with disabilities will be disproportionately hurt, including anyone with an IEP or 504 plan, and those in general ed classrooms who get supports or accommodations to learn. (Vox)
Also helpful: What Ed Dept. layoffs could mean for students with disabilities (NBC News)
Ed Dept. layoffs gut its civil rights office, leaving discrimination cases in limbo “Some staffers who remain said there’s no way to pick up all of their fired colleagues’ cases. … Many were already struggling to keep pace with their own caseloads. With fewer than 300 workers, families likely will be waiting on resolution for years.” (AP)
Student Voice (Opinion): What losing Dept. of Ed would mean for special education (Hechinger Report)
NEW YORK
NYC Schools Get $2 Billion From Washington. Here’s What’s at Risk if Trump Defunds the DOE (The City)
Assembly and state Senate release ‘one-house’ state budget proposals There’s no change to timeline for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) transition. (City and State)
Separately, The Arc NY’s newsletter reports some good news: Both the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets include a 7.8% increase for Direct Support Professionals. The Executive budget calls for 2.1%.
Thousands rally in Rockland to save Medicaid; Lawler booed over ‘fraud and abuse’ claims (lohud)
Bill being pushed to support medically fragile children (Fox NY 5)
CDPAP
New Yorkers with disabilities to Hochul: overhaul to key caregiver program would hurt us (lohud)
Change in Medicaid home care plan draws fire, support as April 1 deadline looms (Buffalo News)
CDPAP plan sparks protest, arrests, and confusion as April 1 looms (News 10)
CDPAP supporters want registration deadline extended (News 10)
Home care patients, workers fear ‘major disruption’ on April 1 (Times Union)
Hochul administration issues cease and desist letters to CDPAP middlemen (PoliticoPro, paywall)
Editorial: CDPAP transition is a looming care crisis (Times Union)
Thousands exit CDPAP ahead of transition deadline (Politico)
OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK
Medically Unnecessary: Kids with complex needs in Florida moved to state insurance that doesn’t help (Health News Florida)
Debate over school choice in Texas centers around low-income students and those with disabilities (CBS News)
SELF DIRECTION
Opinion: Upending Assumptions About Self Direction How SD “animates” self-determination, including for those with complex needs, have significant mental illness, and more. (Impact, from the Institute on Community Integration)
MEDICAID
Mehmet Oz, Trump’s nominee to run Medicare and Medicaid, will testify before a Senate committee Friday (Philadelphia Enquirer)
AUTISM
CDC will research widely debunked link between vaccines and autism (NBC News)
Sesame Place Launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (TravelPulse)
‘It’s supposed to be intense’: inside the experimental film that ‘truly captures’ autism (The Guardian)
MENTAL HEALTH
New Study Finds Gap in Tools Assessing Emotional Well-Being in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (Today at UConn)
Fourth Annual Marvels of Media Festival, March 27th – 29th, Celebrates Neurodivergent Media Makers
The unique perspectives of neurodiverse artists are front and center at the Marvels of Media Festival in Queens, N.Y., at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI).
“We often see stereotypical representations of autistic people because [films tend] to be written by people who aren’t autistic,” Tiffany Joy Butler, associate curator of Public Programs at the museum, tells The Boost. “It’s essential to give power to autistic filmmakers and storytellers.”
The fourth annual festival, which runs March 27 through March 29, 2025, features a diverse selection of 23 new films, five video games and two virtual reality experiences. Also on offer are panel discussions, a media workshop and a networking mixer. Admission to screenings and events is free with RSVP.
A still from ‘Once More, Like Rain Man.’ (Credit: Sue Ann Pien)
The films feature not just up-and-comers, but experienced actors and filmmakers. They include Once More, Like Rain Man, a film directed by Sue Ann Pien, star of Amazon’s As We See It, and produced by Darren Dean (Florida Project, Tangerine), a longtime collaborator of Sean Baker, whose Anora just swept the Oscars. The film presents a “day in the life” of an autistic actress who travels across Los Angeles for auditions only to keep running into the same stereotypical parts.
Among the media makers returning this year is Samara Huckvale. Huckvale’s short film, 420 Ways to Die, is a dryly comedic, neo-noir anti-smoking mockumentary that’s part of the “Vibrant Voices: Four Shorts” program.
“A lot of people view autism as something that disables humor and I feel like I want to push against that,” says Huckvale. “The funniest people I know are autistic or neurodivergent and the stereotype that we don’t understand humor or can’t get jokes makes no sense to me.”
A recent Columbia University grad on their way to New York University’s Graduate Film program, Huckvale adds that “it’s nice to be surrounded by people who are like me, and to look at different films and art by autistic people. It’s just a great, really fun festival.”
This year, Marvels of Media takes place as the Trump administration continues its war on science, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. As always, Butler says, the festival supports Black, Latinx and Asian artists, and will continue doing so. “We’ve also always been very cautious about not partnering with organizations that support claims that vaccines [cause] autism,” she says.
Butler also points out that while the letter “A,” which stands for accessibility, is often left off of the DEI acronym, DEAI is baked into Marvels of Media. Organizers, she says, “continue to make the museum more accessible.” On offer are a sensory relief room and sensory kits, captions on content, and a building accessible to wheelchairs.
‘Joust My Luck,’ screening in the Playful Tales: Seven Shorts program. (Credit: Jacob Lenard)
This year, the festival also embarks on an exciting expansion. By joining forces with leading arts institutions and theaters, partners around the country will present a specially curated selection of the 2024 Marvels of Media festival lineup. The schedule as of this posting:
Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, N.Y.: March 27 – April 27, 2025
North Fork Arts Center in Greenport (Long Island), NY: March 27 – April 27
Gray Area in San Francisco: March 27 – April 11, 2025
So, get your tickets, and head on out! For a full schedule of programs for all ages, visit movingimage.org/series/marvels-of-media-festival-2025/.
Photo: A still from 420 Ways to Die. (Credit: Samara Huckvale)
NYS Virtual Webinars Starting March 14, 2025
WEBINARS & MORE
For a full list of organizations offering webinars in New York, check out Your One-Stop Guide to Navigating I/DD System and Services via Webinars & Workshops.
All are free unless otherwise noted.
Thurs., March 27, 2025 or Thurs., April 10, 2025: Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes (AHRC NY)
Fri., March 14, 2025: Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council (BKDDC) Residential & Housing Committee Meeting: Learn about available housing options and services. Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meeting ID: 893 1417 0361 Passcode: 955407
Mon., March 17, 2025: What You Need to Know about Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Tues., March 18, 2025: Self-Direction for Individuals with OPWDD: Get a better understanding of self-direction including the process, things to think about regarding a broker, what can be included in a budget and what is a fiscal intermediary. (Rockland Community Services)
Tues., March 18, 2025: Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group (Parent to Parent of NYS)
Wed., March 19, 2024: Self-Direction: Too Big to Thrive?: Those self-directing face new challenges, such as its reliance on Medicaid at a time of cost cutting. How can advocates prepare for these challenges? (Applied Self Direction’s National Self-Direction Conference)
Wed., March 19, 2025: Hear Our Voices: Brendan Klein Celebrates Developmental Disability Month in Presentation Featuring Liz Weintraub: Disability conversations group. (Hear Our Voices via WIHD)
Wed., March 19, 2025: Advocating at the IEP Meeting: Strategies for Success (AHRC New York City)
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 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)
Stock photo: Supported Decision Making takes a team. (Credit: Freepik)
NYS Rec and Entertainment Starting March 14, 2025
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.
Sat., March 15, 2025: Take a Deep Breath Interactive Concert: Bronxville. An interactive concert for the developmental disability community. Cost: $6 – $12. (Concordia Conservatory)
Fri., March 21, 2025: Fun Friday – Dance Aerobics: West Nyack. Ages 14 – 24. GYMGUYZ will lead a dance aerobics class. Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: Besso Community Room, 4th floor, Palisades Mall by the ice rink. To learn more, contact Emily Rocks at ERocks@BridgesRC.org or (845) 624-1366 Ext. 107.
Sat., March 22, 2025: Sensory-Friendly Screening of Disney’s Snow White: Bedford Playhouse in Bedford.
Six Sundays starting March 23, 2025, ending May 11, 2025: Inclusive Lacrosse with Able Athletics: Bedford, N.Y. Athletes participate in inclusive sessions designed to foster teamwork, skill-building, and confidence in a supportive, adaptive environment. All abilities welcome with activities tailored to needs.
Sun., March 23, 2025: Music for Autism In-Person Concert with Gabe Medd: Autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families.
Thurs., March 27, 2025 – Sat., March 29, 2025: Marvels of Media Festival: Astoria (Queens) at the Museum of the Moving Image. This wonderful festival recognizes the outstanding media work of autistic media-makers through an exhibition, film screenings, and in-depth panel discussions.
Thurs., March 27, 2025: Monthly Open Mic: Cos Cob, Conn. Welcoming space where people of all abilities can share their talents, connect, and celebrate music together. (Especially Everyone and River House)
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.
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 2024 Westchester County Recreation Resource List (Children and Adults)
I Love NY’s Accessible Places and Programs
Photo: A still from The Ugliest Masterpiece, a short in the Marvels of Media Festival in Queens. (Credit: Rae Xiang)