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 19, 2025: Uniquely Me Creative Arts’ – Spring Sensory Festival: Brooklyn. This meets the second Saturday of every month. It provides invaluable family support groups called “family chats,” where caregivers can explore important special needs topics, share experiences, and access essential resources.
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.
Sat. May 10, 2025: Music for Autism presents Synaptic Groove Band: Synaptic Groove Band is a unique Long Island NY-based musical band that performs favorite musical hits while educating audiences about the benefits of music for health.
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: Mandala rock painting in West Nyack. (Credit: Unsplash.com)
New York state lawmakers approved a sixth budget extender Thurs., April 17, before heading back to their districts for the holiday weekend. Reports say progress has been made, but, in the meantime, NYC Fair, an advocacy group comprised of family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and concerned others, reminds us that it’s an opportunity to continue advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Here are some of its suggestions:
Social stories help people understand what to expect when they enter a space or event. While bigger institutions, like museums, are beginning to use them on their websites, it’s a good idea for even smaller event programmers to consider them as well.
RELATED: Best NYS Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
The Especially Everyone Experience — inclusive concert and dance events put on at various locations round New York and southern Connecticut — recently created one for its upcoming May 4th event at the Shames JCC in Tarrytown, N.Y. It’s a great example of how social stories can make participants feel comfortable before they even step into an event space.
Each Especially Everyone show consists of a rollicking 10-piece band, offers a designated sensory break area and provides hearing protection, such as earmuffs and earplugs. To learn more, check out Meet ‘Especially Everyone,’ an Inclusive Musical Experience.
Study strengthens links between maternal diabetes and autism, a new diaper for kids with complex needs, RFK Jr. doubles down on bad science, and more developmental disability news for week ending April 11, 2025.
CDC faces backlash for cutting sickle cell, adult disability programs (CBS News)
Layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are a good example of how the Trump administration could care less, perhaps pointedly so, about people with disabilities.
Nearly half of its staff working on developmental disabilities and birth defects was laid off this month, reports CBS News, with the layoffs wiping out the entire leadership team atop CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
“Support staff for the center, as well as its Disability and Health Promotion Branch, were also cut,” it reports. That branch had been responsible for a federal database tracking state-level rates of adults with disabilities. “Researchers and health authorities rely on the data to target resources where they’re needed most, and to study patterns and trends in disabilities. A now-stalled upcoming release of data had been expected to help shed light on a recent increase in cognitive disability among younger adults.”
New York Warns Trump It Will Not Comply With Public School D.E.I. Order It’s among other Democratic-led states rejecting the order. (Update: The deadline has been extended to at least April 24, 2025.) (New York Times)
District attorneys are fourth wheel in state budget throuple They’re “heavily involved” in the discussions over changes to the discovery law that are holding up the budget. (City & State)
Commentary: Children with developmental delays aren’t getting the services they need New York ranks 50th for timely delivery of early intervention services. (Times Union)
‘Sadistic and disturbing’. Attorney says 5 families claim former West Hempstead special education teacher abused their kids (News 12 Long Island)
N.J. school may fire 5 employees accused of restraining student with tape (NJ.com)
‘Why am I so bad?’ Indiana schools suspend tens of thousands of students with disabilities Special ed students were suspended more than twice as often compared to their peers. (WFYI)
Police shoot knife-wielding autistic teen behind fence in Idaho, sparking outrage (Washington Post)
Republican plan in Arizona to prevent disability services shutdown comes with tough cuts The Division of Developmental Disabilities is expected to run out of money end of April. (AZ Mirror)
Disability advocates in Maryland ‘betrayed’ by last-minute budget cut for service-provider raises Advocates were thisclose to clawing back more than $300 million from the cuts proposed in governor’s fiscal 2026 budget. (Maryland Matters)
Inside Nova Scotia’s bold plan to end disability institutions It’s one of the last Canadian provinces where it’s common for people with disabilities to be housed in institutions. (Broadview)
RFJ Jr. Says HSS Wil Determine the Cause of Autism by September (AP)
Study strengthens link between maternal diabetes and autism (Reuters)
A fifth of Americans are on Medicaid. Some of them have no idea. Programs with consumer-friendly names and private insurance company involvement add to the confusion. (Stateline)
‘Really scared’: Parents of kids with disabilities confront Education Department chaos (New Hampshire Bulletin)
Ikea just designed its new bathroom products to make life easier for everyone (Fast Company)
Why This Dad’s Diaper Brand Is a Game-Changer for Kids with Disabilities Youth Crews wants to bridge the gap between baby and adult sizes. (Parents)
Tanner Smith Meeting Jack Black Best Thing From Minecraft Press Tour Smith, who’s on Love on the Spectrum, met his hero on The Kelly Clarkson Show. (Vulture)
CDC faces backlash for cutting sickle cell, adult disability programs (CBS News)
New York Warns Trump It Will Not Comply With Public School D.E.I. Order (New York Times)
District attorneys are fourth wheel in state budget throuple (City & State)
‘Sadistic and disturbing’. Attorney says 5 families claim former West Hempstead special education teacher abused their kids (News 12 Long Island)
N.J. school may fire 5 employees accused of restraining student with tape (NJ.com)
Police shoot knife-wielding autistic teen behind fence in Idaho, sparking outrage (Washington Post)
Republican plan in Arizona to prevent disability services shutdown comes with tough cuts (AZ Mirror)
Disability advocates in Maryland ‘betrayed’ by last-minute budget cut for service-provider raises (Maryland Matters)
Inside Nova Scotia’s bold plan to end disability institutions (Broadview)
RFJ Jr. Says HSS Wil Determine the Cause of Autism by September (AP)
Study strengthens link between maternal diabetes and autism (Reuters)
Ikea just designed its new bathroom products to make life easier for everyone (Fast Company)
Why This Dad’s Diaper Brand Is a Game-Changer for Kids with Disabilities (Parents)
Tanner Smith Meeting Jack Black Best Thing From Minecraft Press Tour (Vulture)
As many New York families with a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities know, when problems arise, it doesn’t always feel as if justice has been served. Now, you can address concerns, Justice Center-related challenges and more by filling out this survey from the Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS (CP State) on 2024 Justice Center activities.
The Family and Individual Survey focuses on individuals supported and/or their families and caregivers. The results of the survey — along with a survey for Executive Directors/Compliance leadership — will inform recommendations made to the Justice Center to improve its policies and practices.
CP State is hoping for a wide range of responses and hopes that families and providers can share the link with individuals/families/caregivers. Questions about the survey can be directed to Karly Smelson, executive vp, CP State, at ksmelson@cpstate.org.
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center), established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act, aims to “restore public trust” in institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations. Below, some bullet points taken from the Justice Center website.
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)