More Disability News Links for Week Ending April 1, 2023
From a guardianship bill of rights to why Back women at the intersection of race, gender, and developmental disability are nearly nonexistent in the workforce, here are more stories from around the web for the week ending Saturday, April 1, 2023.
A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would establish a national council tasked with identifying best practices for helping individuals avoid or leave guardianships and how to modify such arrangements. Senators Want ‘Guardianship Bill Of Rights’ (Disability Scoop)
DEI Has Long Overlooked Cognitive Diversity. Unfortunately, Developmentally Disabled Black Women Suffer The Most (essence.com)
Link to autistic community helps this family thrive (Bloom blog)
‘Everyone’s story is different’: Entering the workforce with a developmental disability (RochesterFirst.com)
Rochester McDonald’s employee acting as a voice for developmental disabilities in workforce (spectrumlocalnews.com)
Supreme Court to Hear Dispute Between Maine Hotel and Disability Activist (nytimes.com)
More than just a workout: CNN Hero helps athletes with intellectual disabilities get fit and build connections (cnn.com)
This one’s from earlier in the month: Disabled students at higher risks for arrests, dropping out and being unready for adulthood (youthtoday.org)
The Boost’s Summer Sleepaway Camp Special
Updated March 2024
Welcome to The Boost’s second-annual Summer Sleepaway spectacular.
The camps listed below are focused on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities. They offer summer experiences from traditional outdoor activities to teen travel and college readiness programs.
This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
A few things to note:
- I chose camps in or close to New York that got back to me during the fact-checking stage.
- Some camps already have wait-lists, and others are filling up fast.
- Many camps ask for reports (such as IEPs and psychological evaluations).
- Some camps accept Self-Direction so be sure to ask, if applicable.
This list is designed to grow! I’d love to hear about others you know, as well as any positive and/or negative experiences you might have had with any on this list. You can contact me here.
- Address: One Thoreau Way, Thetford Center, VT 05075
- About: Camp Akeela is a “traditional New England camp program” for campers diagnosed with Asperger’s, NLVD or a similar neurodiverse profile. Beyond Akeela helps prepare older campers for life after high school, with an emphasis on social skills, independence and college readiness. Also available: a one-week Family Camp.
- Ages: Camp Akeela: 3rd-10h graders; Beyond Akeela: 10th-12th graders
- Date and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Run by AHRC New York City
- Address: 228 Four Corners Rd., Ancramdale, N.Y. 12503
- About: “A traditional summer camp experience” for people who require various levels of support and may also have physical and/or medical needs.
- Ages: 5-20 and adults 21+
- Dates and rates: Contact the camp for rates.
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 473 Skiff Mountain Rd., Kent, Conn. 06757 (at the Marvelwood School)
- About: A camp for children and teens with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Provides 1-to-1 Orton-Gillingham instruction. (Day camp also offered.)
- Ages: 8-16
- Dates and rates: June 29 – Aug. 10; ask about rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: ACA “affiliated”
- Address: 450 Route 590, Lackawaxen, PA 18435
- About: A special needs summer camp with a full curriculum incorporating an academic and speech program with traditional camp activities. It also offers daily living, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. Older campers work on transitioning skills and then take part in vocational training and job skills activities.
- Ages: 7-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc.
- Address: 2 Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches, N.Y. 11934
- About: A traditional summer camp with one-week sessions for campers with a wide range of disabilities.
- Ages: 6-21; 21+
- Dates and rates: Contact camp for rates.
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Part of Pathfinder Village, a planned community
- Address: 3 Chenango Rd., Edmeston, N.Y., 13335
- About: A small camp for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities who have a level of physical/emotional health that will allow them to benefit from camp.
- Ages: 18+
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- The Jewish camp of the Conservative Movement
- Address: Wingdale, N.Y. 12594
- About: Breira B’Ramah is an inclusion program for campers who benefit from additional support due to communication disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tikvah is a self-contained program for campers who have a range of intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Ta’am Ramah is a one-week program to give rising third graders a taste of camp. Check out Camp Ramah’s other overnight and day camps, including its camp in the Poconos.
- Ages: Breira B’Ramah: entering grades 3-11; Tikvah: pilot program is boys only, 11-14
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 22 Camp Ramapo Rd., Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572
- About: Summer Adventure is a camp setting for neurodiverse children and teens needing help building essential conflict-resolution skills. Its Teen Leadership includes a variety of team-building activities and work experience opportunities. NOTE: There’s an Introductory Week for children not yet ready for a full sleepaway camp experience.
- Ages: 6-16
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 1782 S. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, N.Y. 12843
- About: “Fully immersive environment for individuals with disabilities.” Offers differentiated instruction and modified activities. Its sibling institution is The Reece School, a non-profit special education school in New York City.
- Ages: 10-17
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: The camp says it’s going through the accreditation process Summer 2023.
- Address: Camp Reimagined, 160 Big Pond Rd, Huguenot, N.Y., 12746
- About: This camp is designed for autistic children and their siblings. Active in Michigan since 2013, this is its first summer in New York. It offers a traditional experience complete with cabins, campfires, tie-dye, swimming, archery and so much more.
- Ages: 7-17 for those with ASD; 6 – 13 for neurotypical siblings
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Scholarships available
- ACA accredited?: No
- Run by New York State OPWDD
- Address: 3 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866
- About: Serving people with developmental disabilities from areas across northeastern New York. Eight separate one-week sessions. One special week of the program is dedicated to people who have Prader Willi Syndrome.
- Age: 18+
- Dates and rates: Total fee is $275
- Financial aid: No
- ACA accredited: No
- From the NY District Kiwanis Foundation
- Address: 9020 Kiwanis Rd., Taberg, N.Y. 13471
- About: A traditional summer program with outdoor activities and arts, it’s designed to mainstream children with special needs. Non-competitive, it has an emphasis on group and team building.
- Age: 8-14; teen program for 15-17; high-functioning special needs 18+
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Operated by the Empire State Special Needs Experience
- Address: 725 LaRue Rd., Spencer, N.Y. 14883
- About A camp offering a traditional summer program to people with a variety of special needs and abilities. It also welcomes nonverbal campers and encourages the use of communication devices, and one session offers 1:1 support for campers who need maximum support. Day camp also offered.
- Ages: 6-17; 18-28; 28+ of various abilities
- Dates and Rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- Run by AHRC New York City
- Address: 653 Colgate Rd., East Jewett, N.Y. 12424
- About: It calls itself a vacation “alternative” to traditional summer rec programs geared to young adults and adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers five, 11-day vacations, including one session for teens, and one session for young adults.
- Ages: 13-17; 18+
- Dates and rates: Contact the lodge for rates
- Financial Aid: Medicaid will pay some costs if eligible.
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Note: I have yet to hear back from Sunshine, but thought it was worth including.
- Address: 809 Five Points Rd., Rush, N.Y., 14543
- About: Since 1922, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has provided a summer camp where children with disabilities can have fun without any barriers. It features a climbing wall, splash pad, archery, swimming, arts & crafts, nature trails and more. It also has a Family Sensory Center. Divided into two sessions. Must reside in Monroe County or bordering counties (Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne). Exceptions will be made based on “Out of County Acceptance Procedure” on the online application
- Ages: Session 1, 7-15; Session 2, 16–21
- Dates and rates: Rate info N/A
- Financial aid: N/A
- ACA accredited: N/A
- Address: 168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, PA 18431
- About: Offers a structured traditional camp program that includes work on social skills development and executive functioning; Upper Camp for teens also works on vocational and personal development; Teen Travel program for teens struggling with social learning skills and that features both national and international tours.
- Ages: Summer Camp: 8-14; Upper Camp: 15-21; Teen Travel: 15-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: An art camp for people with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities and other learning differences. (Day camp also offered.)
- Ages: 16-27
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Day programs are also available.
- Ages: College and Beyond: entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life: young adults up to 27
- Dates and rates: Contact the program for rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
- Run in partnership with Frost Valley YMCA
- Address: 2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, N.Y. 12725
- About: A program serving children and young adults with developmental disabilities in an inclusive “setting striving to expand the reach of summer camp to all people.”
- Ages: 8-18
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
The Boost’s 2024 Summer Sleepaway Camp Special
Updated March 2024
Welcome to The Boost’s second-annual Summer Sleepaway spectacular.
The camps listed below are focused on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities. They offer summer experiences from traditional outdoor activities to teen travel and college readiness programs.
This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
A few things to note:
- I chose camps in or close to New York that got back to me during the fact-checking stage.
- Some camps already have wait-lists, and others are filling up fast.
- Many camps ask for reports (such as IEPs and psychological evaluations).
- Some camps accept Self-Direction so be sure to ask, if applicable.
This list is designed to grow! I’d love to hear about others you know, as well as any positive and/or negative experiences you might have had with any on this list. You can contact me here.
- Address: One Thoreau Way, Thetford Center, VT 05075
- About: Camp Akeela is a “traditional New England camp program” for campers diagnosed with Asperger’s, NLVD or a similar neurodiverse profile. Beyond Akeela helps prepare older campers for life after high school, with an emphasis on social skills, independence and college readiness. Also available: a one-week Family Camp.
- Ages: Camp Akeela: 3rd-10h graders; Beyond Akeela: 10th-12th graders
- Date and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Run by AHRC New York City
- Address: 228 Four Corners Rd., Ancramdale, N.Y. 12503
- About: “A traditional summer camp experience” for people who require various levels of support and may also have physical and/or medical needs.
- Ages: 5-20 and adults 21+
- Dates and rates: Contact the camp for rates.
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 473 Skiff Mountain Rd., Kent, Conn. 06757 (at the Marvelwood School)
- About: A camp for children and teens with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Provides 1-to-1 Orton-Gillingham instruction. (Day camp also offered.)
- Ages: 8-16
- Dates and rates: June 29 – Aug. 10; ask about rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: ACA “affiliated”
- Address: 450 Route 590, Lackawaxen, PA 18435
- About: A special needs summer camp with a full curriculum incorporating an academic and speech program with traditional camp activities. It also offers daily living, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. Older campers work on transitioning skills and then take part in vocational training and job skills activities.
- Ages: 7-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc.
- Address: 2 Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches, N.Y. 11934
- About: A traditional summer camp with one-week sessions for campers with a wide range of disabilities.
- Ages: 6-21; 21+
- Dates and rates: Contact camp for rates.
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Part of Pathfinder Village, a planned community
- Address: 3 Chenango Rd., Edmeston, N.Y., 13335
- About: A small camp for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities who have a level of physical/emotional health that will allow them to benefit from camp.
- Ages: 18+
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- The Jewish camp of the Conservative Movement
- Address: Wingdale, N.Y. 12594
- About: Breira B’Ramah is an inclusion program for campers who benefit from additional support due to communication disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tikvah is a self-contained program for campers who have a range of intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Ta’am Ramah is a one-week program to give rising third graders a taste of camp. Check out Camp Ramah’s other overnight and day camps, including its camp in the Poconos.
- Ages: Breira B’Ramah: entering grades 3-11; Tikvah: pilot program is boys only, 11-14
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 22 Camp Ramapo Rd., Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572
- About: Summer Adventure is a camp setting for neurodiverse children and teens needing help building essential conflict-resolution skills. Its Teen Leadership includes a variety of team-building activities and work experience opportunities. NOTE: There’s an Introductory Week for children not yet ready for a full sleepaway camp experience.
- Ages: 6-16
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 1782 S. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, N.Y. 12843
- About: “Fully immersive environment for individuals with disabilities.” Offers differentiated instruction and modified activities. Its sibling institution is The Reece School, a non-profit special education school in New York City.
- Ages: 10-17
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: The camp says it’s going through the accreditation process Summer 2023.
- Address: Camp Reimagined, 160 Big Pond Rd, Huguenot, N.Y., 12746
- About: This camp is designed for autistic children and their siblings. Active in Michigan since 2013, this is its first summer in New York. It offers a traditional experience complete with cabins, campfires, tie-dye, swimming, archery and so much more.
- Ages: 7-17 for those with ASD; 6 – 13 for neurotypical siblings
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Scholarships available
- ACA accredited?: No
- Run by New York State OPWDD
- Address: 3 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866
- About: Serving people with developmental disabilities from areas across northeastern New York. Eight separate one-week sessions. One special week of the program is dedicated to people who have Prader Willi Syndrome.
- Age: 18+
- Dates and rates: Total fee is $275
- Financial aid: No
- ACA accredited: No
- From the NY District Kiwanis Foundation
- Address: 9020 Kiwanis Rd., Taberg, N.Y. 13471
- About: A traditional summer program with outdoor activities and arts, it’s designed to mainstream children with special needs. Non-competitive, it has an emphasis on group and team building.
- Age: 8-14; teen program for 15-17; high-functioning special needs 18+
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Operated by the Empire State Special Needs Experience
- Address: 725 LaRue Rd., Spencer, N.Y. 14883
- About A camp offering a traditional summer program to people with a variety of special needs and abilities. It also welcomes nonverbal campers and encourages the use of communication devices, and one session offers 1:1 support for campers who need maximum support. Day camp also offered.
- Ages: 6-17; 18-28; 28+ of various abilities
- Dates and Rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- Run by AHRC New York City
- Address: 653 Colgate Rd., East Jewett, N.Y. 12424
- About: It calls itself a vacation “alternative” to traditional summer rec programs geared to young adults and adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers five, 11-day vacations, including one session for teens, and one session for young adults.
- Ages: 13-17; 18+
- Dates and rates: Contact the lodge for rates
- Financial Aid: Medicaid will pay some costs if eligible.
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Note: I have yet to hear back from Sunshine, but thought it was worth including.
- Address: 809 Five Points Rd., Rush, N.Y., 14543
- About: Since 1922, Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp has provided a summer camp where children with disabilities can have fun without any barriers. It features a climbing wall, splash pad, archery, swimming, arts & crafts, nature trails and more. It also has a Family Sensory Center. Divided into two sessions. Must reside in Monroe County or bordering counties (Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne). Exceptions will be made based on “Out of County Acceptance Procedure” on the online application
- Ages: Session 1, 7-15; Session 2, 16–21
- Dates and rates: Rate info N/A
- Financial aid: N/A
- ACA accredited: N/A
- Address: 168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, PA 18431
- About: Offers a structured traditional camp program that includes work on social skills development and executive functioning; Upper Camp for teens also works on vocational and personal development; Teen Travel program for teens struggling with social learning skills and that features both national and international tours.
- Ages: Summer Camp: 8-14; Upper Camp: 15-21; Teen Travel: 15-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: An art camp for people with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities and other learning differences. (Day camp also offered.)
- Ages: 16-27
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Day programs are also available.
- Ages: College and Beyond: entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life: young adults up to 27
- Dates and rates: Contact the program for rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
- Run in partnership with Frost Valley YMCA
- Address: 2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, N.Y. 12725
- About: A program serving children and young adults with developmental disabilities in an inclusive “setting striving to expand the reach of summer camp to all people.”
- Ages: 8-18
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
The Boost’s Day Camp Special
Updated March 2024
Welcome to the The Boost’s second annual Summer Sleepaway special.
The camps (and one summer respite program) listed below, which are mostly in the LoHud area, are focused on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities.
A few things to note:
- This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
- I’ve posted those that got back to me during the fact-checking stage.
- Some camps already have wait-lists, and others are filling up fast.
This list is designed to grow! I’d love to hear about others you know. And if you’ve had any positive and/or negative experiences with any of the camps on the list that you’d like to share you can contact me here.
- Address: Albert Leonard Middle School, 25 Gerada Lane, New Rochelle, N.Y., 10804
- About: The City of New Rochelle’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers eligible students of Special Education a traditional summer camp experience. Campers with mild to moderate intellectual/ developmental disabilities are offered an environment to explore and showcase their ability in the safest, yet least restrictive environment deemed developmentally appropriate. Activities in the visual and performing arts, movement, fitness, games, social learning and cultural enrichment are components of the daily schedule.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Licensed through the Westchester Dept. of Health
- Address: 261 Arden Valley Rd,, Southfields, N.Y., 10975
- About: Part of Mosholu Day Camp, Sunshine boasts an inclusive recreational program enriched with traditional camp activities for children and teens who demonstrate developmental disabilities and/or are limited with their social emotional growth. At Camp Sunshine, children are integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp activities. At Sunshine Teens, campers are also integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp trips and activities. An intake session will evaluate the camper’s compatibility with the program.
- Ages: Camp Sunshine, 5-12; Sunshine Teens, 13-16
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: The Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, 667 Blauvelt Rd., Pearl River, N.Y., 10965
- About: This traditional summer camp is a consortium between the Shames JCC, The Riverdale YM-YWHA, and YM-YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood; campers come from all three locations. It provides inclusion support to campers with an IEP or 504 plan so that they can have the same experience as their neurotypical peers. (An intake process determines whether it’s an appropriate fit.) It’s divided into Pioneers, Trailblazers and Teen Adventures, a hybrid experience that includes daily trips and overnights.
- Ages: Pioneers, entering Kindergarten-2nd grade; Trailblazers, entering 3rd grade-6th grade; Teen Adventures, entering 7th grade-10th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes (deadline coming up)
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 58 Oak Colony Rd., Stony Point, N.Y., 10980
- About: This summer recreational experience offers swimming, arts & crafts, non-competitive sports and music. Children should be able to function in a group setting. Its program for younger campers is inclusive and accommodates children with I/DD, autism or no disability. Its teen program accommodates only campers with I/DD or autism.
- Ages: Core program, 5-12; teen program, 13-21.
- Dates & rates
- Financial aid: Yes, and children enrolled in the HCBS waiver who have respite services can bill the camp as a respite service.
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: Ardsley High School, 300 Farm Rd., Ardsley, N.Y., 10502
- About: A camp for children and young adults with developmental disabilities via Town of Greenburgh Parks & Recreation. First preference given to those who reside in Greenburgh.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Please ask
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
- Address: Two locations in Brewster, one in Carmel
- About: Outdoor exploration paired with unique farm and wildlife activities. Primarily for children without special needs, but they include small 1:1 inclusion programs for campers with additional needs. Services are available for Trailblazers, Blazers and Trackers programs.
- Ages: rising PreK-Grade 8
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Please ask
- Address: 400 Doansburg Rd., Brewster, N.Y., 10509
- About: Ages: Pre-K-Grade 8
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Camp scholarships available to eligible families
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 33 Clearpool Rd., Carmel, N.Y., 10512
- Ages: Pre-K-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
JIMMY VEJAR SUMMER FUN
- Address: The David G. Osterer Center, 1186 King St., Rye Brook, N.Y., 10573
- About: Run by the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, this respite program is for children, teens and young adults with all abilities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, festive barbeques, field trips and special events
- Ages: 6-21
- Dates & rates
- Financial aid: No; an OPWDD HCBS waiver will cover the camp’s costs
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
- Address: Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, 1131 Manor Rd., Staten Island, N.Y., 10314
- About: Its support program welcomes children with high-functioning cognitive, intellectual or developmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and sensory & language delays. Campers enrolled in this program benefit from a 1:3 support ratio. While it’s unable to provide 1:1 support, it welcomes campers to have a SEIT, paraprofessional, or a care provider accompany them throughout the camp day.
- Ages: Entering kindergarten-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Note: This serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in the following towns: Bedford, Briarcliff Manor, Lewisboro, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge, Sleepy Hollow and Somers. Non-residents may participate if space is available.
- Address: St. Theresa School, 300 Dalmeny Rd., Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., 10510
- About: The camp provides an opportunity for children and teens with developmental disabilities to experience the benefits of participating in a local, community day camp program. “In-district” residents receive placement priority.
- Ages: 4-20
- Dates and rates: Info for 2024 coming out soon; will update with a link.
- Financial aid: Limited to those residing within the 12 towns. (Fee structure is based upon the camper’s residency and NE’s ability to receive funding on his/her behalf.)
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
- Note: The consortium serves children and adults with various disabilities and special needs who reside in Mamaroneck, Harrison, Pelham, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Rye, Larchmont, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, Port Chester and Bronxville.
SCARSDALE DAY CAMP (CAMP WAPETUCK & CAMP PATHUNKE)
- About: Runs in conjunction with Scarsdale Recreation Camp (priority given to those residing in Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Rye, Pelham, Port Chester and Harrison).
- Ages: Camp Wapetuck: Rising 1st grade-2nd grade; Camp Pathunke: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
EASTCHESTER DAY CAMP (CAMP GALAXY)
- About: Runs in conjunction with the Eastchester Recreation Camp. For residents in Eastchester, Bronxville and Tuckahoe.
- Ages: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
TEEN LIFE PROGRAM
- About: Work on life skills, obtaining job skills training, utilizing public transportation, money management skills, as well as socialization and volunteering within the community setting.
- Ages: 14-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
- About: The goal is to equip individuals with the practical knowledge and abilities necessary to navigate various aspects of life effectively. The camp aims at empowering individuals to manage daily tasks, make informed decisions, cope with challenges, and pursue personal growth and fulfillment
- Ages: 19-27
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: N/A
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Residential also available.
- Ages: College and Beyond: entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life: young adults up to 27
- Dates and rates: Contact the program for rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
The Boost’s 2024 Day Camp Special
Updated March 2024
Welcome to The Boost’s second annual summer day camp special.
The camps (and one summer respite program) listed below, which are mostly in the LoHud area, are focused on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities.
A few things to note:
- This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
- I’ve posted those that got back to me during the fact-checking stage.
- Some camps already have wait-lists, and others are filling up fast.
This list is designed to grow! I’d love to hear about others you know. And if you’ve had any positive and/or negative experiences with any of the camps on the list that you’d like to share you can contact me here.
- Address: Albert Leonard Middle School, 25 Gerada Lane, New Rochelle, N.Y., 10804
- About: The City of New Rochelle’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers eligible students of Special Education a traditional summer camp experience. Campers with mild to moderate intellectual/ developmental disabilities are offered an environment to explore and showcase their ability in the safest, yet least restrictive environment deemed developmentally appropriate. Activities in the visual and performing arts, movement, fitness, games, social learning and cultural enrichment are components of the daily schedule.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Licensed through the Westchester Dept. of Health
- Address: 261 Arden Valley Rd,, Southfields, N.Y., 10975
- About: Part of Mosholu Day Camp, Sunshine boasts an inclusive recreational program enriched with traditional camp activities for children and teens who demonstrate developmental disabilities and/or are limited with their social emotional growth. At Camp Sunshine, children are integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp activities. At Sunshine Teens, campers are also integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp trips and activities. An intake session will evaluate the camper’s compatibility with the program.
- Ages: Camp Sunshine, 5-12; Sunshine Teens, 13-16
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: The Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, 667 Blauvelt Rd., Pearl River, N.Y., 10965
- About: This traditional summer camp is a consortium between the Shames JCC, The Riverdale YM-YWHA, and YM-YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood; campers come from all three locations. It provides inclusion support to campers with an IEP or 504 plan so that they can have the same experience as their neurotypical peers. (An intake process determines whether it’s an appropriate fit.) It’s divided into Pioneers, Trailblazers and Teen Adventures, a hybrid experience that includes daily trips and overnights.
- Ages: Pioneers, entering Kindergarten-2nd grade; Trailblazers, entering 3rd grade-6th grade; Teen Adventures, entering 7th grade-10th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes (deadline coming up)
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 58 Oak Colony Rd., Stony Point, N.Y., 10980
- About: This summer recreational experience offers swimming, arts & crafts, non-competitive sports and music. Children should be able to function in a group setting. Its program for younger campers is inclusive and accommodates children with I/DD, autism or no disability. Its teen program accommodates only campers with I/DD or autism.
- Ages: Core program, 5-12; teen program, 13-21.
- Dates & rates
- Financial aid: Yes, and children enrolled in the HCBS waiver who have respite services can bill the camp as a respite service.
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: Ardsley High School, 300 Farm Rd., Ardsley, N.Y., 10502
- About: A camp for children and young adults with developmental disabilities via Town of Greenburgh Parks & Recreation. First preference given to those who reside in Greenburgh.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Please ask
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
- Address: Two locations in Brewster, one in Carmel
- About: Outdoor exploration paired with unique farm and wildlife activities. Primarily for children without special needs, but they include small 1:1 inclusion programs for campers with additional needs. Services are available for Trailblazers, Blazers and Trackers programs.
- Ages: rising PreK-Grade 8
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Please ask
- Address: 400 Doansburg Rd., Brewster, N.Y., 10509
- About: Ages: Pre-K-Grade 8
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Camp scholarships available to eligible families
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 33 Clearpool Rd., Carmel, N.Y., 10512
- Ages: Pre-K-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
JIMMY VEJAR SUMMER FUN
- Address: The David G. Osterer Center, 1186 King St., Rye Brook, N.Y., 10573
- About: Run by the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, this respite program is for children, teens and young adults with all abilities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, festive barbeques, field trips and special events
- Ages: 6-21
- Dates & rates
- Financial aid: No; an OPWDD HCBS waiver will cover the camp’s costs
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
- Address: Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, 1131 Manor Rd., Staten Island, N.Y., 10314
- About: Its support program welcomes children with high-functioning cognitive, intellectual or developmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and sensory & language delays. Campers enrolled in this program benefit from a 1:3 support ratio. While it’s unable to provide 1:1 support, it welcomes campers to have a SEIT, paraprofessional, or a care provider accompany them throughout the camp day.
- Ages: Entering kindergarten-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Note: This serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in the following towns: Bedford, Briarcliff Manor, Lewisboro, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge, Sleepy Hollow and Somers. Non-residents may participate if space is available.
- Address: St. Theresa School, 300 Dalmeny Rd., Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., 10510
- About: The camp provides an opportunity for children and teens with developmental disabilities to experience the benefits of participating in a local, community day camp program. “In-district” residents receive placement priority.
- Ages: 4-20
- Dates and rates: Info for 2024 coming out soon; will update with a link.
- Financial aid: Limited to those residing within the 12 towns. (Fee structure is based upon the camper’s residency and NE’s ability to receive funding on his/her behalf.)
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
- Note: The consortium serves children and adults with various disabilities and special needs who reside in Mamaroneck, Harrison, Pelham, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Rye, Larchmont, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, Port Chester and Bronxville.
SCARSDALE DAY CAMP (CAMP WAPETUCK & CAMP PATHUNKE)
- About: Runs in conjunction with Scarsdale Recreation Camp (priority given to those residing in Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Rye, Pelham, Port Chester and Harrison).
- Ages: Camp Wapetuck: Rising 1st grade-2nd grade; Camp Pathunke: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
EASTCHESTER DAY CAMP (CAMP GALAXY)
- About: Runs in conjunction with the Eastchester Recreation Camp. For residents in Eastchester, Bronxville and Tuckahoe.
- Ages: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
TEEN LIFE PROGRAM
- About: Work on life skills, obtaining job skills training, utilizing public transportation, money management skills, as well as socialization and volunteering within the community setting.
- Ages: 14-21
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
- About: The goal is to equip individuals with the practical knowledge and abilities necessary to navigate various aspects of life effectively. The camp aims at empowering individuals to manage daily tasks, make informed decisions, cope with challenges, and pursue personal growth and fulfillment
- Ages: 19-27
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: N/A
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117
- About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Residential also available.
- Ages: College and Beyond: entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life: young adults up to 27
- Dates and rates: Contact the program for rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
Bill Proposes that HCBS Become a Mandatory Medicaid Benefit
A federal proposal to make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory Medicaid benefit is back in play.
The HCBS Access Act, first introduced in the summer of 2021, is a “companion” bill to Better Care Better Job Acts, a proposal that would give states a 10 percentage point increase in federal Medicaid matching funds for services. That bill was reintroduced in January.
Backers say the Access Act would “eliminate waiting lists for community-based services over time by increasing funding for the program, providing grants to states to make Home and Community-Based Services a mandatory Medicaid benefit,” reports Disability Scoop.
Currently, only institutional care is automatically covered by Medicaid. People with developmental disabilities need waivers to access these services, and waitlists can be long.
More challenging, once a waiver has been approved, waitlists for the services themselves are notoriously long as well. There are more than 650,000 people nationwide still stuck on waiting lists who are not getting the services they need, according to the Arc of the U.S. In 2021, people on waiting lists waited an average of 45 months to receive HCBS waiver services, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. People with intellectual developmental disabilities, it noted, waited the longest for services, 67 months on average.
In New York, the waiver is administered by OPWDD. It’s OPWDD’s primary funding mechanism for supporting individuals in the community by providing a variety of services and supports individualized to meet each person’s needs, such as habilitation services, respite care and service coordination.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (NY-16) introduced the HCBS Access Act.
Supreme Court Sides with Disabled Student in Special Ed Case
It’s unanimous. All nine Supreme Court justices ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Miguel Luna Perez, in Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, allowing him to pursue damages claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act without first exhausting the process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The court held that IDEA’s exhaustion requirement does not preclude the ADA lawsuit because the relief Perez seeks (i.e., compensatory damages) is not something IDEA can provide.
This opens the door for other disabled students who feel their schools have failed them. The outcome “holds consequences not just for Mr. Perez but for a great many children with disabilities and their parents,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the unanimous court.
However, notes K12dive.com, the ruling does not address whether IDEA’s requirement to exhaust its administrative process “can be sidestepped in cases where completing the process would be ‘futile’ and whether ADA should provide financial compensation to Miguel Perez, the plaintiff.”
Perez, who is deaf, attended schools in Michigan’s Sturgis Public School District from ages 9 through 20. He was denied a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for years, reports specialeducationaction.com, with the district advancing him “from grade to grade and inflat[ing] his grades to the point he repeatedly made honor roll, even though he couldn’t read or write — and then just before graduation told his family he would receive a certificate of completion but not a high school diploma.”
According to the court’s written opinion, when Sturgis announced that it would not permit Perez to officially graduate, he and his family filed an administrative complaint with the Michigan Department of Education alleging (among other things) that Sturgis failed to provide him a free and appropriate public education as required by the IDEA. (They claimed that Sturgis supplied Mr. Perez with unqualified interpreters and misrepresented his educational progress.)
The parties reached a settlement in which Sturgis promised to provide the forward-looking relief Perez sought, including additional schooling. Perez then sued in federal district court under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seeking compensatory damages. Sturgis moved to dismiss, claiming that Perez was barred from bringing his ADA claim because it requires a plaintiff “seeking relief that is also available under” IDEA to first exhaust IDEA’s administrative procedures. The district court agreed and dismissed the suit, and the Sixth Circuit affirmed.
‘These Actors Just Blossomed’: An Interview with the Cinematographer of ‘Champions’
Well, not my interview. Motionpictures.org spoke with cinematographer C. Kim Miles, whose work, in addition to Champions, includes The Flash and TV’s Yellowjackets.
The movie, which hit screens earlier in March, is about a disgraced minor league basketball coach ordered by the court to manage a team of players, called The Friends, all of whom have developmental disabilities.
From behind the camera, Miles had an interesting perspective on the players, and he has stories. A preview: “Any time The Friends were on set, that was always a treat—if we could get them to stop bouncing the basketballs. That was the thing. On day three of the shoot, as soon as they saw basketballs, they started shooting hoops. It took Bobby fifteen minutes to calm them down. Then Woody shows up, and what’s the first thing he does? Starts shooting hoops.”
Read the interview here.
Is an AI Tool Discriminating Against People with I/DD?
The AP has a cautionary tale about the biases that can be baked into artificial intelligence tools.
The story comes out of Pennsylvania, where parents with developmental disabilities had their baby taken away from them and put into foster care. “They wonder if an artificial intelligence tool that the Allegheny County Department of Human Services uses to predict which children could be at risk of harm singled them out because of their disabilities,” the AP writes.
The U.S. Justice Department is now asking the same question. The AP did a deep dive into the case, laying out the issues with the algorithm and explaining the family’s story. Read it here.
Links to More Stories on Disability Bias in AI
Disability Bias Should Be Addressed in AI Rules, Advocates Say (Bloomberg Law)
Common AI language models show bias against people with disabilities: study (The Hill)
Photo image: Pixabay
More Disability News Links for Week Ending March 25, 2023
From an in-depth look at the DSP budget crisis to the rise in autism diagnoses, here’s a collection of additional stories from around the web for the week ending Saturday, March 25, 2023.
An informative look at how Gov. Hochul’s budget would affect direct support professionals and home care workers: ‘We don’t get enough to survive:’ Care workers seek better pay (Times Union)
Hey, Gov. Hochul, pay attention: NJ plans $165M boost to staffing at group homes, day programs for people with disabilities (northjersey.com)
Autism Now Affects 1 In 36 Kids, CDC Says (Disabilityscoop.com)
A look at the cuts affecting special education found in the House Republican leaders’ slash-and-burn preview: Numbers: What potential budget cuts to Ed Dept would look like (Highereddive.com)
Disneyland Rebuilds Mickey’s Toontown From The Ground Up For Kids Of All Abilities (Disabilityscoop.com)
Horrible news from New Mexico: ‘Shocking and intolerable’: In wake of client injury, state to do wellness checks within DD program (ABQjournal.com)
‘Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just a Disability Consultant,’ Demands Letter From Dozens of Creators (Variety.com)
An interesting read from Australia: Inclusion means everyone: 5 disability attitude shifts to end violence, abuse and neglect (theconversation.com)