First posted Nov. 21, 2024; applications are still open.
Exercising is easier said than done. This is especially true for people who have intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, as they often require support and specialized teachers to participate in activities. Many gyms, however, are expensive to join, and the costs add up should someone be interested in taking classes.
With this in mind, Jake Allyne and Steve Goodman, founders of the Westchester County-based inclusive fitness center, Breakthrough Fit Co., started The Breakthrough Fund. Its goal: To help those with disabilities who want to get healthy but are in need of financial aid to do so.
The program goes one step further: It provides families with a professional who can help them navigate the New York State OPWDD application process and other Medicaid services that can help pay for things such as community classes and activities.
“Our mission is to help the neurodivergent community to live longer and better lives,” says Mark Shearon, who heads the Breakthrough Fund’s board of directors. “My son, Max, is 21 and has special need and is nonverbal. I finally got him to [Breakthrough Fit], where he’s been going twice a week, and I see what a massive difference exercise can make.”
The link between exercise and longevity is well known. Doctors, numerous studies and government agencies all tell us that active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems.
This makes exercise even more important for people with I /DD, as the risk for premature death increases with this population. The lack of equitable access to health care is an obvious reason, but so is a critical lack of physical activity. People with disabilities often exhibit sedentary behaviors, which you can no doubt confirm as you’re likely used to seeing your loved one in front of the TV, and are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without disabilities.
Launched in 2024, the fund is currently accepting applications for a year of wellness.
Participants do six wellness activities a month, including activities with the fund’s partners: Able Athletics (inclusive group sports), Swim Angelfish (adaptive swim lessons and water safety), Jennifer Hill Yoga, and Diet & Nutrition with Caraballosa Nutrition.
Lena Martino, who has 25 years of experience in the field, is the navigator who guides families through the complex world of OPWDD services.
While the fund currently is designed as a bridge to cover costs while people apply and/or are put on waitlists, it will also consider any neurodivergent or otherwise developmentally disabled child or adult who can prove they’re in need of financial assistance.
If this seems right for your loved one, check it out. It might make a huge difference in their lives.
“Prior to going to Breakthrough, my daughter would go with my husband to the track and walk,” says Ardsley, N.Y., parent Michele Bernstein, whose daughter, Adin, has I/DD. “But it was nothing at the level of exercise she’s getting now at Breakthrough. She gets personal training, weight training and does cardio. She’s very strong and has lost weight.
“They really push her and hold her to a very high standard,” Bernstein adds. “It amazes me what they get out of her. And she loves it.”
Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump’s agenda after marathon ‘vote-a-rama’ (NBCnews.com)
Trump Rebuffs Senate G.O.P. and Backs House Budget Plan (Nytimes.com)
As Governors Meet in D.C., Possible Federal Medicaid Cuts Loom as Big State Funding Issue (kff.org)
NYS Senator Fahy Introduces Consumer Wheelchair Repair Act to End Repair Monopoly (nysenate.gov)
Iowa Medicaid Sends $4M Bills to Two Families Grieving Deaths of Loved Ones With Disabilities (KFF.com)
Tweed New Haven Airport creates Sunflower Program to help passengers with hidden disabilities (fox61.com)
What’s behind the ‘D Word’ billboards around Kalamazoo, Mich.? (mlive.com)
Ohio families of children with disabilities file lawsuit over unannounced home visits (nbc4i.com)
Bill would require special education discussions during Texas school board meetings (tcu360.com)
GOP-led lawsuit that could dismantle disability protections draws public backlash (Stateline.org)
How to Build a Neurodiverse City (Bloomberg.com)
Donald Trump’s Next Diversity Target: People With Disabilities (The Nation)
Kids’ disability rights cases stalled as Trump began to overhaul Education Department (AP)
Opinion: What the Trump Era Looks Like for Disabled Students in K-12 (New York Times)
The latest on potential cuts to Medicaid, how to build a neurodiverse city, and move developmental disability news for week ending Feb. 21, 2025.
Fri., Feb. 21, 2025: Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump’s agenda after marathon ‘vote-a-rama’ Not many details are out yet. The House is not in session this week, and plans to take up its own competing budget resolution next week. (NBCnews.com)
Trump Rebuffs Senate G.O.P. and Backs House Budget Plan This was on Feb. 19, the morning after an appearance on Fox News, during which Trump was adamant that there should be no cuts to Medicaid. But he then endorsed a House bill that has deep cuts to Medicaid on the table. (New York Times)
As Governors Meet in D.C., Possible Federal Medicaid Cuts Loom as Big State Funding Issue The National Governors Association (NGA) meeting started Thurs., Feb. 20, and goes through the 22nd. (KFF.org)
NYS Senator Fahy Introduces Consumer Wheelchair Repair Act to End Repair Monopoly (nysenate.gov)
Iowa Medicaid Sends $4M Bills to Two Families Grieving Deaths of Loved Ones With Disabilities (KFF.com)
Tweed New Haven Airport creates Sunflower Program to help passengers with hidden disabilities (fox61.com)
What’s behind the ‘D Word’ billboards around Kalamazoo, Mich.? It’s a Disability Network Southwest Michigan campaign, “Disability is not a bad word.” (mlive.com)
Ohio families of children with disabilities file lawsuit over unannounced home visits (nbc4i.com)
Bill would require special education discussions during Texas school board meetings (tcu360.com)
17 states claim Section 504 overreach A suit questioning the addition of “gender dysphoria” to the definition of a disability under both the Rehabilitation Act and the the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has raised concerns among disability rights advocates that Section 504 could be eliminated — and that this is the suit’s goal.
A quick primer with info from K12dive.com regarding Section 504 and schools:
GOP-led lawsuit that could dismantle disability protections draws public backlash (Stateline.org)
How to Build a Neurodiverse City A NYC public school is part of a new, multi-year project, The Neurodiverse City. (Bloomberg.com)
New program improves surgery experience for neurodiverse kids (Health.ucdavis.edu)
No mind left behind: How travel embraces neurodiversity (Travel Weekly)
Donald Trump’s Next Diversity Target: People With Disabilities (The Nation)
(From the Politico newsletter 2/20/25: “Those inside the department say it’s eerily quiet as staffers await the fulfillment of Donald Trump’s campaign trail promise to demolish the department in its entirety.”)
Kids’ disability rights cases stalled as Trump began to overhaul Education Department (AP)
Tracking Trump: His actions on education (Hechingereport.org)
Opinion: What the Trump Era Looks Like for Disabled Students in K-12 (New York Times)
DOGE slashes millions from Education Department research (USA Today)
Major US airlines challenge Biden-era DOT wheelchair accessibility rule (USA Today)
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., Feb. 21, 2025: Rom-Com Movie Night: In Nyack, N.Y. For youth with disabilities ages 14-24. To register, contact Emily Rocks at erocks@bridgesrc.org, 845-624-1366 ext. 107. (Bridges)
Sat., March 1, 2025: Music for Autism Virtual Concert: The concerts feature professional musicians, including Tony Award winners, Grammy-nominated classical artists, and Pulitzer Prize winners. To ensure equal access for all, every Music for Autism concert is fully subsidized. (Music for Autism)
Fri., March 7, 2025: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Pound Ridge Library Sensory Room & Book Reading: Join this library in Westchester County as it opens its new Sensory Room and the newly refurbished Children’s Room. Featuring a special story time highligting the library’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
Six Sundays starting March 23, 2025, ending May 11, 2025: Inclusive Lacrosse with Able Athletics: Location is in Bedford, N.Y. Athletes will participate in engaging, inclusive sessions designed to foster teamwork, skill-building, and confidence in a supportive, adaptive environment. All abilities welcome with activities tailored to needs.
Thurs., April 3 – Wed., April 9, 2025: 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival New York: Info to come.
Year-Round:
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym: There are two New York We Rock the Spectrum franchises, one in New Rochelle (Westchester County), the other Staten Island, with locations in Brooklyn and Long Island in the works.
AMC Sensory-friendly films: There are 10 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 credit: Freepik.com
All are free unless otherwise noted.
Mon., Feb. 24, 2025: OPWDD Self-Direction Demystified: Learn the pros and cons of the Self-Direction service delivery model as it compares with traditional agency services. Cost: $25 (CDA lecture series, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan)
Tues., Feb. 25, 2025: BluePath Service Dogs Informational Webinar: Join BluePath’s webinar to explore the role of autism service dogs, the application process, and have your questions answered to help determine if an autism service dog could benefit your family. Zoom link.
Tues., Feb. 25, 2025: Learn all About Abilibee, an App to Help You Navigate Your Developmental Disability Journey From Early Intervention to Adulthood. (Abilibee and New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities)
Tues., Feb. 25, 2025: Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents: The presentation will discuss fostering vocabulary development at home. Participants will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their children in the elementary grades and describe ways to incorporate instruction in the home. (FACE and NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., Feb. 26, 2025: The Relationship Between Emotional Regulation and Severe and Dangerous Behaviors: A large percentage of those with profound autism exhibit severe, intense, and dangerous behaviors. Finding the causes has been a priority for researchers. In collaboration with University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University, National Council on Severe Autism and Autism Speaks, you have the opportunity to hear about emotional regulation, its role in these behaviors and what interventions are available.
Wed., Feb. 26, 2025: Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families: This training is intended to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. (FACE and NYSED OSE Partnership)
Wed., Feb. 26, 2025, or Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 : Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities: Participants will learn about self-determination skills and its relation to students determining an individualized pathway to graduation from multiple options. Credit and diploma requirements, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, and safety-net options for students with disabilities will be reviewed. (FACE, NYSED OSE Partnership, LHRPC and Mount Vernon City School District)
Mon., March, 3, 2025- Thurs., March 6, 2025: Employment and You! Resources and Strategies for Success: Hear from statewide experts on employment resources for people with disabilities including contacts and methods that can support and keeping a job. (Univ. of Rochester Medical Center and WIHD)
Tues., March 4, 2025: NYC FAIR’s Virtual Town Hall: What’s in the State budget? What’s not? Find out here. You can submit questions prior to the event.
Tues., March 4, 2025: EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) for Families: This presentation will guide parents through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education. (FACE and. NYSED OSE Partnership)
Tues., March 4, 2025: General Info Session to Learn More about Supported Decision-Making: For those who want to learn more about supported decision-making (SDM), and the SDMNY facilitation process. Includes time for Q&A. (Supported Decision-Making NY [SDNY])
Sat., March 8, 2025: GiGi’s Educator Symposium: Join a team of experienced educators and therapists from across the GiGi’s Playhouse Network to learn how to teach individuals with Down syndrome the way they learn best.Wed.,
March 12, 2025: SibSpace Lecture Series: Supporting + Empowering Families to Manage Conflict and Prevent Crises: Families can learn how to foster understanding, build stronger connections, and handle difficult moments with confidence with their neurodiverse adults. Open to families, siblings, and professionals. (NY START)
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)
Wed., March 26, 2025: College Pathways for Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Information on college options for students with intellectual disability and highlight resources available for students and families on the Think College website, including the only national directory of these programs in the country. Cost: $25. (Think College)
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)
Photo: BluePath Service Dogs (Courtesy of BluePath)
The Netflix Emmy-winning reality series, Love on the Spectrum, which follows a group of individuals on the autism spectrum as they date and look for love, is getting ready for its third season. First, though, it needs participants.
The television production company behind the show, Northern Pictures, which calls the program a documentary, has put out an invitation for single people living in the U.S. who are on the autism spectrum and are interested in dating to apply.
If you or someone you know might be interested in speaking with them, send an email with a brief description of yourself and a photo to: production@northernpictures.com.au.
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As the U.S. House and Senate wrestle with separate bills to land on a plan that seemingly will gut Medicaid funding, families and advocates nationwide are holding their collective breaths — and gearing up to fight.
The Arc New York has sent out a statement saying it will be initiating and mobilizing an aggressive federal advocacy campaign to oppose any cuts to Medicaid funding by this new administration. “The people we support and their families rely on Medicaid funding for critical services and cuts of any kind will be potentially devastating. This is a real threat and we plan to FIGHT back!” it reads.
MeHere are some suggested first steps:
Additionally, The Arc US has created a series of webinars to help educate advocates and providers on the current federal landscape and how we can effectively move our fight forward.
In the latest webinar, you’ll learn about the growing concern about potential cuts to Medicaid, including what you can do to help protect Medicaid. Along with the webinar, The Arc has provided tools, resources, and strategies to help you advocate effectively. You can view the webinar, download the session slides, and access other resources here.
Stay tuned for more.
Every February, Black History Month honors and reflects on the stories and contributions of Black Americans. Also every February, it’s given a theme by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor. Its purpose, says ASALH, is to encourage “broad reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events.”
ASALH also notes that 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor.
RELATED NEWS: The Labor Crisis Putting People With Disabilities at Risk
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) began its observation of the month with a statement from Acting Commissioner Willow Baer:
“Whether it’s people we support, their family members, or people we employ, we cannot understate the contributions that Black communities add to our system and people’s lives. In fact, 40% of frontline staff working at service providers across New York State self-identify as Black, according to the most recent National Core Indicators State of the Workforce Survey.”
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Black history of course also includes disabled history.
The ARC has a stellar list of Black disabled leaders in history, including Lois Curtis, a disability rights advocate with cognitive and developmental disabilities who spent nearly 20 years in institutions at different points in her life.
“The landmark Supreme Court ruling on her case, Olmstead v. L.C., that institutionalizing people with disabilities was discriminatory, was a monumental and watershed moment in the Independent Living Movement,” The Arc writes.
Johnnie Lacy helped found the Berkeley Center for Independent Living in 1981, which the center says is the first independent living center in the country organized and operated by persons with disabilities.
If you’re looking for housing for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), you know demand far outweighs supply. You’ve also likely hit dead ends and/or don’t know where to go for help.
In New York, one place to turn is to the newly redesigned New York Housing Resource Center website from the non-profit New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (NY Alliance). This thorough, easy-to-follow resource offers important housing-related topics for people with I/DD with a focus on non-certified housing.
Short, easy-to-follow videos and podcasts cover topics ranging from Housing Types and Funding to Living in Your Own Place, which includes interviews on being a good neighbor, and how to deal with general repairs and maintenance.
The Boost will start off your non-certified housing journey with one of the first questions people have when searching for a home for a loved one: The difference between certified and non-certified housing. You can access short video explainers on the site, but here’s a summary:
If you’re interested in staying on top of NYHRC news, sign up for its newsletter. You’ll find the link to do so at the bottom of the homepage.
Here are some housing opportunities shared with NYHRC. The organization does not put them on its website. The below are currently available.
Note: If you have an affordable housing opportunity to share please send the information to Carol Napierski, vp, Program Development and Grant Management, New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (NY Alliance) and a co-director of the Housing Resource Center, at cnapierski@nyalliance.org and it will be added to their list.
Rochester – Eastman Reserve:
The Eastman Reserve, located in Rochester, N.Y., has immediate availability for a 2-bedroom unit designed specifically for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Applications can be submitted online at www.eastmanreserve.com.
For questions contact (585) 340-6731.
Endicott – Endicott Square:
Endicott Square in Endicott, N.Y., has affordable apartments for Central and Southern Tier New York. It currently has two vacancies that offer accessibility features. They are both 1 bedroom apartments; one (1) is mobility accessible and one (1) has sight and hearing accommodations.
Contact Tammy in the leasing office at 607-757-2549, email tkistner@housingvisions.org, or fill out an application online.
Moreau – Sisson Reserve:
PathStone Management Corporation has an immediate availability of a 3-bedroom townhome apartment at Sisson Reserve Apartments Phase II in the Town of Moreau, N.Y., specifically designed for individuals with physical impairments. This affordable housing development caters to low-income families and individuals with disabilities or special needs. They offer spacious 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units.
To apply, visit www.sissonreserveapts.org. Questions, contact (518) 480-4416.
Lockport – Lockport Canal Homes:
Lockport Canal Homes in Lockport N.Y. (Western New York) has affordable housing apartments. It currently has a vacancy in an accessible 3-bedroom apartment with hearing/vision accessibility features.
Either fill out the application at this link, call Kim in the leasing office at 716-280-3613.
A fraction of students eligible for pre-employment transition services receive them, the Super Bowl gets inclusive, Trump trumpets autism falsehoods, and more developmental disability news for week the ending Feb. 7, 2025.
Hundreds of thousands of students are entitled to training and help finding jobs. They don’t get it (Hechingerreport.org)
More than a decade ago, reports Hechinger, Congress earmarked funding for pre-employment transition services to help students with disabilities explore and train for careers and send them on a pathway to independence after high school. But in 2023 only about 295,000 students in the whole country received some form of the services out of an estimated 3.1 million who were eligible, the news site found. In New Jersey last year, that number was just 1,370 students out of more than 80,000 eligible. In New York, about 5% of eligible students got services.
To learn about pre-ETS in New York, visit NYS Education Dept. Adult Career & Continuing Ed and the New York State Ed Department on pre-ETS.
If your child isn’t receiving services or if you have questions about what they’re getting, ask to meet with your school’s Committee on Special Education.
OPWDD Announces $850 Million Dollar Investment in New York’s Developmental Disability Service Providers Well, kind of. The 2024-25 budget provided State resources to update provider reimbursement rates and this money, which OPWDD just released, along with an investment of additional resources, “will enable provider agencies to offer higher wages for direct care staff [and will] support other essential costs associated with delivering these vital services.” (OPWDD)
Families left in dark about impact of alternate assessment track on students with disabilities Factors including under-resourcing and a failure to equip parents to make fully informed decisions have led schools to place students who take alternate assessments in non-inclusive, low-rigor settings. (Chalkbeat.org)
Mystery Donor Funds $10 Million Campaign Against Hochul Home Care Plan This report says it’s unclear who’s bankrolling the Alliance to Protect Home Care spending. (Nyfocus.com)
Commentary: CDPAP changes are needed to get runaway costs under control (Times Union)
Home Care Advocates, users demand alternatives as NY pushes CDPAP transition (CBS6albany.com)
Disabled passengers fear for their safety on the MTA’s paratransit program The private brokers that dispatch for-hire vehicles to pick up people enrolled in the program have been the cause of numerous complaints. (Gothamist)
Adults living with developmental disabilities in New Jersey require more support | Opinion (Northjersey.com)
WA Legislature weighs paying parents who care for children with disabilities The state provides funding, but parents don’t qualify until their kids turn 18. Meanwhile, a worker shortage makes finding caregivers impossible for many. (Washingtonstatestandard.com)
California Might Kick 400,000 Kids Off Medicaid (governing.com)
Minnesotans with disabilities say state’s proposed budget cuts would ‘bring us backward’ Advocates and providers push back against Gov. Walz’ proposed disability service changes. (StarTribune.com)
Eagles Autism Foundation brings inclusive activities to Super Bowl Experience (6abc.com)
Super Bowl-Bound Eagles Team Up With Rutgers Scientists to Direct Autism Research (Rutgers.edu)
Trump says ‘something really wrong’ with autism rates ahead of RFK Jr. vote Trump has repeatedly drawn a false connection between vaccines and autism rates. (Thehill.com)
Autism Takes Center Stage As RFK Jr. Nomination For HHS Secretary Advances (Disability Scoop)
Opinion: How to respond to loved ones lured by RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance (Washington Post)
A controversial autism therapy is gaining prominence, but some say it hurts neurodiverse people Another look at ABS. (Salon.com)
Don’t Forget Americans With Severe Autism This reader letter likely will resonate with some parents: “I don’t begrudge Bill Gates’s musings that he would have been put on the autism spectrum … yet I’d like to bring into focus a sharper picture of the disorder amid the current trend of self-diagnosis.” (Wall Street Journal)
Disabilities Beat: If federal funding stops, what’s at stake for disabled people? A look at the freeze that wasn’t but might be tried again. (wrvo.org)
Disability doesn’t exist in medical training: study Disability is left out of standard American medical coursework, according to a new study in the Journal of Internal Medicine. (Bloom Blog)
‘Kick in the teeth’: Disabled federal workers fear for their jobs after Trump remarks As divers searched the Potomac River for bodies after last the tragic air collision on Jan. 29, President Trump blamed the FAA’s diversity policies and hiring of disabled Americans. (USAToday.com)
A researcher said the evidence on special ed inclusion is flawed. Readers weighed in Hechinger Report reported on a study that concludes school inclusion actually doesn’t work so well. Afterwards, many readers and leaders in the educational field took issue with the findings. I found their comments interesting! (Hechingerreport.org)
Proms Expected To Draw Those With IDD From Around The Globe The events are being held Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at 800 churches across 50 states and more than 60 countries as part of “Night to Shine,” an annual series of proms put on by the Tim Tebow Foundation. (Disability Scoop)