Autism impacts non-White people, women and girls more than ever, a new employment model for people with I/DD, Staten Island holds its first disability empowerment conference, and more news to know for the week ending June 17, 2023.

Spotlight

Nation makes progress on early intervention for children with autism Young children, on average, are receiving early intervention services at a younger age than when they receive a formal autism diagnosis, indicating the nation may be doing a better job at providing early supports than diagnoses. (k12dive.com)

New York

130 attend Staten Island’s first disability empowerment conference, where the challenges – and successes – were explored Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) hosted the inaugural “Tap Into Empowerment Conference.” (silive.com)

At the edge between ‘being and becoming,’ a rabbi transitions  A rabbi in Kingston, N.Y., opens up about navigating faith after coming out as nonbinary and being diagnosed with autism. (Timesunion.com)

Outside New York

Chicago special education chief steps down amid reports that the district violated state law governing restraint, timeout Stephanie Jones left amid criticism for her role in the district’s failure to fix violations. (Chalkbeat.org)

Farm Grows Jobs — And Hope — For People With Developmental Disabilities A pilot program in St. Paul, Minn., trains people with I/DD to themselves train others for a produce-subscription program. (DisabilityScoop.com)

A San Antonio mom made a mobile unit for restroom needs of people with disabilities This creative mom co-created a mobile public restroom for festivals and other large events. (npr.org)

Big News

How Black autistic women and girls are excluded from conversations on resources and research Autism is impacting non-White people, women and girls more than ever. (19thnews.org)

A new employment model for people with autism and intellectual disabilities Researcher wins grant from California’s Department of Developmental Services to test an employment model called Individualized Placement and Support. (UC Davis Health)

Global Progress on disability rights risks going in reverse A “cascade of crises” is putting global progress towards ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities in danger, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned. (United Nations)