More Developmental Disability News to Know for Week Ending Dec. 23, 2023

Philly becomes a sensory-inclusive city, a mother and her 23-year-old autistic son explore autism representation on screen, and more news to know for the week ending Dec. 23, 2023.

Spotlight

NYC’s District 75 schools for students with disabilities brace for tens of millions in cuts

The district has some 26,000 students with complex disabilities who would be affected by the cuts. Reportedly, extracurricular programming would be out, plus the cuts would “thin out supply budgets, and exacerbate an already severe paraprofessional shortage, potentially pushing schools even further out of compliance with students’ legally binding special education plans.” (Chalkbeat)

But, after the announcement, came this: NYC teachers union sues Eric Adams to halt school budget cuts. (Chalkbeat)

Stay tuned.

New York

Special Olympics New York calls on Hochul to increase funding ahead of program cuts The CEO of Special Olympics New York reportedly says the organization will otherwise have to cut participation in games by a third and limit recruitment. (wbfo.org)

Disability service providers ask Hochul for more money in new budget The effort named “Invest in Me” includes CP State, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 30 affiliates. (North Country Public Radio)

Outside of New York

Philadelphia is country’s first ‘sensory-inclusive city.’ While a handful of other cities have similar designations from the for-profit org IBCCES, this is the first to receive a Sensory Inclusive Certification from the non-profit KultureCity. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

TN scores a D grade on the 2023 Tennessee Disability Scorecard The annual review is to ensure that Tennesseans with disabilities are prioritized in policy decisions, which, obviously, they are not. Disgraceful. (wate.com)

Direct Care Workers

What’s behind the shortage of workers who support people with disabilities Another big media outlet picks up on this important story. (PBS)

Autism

Autism Representation Is Growing on TV. Is It Any Good? A mother and her 23-year-old autistic son explore the current landscape of autism representation on screen. (Teen Vogue)

Lawsuits claiming Tylenol causes autism lack scientific support, judge finds The ruling in Manhattan federal court likely means the end of about 500 lawsuits, unless plaintiffs get it reversed on appeal. (Reuters)