One in four adults in the U.S. has a disability, a New York state fair caters to people with IDD, SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic, and more developmental disability news for the week ending July 26, 2024.
Spotlight
1 in 4 Adults Has a Disability: CDC
The latest data from the CDC’s 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) reveal that more than 1 in 4 — over 70 million — adults in the United States reported having a disability in 2022.
The report, which also breaks down some data by state, shows that in New York, 12% have a cognitive disability.
New York
Neglect at Boarding School for Autistic Youth Left a Student With Vision Loss More reporting on Shrubs Oak International School in New York. (ProPublica)
ThinkDIFFERENTLY day returns to Saratoga County Fair for seventh year The event for individuals living with disabilities and their families included limited carnival rides that opened early without flashing lights or loud noises. It’s believed to be the second fair in the state, behind the Dutchess County Fair, to implement a ThinkDIFFERENTLY day. (saratogian.com)
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Support New Yorkers With Disabilities This seems to be Hochul’s way of marking the Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and has mostly to do with modifying homes and parking permits. (Press release)
Western New York mother developing online platform for disability resources NavigateMD’s goal is to connect individuals with medical providers, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other resources that meet their specific needs. (spectrumlocalnews.com)
Outside of New York
Michigan Ed Dept. denies findings of COVID-era student disability violations The U.S. Dept. of Ed says the state’s students with disabilities were not offered make-up services for instructional time lost due to pandemic school closures. (k12dive.com)
Parents of Children with Special Needs Charge LA School Distrct Holding Back Information They say it’s in retaliation for proposing an Improving Special Education Resolution. (the74million.org)
Illinois faces backlash over bid to end oversight of disability services An independent court monitor says state’s services are “in stark contrast to national best practices.” (capitolnewsillinois.com)
Education
How could Project 2025 change education? A look at how the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, also known as Project 2025 — an initiative organized by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation believed to be closely tied to the Trump campaign — can affect areas including special ed. (The Hechinger Report)
Autism
‘Of course’ SpongeBob has autism, voice actor Tom Kenny says. ‘That’s his superpower’ (Los Angeles Times)
Housing
After Years in Hospitals, a Place to Call Home Note: This story about YAI residencies is written by YAI, an organization serving people with IDD. That said, it’s a heartwarming look at an OPWDD program to help people with long hospital stays transition into residential homes, and perfectly encapsulates the importance of such residencies and so the critical need for a living wage for Direct Support Professionals. (YAI.org)
Firsts
Wexton makes history as first member to use AI voice on House floor Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia, who has Supranuclear palsy and uses a walker, is the first member to use an augmentative and alternative communication device on the House floor. It’s wonderful to see the normalization of a disability in such a public forum. (CNN)
