Disability protections now part of NYS constitution, 9 great books about autism, a new Down syndrome project, and more developmental disability news for week ending Nov. 8, 2024.

New York

Prop 1 approved, expanding NY’s discrimination protections Voters approved a states constitution amendment that expands protections against discrimination based on several new categories for the first time since 1938, including disability. (timesunion.com)

Colonie Central High student arrested for taking photo of student with autism in bathroom, sharing online This is an upsetting story. And, reportedly, the mother of the victim wanted the district to talk about the alleged incident publicly, but the district did not. (Timesunion.com)

Job pursuit of upstate man with autism is truly unlimited The Lifetime Assistance program is an internship that provides paid work experience. (spectrumlocal news.com)

Outside of New York

In N.J., Severe autism, frantic families N.J. is slow to help children with severe autism. Inside a mother’s desperate plea. (nj.com)

Teachers can save up to $18K by training in this new program to help fill staffing shortages in special ed and more The state Dept. of Ed approved five new programs through the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning. (nj.com)

Advocates for Tennesseans with disabilities give state ‘D’ grade in 2024 Disability Scorecard This year’s score’s the same as last year’s grade. (actionews5.com)

D.C. charter school accused of violating law for students with disabilities An audit found one of D.C.’s oldest charter schools suspended students without first holding federally mandated meetings to determine whether a child’s behavior is the manifestation of a disability or the result of an IEP, and was unable to provide records of services provided for at least three students with disabilities who had been expelled or suspended for 10 or more days. (Washington Post)

Across the Pond

UK government pledges better treatment of people with autism and learning disabilities A long-awaited mental health bill to end the use of prison cells for people in crisis and limit the detention of those with autism and learning disabilities is being introduced by the government. (Financial Times)

Education

Special education teacher shortages focus of upcoming federal briefing The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will investigate the federal response to special education teacher shortages. (k12dive.com)

9 Great Books About Autism by Authors Who Are Autistic (USAToday.com)

How iPads transformed communication for non-verbal autistic students A pre-kindergarten classroom in Florida uses technology to help kids communicate. (getthecoast.com)

Down Syndrome

New Project To Track People With Down Syndrome From Birth To Adulthood The National Institutes of Health project known as the Down Syndrome Cohort Development Program, or DS-CDP, will collect biological samples, health information and other data that will be available to researchers in an anonymous fashion. (Disability Scoop)

Employment

Opinion: Disabled Workers Deserve More Than Subminimum Wage (Time)

You Love to See It

A Test of Independence for Ultramarathon Runner with Autism A man with autism, his devoted mother and a seemingly endless race. A story of resilience and love. (New York Times)