Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, registration links. If you have an event, webinar or other information you’d like to share with The Boost, please contact us here.

Events

SPOTLIGHT ON

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 deadline for registration: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: (Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day.) A great way for self-advocates with developmental disabilities to network, learn and raise their voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Some scholarships are available, check them out here.

 

Fall, 2024:  Jacob Burns Film Center’s Upcoming Sensory Friendly Fall Screenings: The film center is in Pleasantville, N.Y.

Fall, 2024: ReelAbilities New York Fall Lineup: ReelAbilities is a film festival and streaming service focusing on people with disabilities. All events and screenings are held at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.

Fall, 2024: Intrepid Museum Fall Access Programs: New York City’s Intrepid Museum offers monthly programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Sat., Sept. 14, 2024: Rochester Special Education Resource Fair: Second annual. Includes activities, such as visits from the ZoomMobile and therapy dogs.

Sat., Sept. 21, 2024: Inclusive Services Resource Fair at Brooklyn Public Library: 10th Family Resource Fair for children and teens with disabilities.

Sun., Sept. 29, 2024: Rockefeller State Park Preserve’s Abilities Celebration: Second annual. Includes debut of  all-terrain chairs.

Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium in Albany: Third annual. Assists in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers and more.

Webinars & Town Halls

Mon., Sept. 16, 2024: Rochester Special Ed Parent Advisory Council Monthly Meetings: For parents, guardians and caregivers. Held monthly (first is Sept. 16) “to discuss concerns and to collaborate with the District and outside agencies to discuss and resolve those concerns.” Also to learn about special ed process.

Tues., Sept. 17, 2024: Ready, Set, Vote: Your Guide to Election Day Preparation: Self-advocacy workshop to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to cast votes. Cosponsored by Autism Society and NACDD.

Tues., Sept. 17, 2024: WIHD’s Monthly Decision Making Series: Workshop #1: Three-part monthly series from WIHD reviews supported decision-making (SDM), guardianship and other alternatives. 

*CANCELLED (“OPWDD has informed [NYC Fair] that they are not now prepared to participate in the question-and-answer format NYC Fair has followed for prior Town Halls.”) Wed., Sept. 18, 2024: Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) Town Hall: OPWDD is required to perform a conflict-free comprehensive needs assessment for people receiving OPWDD services. (Read more about what CAS is here.)

Thurs., Sept. 19, 2024: Busing Issues 101: Troubleshooting NYC School Transportation Issues: How to navigate Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT).

Fri., Sept. 20, 2024: Special Ed Task Force Webinar: Updates on NYS special ed laws, regulations, state and federal guidance and other trending topics or issues. (Special Education Task Force [SETF])

Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: Nuts & Bolts of Transition Stipends for Housing Webinar, Wed: For those thinking about living independently or are supporting someone on their housing journey.

Wed., Oct. 6, 2024: Parenting With Pride: New virtual support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent to Parent of NYS)

Scholarships

Deadline Sept. 30, 2024: The Patricio “Pat” Figueroa, Jr. Scholarships: From NYS Independent Living Council. Provides funding for young adults with disabilities to attend and participate in independent living-related conferences, and/or national disability and leadership trainings.

Photo: A still from the movie, Who Framed Robert Rabbit, courtesy of Jacob Burns Film Center.