Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, registration links. If you have a free event, webinar or other information you’d like to share with The Boost, please contact us here.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Pop-Up for Neurodivergent Artisans
Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: Shames JCC on the Hudson One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop: Handmade bracelets, paintings and more created by neurodivergent artisans. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. NOTE: CALL FOR VENDORS! If interested, contact Annie Bridson, director, Supportive Services, Shames JCC, at abridson@shamesjcc.org.
REC & ENTERTAINMENT
Sat., Sept. 21, 2024: Bedford Trifesta 2024: Music, face painting, a “Zen Zone” for neurodivergent children and families, and more.
Sun., Sept. 29, 2024: Rockefeller State Park Preserve’s Abilities Celebration: Second annual. Includes debut of all-terrain chairs.
Fall, 2024: Jacob Burns Film Center’s Sensory Friendly Screenings: Located in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Fall, 2024: Bedford Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Located in Bedford, 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
Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities
WEBINARS & TOWN HALLS
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])
Upcoming OPWDD Public Meetings, in-person or virtually:
- Tues., Sept. 24, 2024: Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council
- Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: Family Support Services Committee
Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: Nuts & Bolts of Transition Stipends for Housing Webinar: For those thinking about living independently or are supporting someone on their housing journey. (NY Housing Resource Center)
Wed., Sept. 25, 2024: EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Preschool Special Education) for Families Webinar (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Thurs., Sept. 26, 2024: Let’s Talk About Sex and Sexuality: For parents, caregivers and helpers of neurodivergent adolescents and young adults. (Ramapo for Children)
Thurs., Sept. 26, 2024: Abilibee App Grand Launch Buzz New York-based Abilities First, with funding from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, is launching a free, innovative app named Abilibee. It’s an all-in-one guide to navigating life for individuals with developmental disabilities, from early intervention through adulthood, helping parents and caregivers be their best advocates. At the launch you’ll learn how to make the most of Abilibee in your daily life.
Tues., Oct. 1, 2024: Navigating the Special Ed Journey in NYC (Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement [FACE] Center)
Wed., Oct. 6, 2024: Parenting With Pride: New virtual support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals with developmental disabilities. (Parent to Parent of NYS)
FAIRS, SYMPOSIUMS & CONFERENCES
Sat., Sept. 21, 2024: Inclusive Services Resource Fair at Brooklyn Public Library: 10th Family Resource Fair for children and teens with disabilities.
Fri., Sept. 27, 2024: Legislative Advocacy 101 session From Coalition for Self Direction
Mon., Sept. 30, 2024: Census Bureau Livestreams Meeting With Stakeholders on Disability Data Needs
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.
Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: Diverse Abilities Job Fair at Westchester County Center: One-on-one time slots with certain employers will be available only during the first hour and then time with these employers will open to other attendees.
Wed., Oct. 10, 2024: Virtual Family Connect Summit: From Adapt Community Network. For children with disabilities, families, providers and other stakeholders to learn about navigating services.
Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: (Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day.) Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Some scholarships are available, check them out here.
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.
