Be sure to visit links for more information and, where applicable, to register. If you’d like to share your event or activity on The Boost, please contact us here.

REC & ENTERTAINMENT

Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: The Danny Awards at NYC’s Town Hall: Musicians from around the globe perform at the awards show honoring musicians with disabilities. Tickets and livestream are free. (Daniel’s Music Foundation)

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.

Sun., Oct. 20, 2024: Music For Life’s Halloween Band Festival in Nyack: Seven inclusive bands (with musicians 11 to 30 years old) will perform; costumes encouraged. Cost: $10. RSVP: info@musicforlifecenter.com

Sat., Oct. 26, 2024: Miracle League of Westchester’s A Very Special Halloween: Trick or treating, hayrides, sensory haunted house and more, for people with special needs.

Month of November, 2024: Omnium, an Inclusive Circus: From Nov. 1 – Nov. 10, this circus will be at various places around New York State. It includes integrated ASL, assisted listening devices, a calming area in the lobby, ADA seating and more.

Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Free Introductory Lacrosse Clinic for First-Time Players: An inclusive Wheelchair Pick Up & Play Event sponsored by USA Lacrosse in Bedford, N.Y. (Able Athletics)

Sun., Nov. 10, 2024: Especially Everyone Concert & Dance Party!: The EE Experience will be at the Shames JCC on the Hudson. An inclusive and interactive musical experience, it encourages participation from people of all abilities. Sensory accommodations are made through sound and light design, as well as a sensory-break area. Cost: $15-$20

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: NYC’s Intrepid Museum’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Year-Round: The Boost’s Guide to the Best Museums for People with Developmental Disabilities

 

VIRTUAL MEETINGS & WEBINARS

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024, or Thurs., Nov. 7, 2024: Transition – Planning Timeline for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Middle/High School to Post-Secondary Outcomes

Fri., Oct. 25, 2024: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility: Learn about the range of OPWDD services available to you and your loved one, and about the requirements for service eligibility. (WIHD Community Support Network)

Wed., Oct. 30, 2024: How can the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP) work with you?: This segment will cover the basics and provide information on the program and its eligibility. (Jawonio)

Fri., Nov. 1 & Fri., Nov. 8, 2024: Tinder, Grindr & More: Supporting People with IDD Who Are Dating Online: Part One is Online Safety, Part Two is Using the App. (NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation)

Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Financial Empowerment: Small Steps for Big Results: This session provides tips and tools to help build or expand financial literacy that is inclusive of people with disabilities. (Jawonio)

Wed., Nov. 6, 2024: Waiting for an Educational Placement: A growing number of students with disabilities are placed on home instruction while waiting for an appropriate educational placement. What you need to know about district-provided home instruction and placement waitlists. (Disability Rights NY)

Wed., Nov. 13, 2024: Navigating OPWDD Services Webinar: With an overview of OPWDD Eligibility and Care Management. (AHRC NYC)

Wed., Nov. 20, 2024: Hear Our Voices! Monthly Disability Conversations Group: Hear Our Voices!, part of WIHD’s Community Support Network, explores relevant topics for self-advocates. Meets monthly the third Wednesday of each month. Up next: Nov. 20. All dates at link.

 

FAIRS, SYMPOSIUMS & CONFERENCES

Fri., Oct. 18, 2024: SILO’s 7th Annual Self-Advocacy Free Conference in Long Island: Self-Initiated Living Options along with guest speakers, workshop facilitators, professionals, community members and their families will share experiences on empowerment through self-advocacy for people with disabilities.

Sat., Oct. 19, 2024: The 2024 Black Autistic Girls and Women’s Summit: Free, virtual event addressing the needs and experiences of Black autistic girls and women. (Autism in Black)

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024 – Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, Oct. 6 registration deadline: Self-Advocacy Assocation of NYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference: Network, learn and raise your voices. Read the information at the link carefully. Cost: $255 for full conference; can do one day. Scholarships are available, check them out here.

Sat., Oct. 26, 2024: Annual Disability Awareness Fair in Poughkeepsie: Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products and services. (Taconic Resources for Independence)

Fri., Nov. 15, 2024: 40th Annual Queens Family Support Research Fair (Queens Council on Developmental Disabilities)

Scholarships and Awards

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards: Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2025: The awards from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

Photo: Audience participation at an Especially Everyone Experience (courtesy of EE).