Message from Executive Director

Dear Family and Friends of CIDA:

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the families and volunteers who participated in the Very Special Art Festival and the sponsors who made the event happen this year again. This year, nearly 200 participants and volunteers participated, demonstrating the community living together. CIDA is already preparing for next year’s festival. Next year, we will again show the unlimited possibilities of our community through new attempts with local artists.

In October, we have a wealth of information sessions, including workshops on early intervention and early childhood special education services and IEP knowledge webinars. I hope everyone enjoys the beautiful autumn weather!

Young Seh Bae, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Policy News

More States Requiring Insurers To Cover Developmental Disabilities
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

An effort is underway for other developmental disabilities after the widespread success of state insurance mandates for autism treatment. Missouri became the third state to pass a law requiring coverage of medically-necessary therapy for every child with developmental disabilities this summer. The effort was spearheaded by Robyn Schelp, president of Missouri Disability Empowerment, whose son has a rare genetic disorder that is treated with speech, physical and occupational therapy. Under the Missouri law, insurers may still impose caps on the number of annual visits for speech, physical and occupational therapies, but the caps must be lifted when determined to be medically necessary by the health plan.

Disability Advocates Decry ‘Public Charge’ Rule Limiting Aid For Immigrants
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

Immigrants with disabilities could face more difficulty becoming U.S. citizens or permanent residents under new regulations from the Trump administration. Under the so-called “public charge” rule, immigration officials can deny applications for green cards based on a person’s use of government safety-net programs. The rule is set to go into effect Oct. 15, but more than a dozen states have filed lawsuits in an effort to block its implementation.

What’s Up at CIDA

CIDA 4th Annual Very Special Art Festival

On September 21, CIDA held our 4th Annual Very Special Art Festival at St. John’s University. With so many parents, students, volunteers, and professionals who joined us, we would like to deem this year’s art festival another success! We had a total of 160 children and parents, 35 volunteers, and 12 professionals from art associations and St. John’s University. CIDA is proud that our Very Special Art Festival has become the largest art event for families with members with disabilities and for those who believe in the power of inclusion. We hope to see all our amazing artists again next year!

CIDA Journalist Project
CIDA will begin a Journalist Project with teens and young adults with disabilities. The purpose of this project is to increase social, political and community engagement of youths and young adults with disabilities through reading, writing, research and speaking activities using local media and our own newsletter and SNS. The program is volunteer-based and all activity hours will be credited and community contribution. Stay tuned for recruiting announcement.

Events

• October 5 – Planning to an Adult Life and Navigating Adult Service System (@ NY 장로교회)
• October 8 – Parent Group – October Support Meeting (Adult Group)
• October 10 – IEP Webinar (Advanced)
• October 15 – Early Childhood Education & Turning 5 – Workshop & Parent Group Support Meeting (Younger Group)

For registration to the above events in September and for more information click here: https://cidainfo.com/events/2019-10/