Message from Executive Director

Dear Family and Friends of CIDA:

Welcome to CIDA’s November Newsletter!  Before completing the final two months of 2019, we would like to deliver many exciting movements in CIDA.  The re-organized two family support groups to prepare for the future of our children with disabilities, working with the NYS legislators to address the equal partnership of parents in the NYS Alternative Assessment processes, and monthly IEP workshops to increase the parents’ knowledge in IEP are some of the many things that CIDA is working hard to help empower families.

This year again, CIDA has accomplished many things that seemed impossible, with the incredible dedication of our staff members, the help of our board members and program sponsors, and your interest and hope. However, we need your attention, care, and contribution, even small ones in order for CIDA to continue to help many families in 2020 and to further expand the interests of all Korean-American families with disabilities.

We wish you and your family a happy and fruitful Thanksgiving. See you soon at our support group meetings and workshops.

Young Seh Bae, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Policy News

Government Setting Aside $112M To Expand Disability Housing
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

Millions of dollars are being offered up by federal officials in the increase of affordable housing for those with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is said to be making $75 million available for funding in new housing development. For those groups that wish to be awarded these housing grants are advised to partner with agencies that provide independent community living services and support. Also, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has discussed that $37 million is now available for rental assistance for those with disabilities.

NYC advocates demand ‘immediate action’ to overhaul special education complaint system
Source: https://www.chalkbeat.org

Advocates are saying that due to the city education department’s inability to meet the legal deadlines in resolving complaints that were filed by the families of those under the special education system, the departments need an immediate fix as it is causing “material, demonstrable harm”. A letter was sent to top education officials from reps of seven public interest organizations stating that the department for years “has woefully failed to meet its obligations” in addressing special education complaints. This group is demanding for a meeting with state and city education officials to spur “immediate action” in resolving the crisis.

What’s Up at CIDA

Revamped Family Support Group

To assist families in better communication and increased structural support, CIDA re-organized our parent support groups into two groups: families with children of school age (0-15 years old), guardians of adults and transition age (ages 15+). We anticipate that families will act as partners in capacity building through collaboration, information exchange, and emotional support.

NYS Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) Process and Lack of Parent Involvement
State Assessment is part of accountability systems that are based on measuring the progress of all students. Alternate assessments allow students with significant cognitive disabilities to be assessed on extended or alternate standards that are aligned with the overall state standards
NYSAA is a New York State assessment program that measures the attainment of the State’s learning standards for all students with the most severe disabilities who are unable to participate in general state assessments. However, most students who participate in alternative assessments do not receive high school diplomas, and parents often do not properly receive information about NYSAA from the school district. For Korean parents who have an English language barrier, the problem is much more serious. CIDA therefore communicates with NYS legislators to address this issue and seeks input from parents. If you would like to participate in legislative activities to resolve this issue, please contact Dr. Young Seh Bae via youngsehbae@cidainfo.com

Events

• November 1 – ‘Planning to an adult life / Navigating adult service system’ Workshop Parent Group Support Meeting (Transition age and Adult group (15+ yrs.))
• November 12 – ‘Conflict Resolution – Mediation & Due Process for Issues in Special Education & Disability Services’ Workshop Parent Group Support Meeting (Early childhood and School age group (0-15yrs)
• November 14 – IEP Webinar (Advanced)

For registration to the above events in September and for more information click here: https://cidainfo.com/events/2019-11/