Message from Executive Director

Dear friends and families of CIDA,

In light of COVID-19 developments, I’d like to first say that our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the virus. It has been an incredibly tough three months for all of us, but together, we will be able to overcome this crisis.

While the COVID-19 situation in NY is not improving fast enough, NYS has announced the reopening of each region in phases. CIDA will resume office work in stages from mid-June, following the New York State and NYC Government guidelines. However, all workshops, support group gatherings, and youth programs will be offered online until the COVID-19 situation is stabilized in our region. Please be advised that One-to-one services are also scheduled as video conferences and telephone calls.

Even though it is a stressful time for all of us, we have a few exciting announcements. Our popular youth program, Self-Determination Academy, will begin at the end of June, and CIDA’s free drama club will begin early July.

Safety and health of our family members are more important than ever. Please continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. We hope to be able to meet our CIDA members safely after this crisis is over.

Thank you.

Young Seh Bae, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Policy News

Feds Offer Guidance On Voc Rehab Services Amid Coronavirus
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vocational rehabilitation agencies are able to continue serving individuals with disabilities. From a question-and-answer document by the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration, details on how to change procedures in regards to the need for social distancing. One section states, “Telephone, online or other alternative means may be used in place of providing VR and supported employment services face-to-face, including ongoing support services, during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic”. Some services that are able to be remote include job coaching, and following and assessment of employment stability. VR agencies are still responsible for providing pre-employment transition services to those students with disabilities.

House OKs COVID-19 Relief Plan With More Payments For People With Disabilities
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

New stimulus checks for people with disabilities and home/community-based services will be a part of a $3 trillion relief bill. As advocates are saying, these stimulus checks are the only major COVID-19 response so far from the Congress for people with disabilities. This legislation estimates around $10 – $15 billion for additional federal funding for states to pay Medicaid homes and other community-based services for a full year starting July. This bill will also assist direct support professionals who help people with disabilities, in receiving essential worker needs such as protective equipment, and qualify for hazard pay and other benefits.

NYC Public School Families to Receive $420 Per Child

More than $880 million in additional food assistance will go to help New Yorkers with children who previously received free and reduced-price meals at school. The food benefit, which is part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will be issued in June. If you already have an EBT card, you’ll receive the funds automatically in early June. If you don’t already receive food benefits, you will receive a notice from the state in the mail explaining when and how you’ll receive your food benefit, which should come through in late June. You can find more information on the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.

What’s Up at CIDA

CIDA Board Chair, John Jahng is Running for GN SD School Board
CIDA Board Chairman, Mr. John Jahng is running for a Great Neck Board of Education Member position. Mr. Jahng is a parent of a child with special needs and has been serving as our Board Chair since last year. He has been actively engaging in every aspect of CIDA’s finances and outreach including raising a fund for Chinese family programs in 2020-2021. He is the first Korean-American running for a Board of Education Position in Long Island. We wish him all the best for his election!

Young Adult Support Group Meetings

During these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, CIDA has had weekly Friday Young Adult Support Group meetings to help ease the social isolation and to support the mental and physical well being of our young adults and teens. As we wrap up our Young Adult Support Group Meetings in preparation for CIDA’s Self-Determination Academy, CIDA is proud to have helped in creating safe space to talk amongst each other during these difficult times of self-quarantine and social isolation. We hope our participants will continue to self-care and stay strong with stress management.

Self-Determination Academy

This month, CIDA will be having their annual Self-Determination Academy for young adults. It will be held online from June 29 to July 2. Students will be learning about self-determination, goal setting, social skills, independent community life, and much more! Please stay tuned for the more program details and registration announcements.

Events

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, all events are now online. Please check our event calendar for event details and registration information.

– CIDA’s Tuesday Live (Tuesdays at 3pm): Online – June 9 & June 23

– Adult Parent Group & DOLBOM Meeting (Thursdays at 8pm): Online – June 4 & June 18

– Self-Determination Academy (10 AM – 12 PM): Online – June 29 to July 1