Message from Executive Director

Members, Friends, and Collaborators of CIDA,

As we have reached the final month of 2020, I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation for all of you who have endured with courage and patience during this very difficult year. This year, we’ve lost our family, friends and loved ones so suddenly, and many people are facing a crisis of losing their homes and jobs. We also had to accept the reality that our children stopped making progress without choice due to lack of resources and educational support. I also know that there are many people in situations where nothing can be comforting.

However, even if it seems endless, I am certain that this terrible storm will clear one day. And no matter how long it takes, CIDA will be with you to support you. Thank you for staying with us at this moment, and not giving up hope.

To rise up again, let’s meet everyone at the Very Special Festival on December 17th at 7:30pm.

Please stay safe and healthy!

Thank you.

Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

Policy News

New York City to Partially Reopen Public Schools
Source: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-for-families

On Sunday November 29, Mayor de Blasio and NYC Department of Education Chancellor Carranza announced that school buildings will partially reopen for students in the NYC public schools. Here is the brief summary of the plan:

• Students in the public-school grades 3K-5 on Monday, December 7
• District 75 students (all grade levels) on Thursday, December 10.
• Students in grades 6 through 12 (outside of District 75) will continue to learn remotely until further notice.
• Schools in the NYS COVID designated orange or red zones will not reopen.

The reopening of school buildings only applies to students who already opted into blended (in person) learning. If your child has attended school in person or will soon, consent forms will be required for weekly mandatory in-school COVID testing. This applies to all students including District 75, except those with medical exemptions. Please see more information in translation on NYC DOE website.

Feds Work To Ensure Rights Of Parents With Disabilities
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/

After the parental rights of a young mother with intellectual disability in New Jersey were terminated, federal officials are working to implement changes. The civil rights office got involved after receiving a complaint alleging that a young mother with intellectual disability was not provided the modified support services and accommodations, she needed in order to reunite with her child. For over three years, the complaint indicated that the woman was not given an individualized assessment to determine her needs and connect her with reunification services.
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), technical assistance is being provided to ensure that parents with disabilities do not face any kind of discrimination within the state child welfare system. Notice is being given to people with disabilities telling them of their rights for reasonable accommodations and disability training when a case is reported to the OCR.

What’s Up at CIDA

CIDA Very Special Art Festival 2020 – Dreaming Together

As we announced in November, the Very Special Art Festival 2020 is being held virtually. The deadline for the Art Contest to submit photos of artwork is December 1 at 12pm. The virtual Festival and Gala will be held on December 17 at 7:20pm. The program includes a key-note speech by Sooinn Lee, CEO and co-founder of a start-up, Enuma. She received the Global Learning XPrize and a funding from Tesla for extending learning opportunities to children in developing countries. And, this year, I am awarded the 2020 Social Entrepreneur Award by The Schwab Foundation. We also are excited to have a special guest performance from Q Lim, a Broadway actress. There is so much in store for our Gala on December 17th, so we really hope many can join us! For more information on registration and details, please click here. click here.

McKinsey’s Youth Mentoring Session – Collaboration with CIDA

On November 13th, CIDA teamed up with 9 mentors from McKinsey & Company to host College, Career and Transition Day for youth and young adults in our community. Through Zoom, mentors from McKinsey held a panel discussion followed by a breakout room session for our youth and young adults. Various questions regarding college life, post-graduate life, future employment, and career choices were asked by our participants. Mentors helped guide our participants with different resources, advice, and experiences. We would like to thank McKinsey & Company for collaborating with us for such a successful event.

Events

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

• Special Education & Assistive Technology (Korean) December 10 at 7:00pm: Workshop & Support Group (Parents of school age children)
• Very Special Festival & Gala Thursday 12/17: VIP Reception starts at 6:30pm. Main event countdown starts at 7:20pm
• Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) Meeting December 18 at 9:20am: Invitation only
• NYC Housing Lottery Seminar (Mandarin) December 28 at 8pm: Workshop