Message from Executive Director

Members, Friends, and Collaborators of CIDA,

First of all, I wish all families and friends of CIDA, happy and healthy New Year!

As our battle against the pandemic continues, we are pleased to announce that CIDA rolls out the COVID-19 Assistance Program for Korean-American families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in January. COVID-19 Assistance Project is to support Korean-American people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), family members, caregivers, or service providers to continue their engagement and advocacy and increase positive experiences and community inclusion by reducing gaps in support and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will assist the families with COVID-19 health resources including vaccination information, economic assistance and other community resources during 2021.

We also scheduled exciting workshops and support groups in February, including the Supported Decision Making session presented by Jonathan G Martinis Esq, a nationally recognized disability advocate. We hope to see everyone at the events.

Stay safe and healthy!

Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

Policy News

New Law Aims To Expand Access To Respite Care
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/

There will be an increase under legislation for federal funding in supporting respite care for those families with members with disabilities and other special needs. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act will be increasing funds for the Lifespan Respite Care Program to $10 million annually until the 2024 fiscal year. Previous fundings for the Lifespan Respite Care was at $2.5 million per year.

Biden Plan Would End Subminimum Wage, Offer Stimulus Checks To More With Disabilities
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/

Biden proposed $1.9 trillion for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout coming from the pandemic. The American Rescue Plan includes a plan for $1,400 in direct payments to many Americans for vaccine distribution support, school reopening funds, and funds to support state and local governments. This plan would also provide stimulus payments for adults with disabilities who are dependents. This plan would also call for eliminating subminimum wages for people with disabilities.

What’s Up at CIDA

Dr. Bae, Executive Director joins the Advisory Board of CADRE

Dr. Young Seh Bae, Executive Director of CIDA joined the Advisory Board of the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). CADRE is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education to serve as the National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education. Dr. Bae is the only Asian-American member of the Board and we are hoping that her role opens more opportunities for Asian families to become equal partners in special education and lead to improved educational outcomes for all children and youth.

CIDA Welcomes Thomas Kim, a New Staff Member

We are excited to announce that Thomas Kim has joined CIDA as a new Program Assistant. Thomas graduated from the Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Brooklyn College with a BA in psychology with a minor in accounting. He is now pursuing a Master’s degree in human resource management and development at NYU SPS. Thomas Kim has already been working on various tasks including administrative duties, development, and fundraising at CIDA.

Mask and Food Distribution at CIDA

CIDA has resumed mask distribution. This is part of CIDA’s COVID-19 project and CIDA will continue to provide masks, hand sanitizers, and food to those families who are facing economic hardships during the pandemic. CIDA also receives donations for this program, and if you would like to contribute, please visit our donation page: https://cidainfo.com/get-involved-cida-uses-paypal/.

Events

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

• COVID-19 Vaccines (Korean) February 9 at 8:00pm: Workshop (Parents of all ages)
• Korean Glossary Panel Meetings (Korean) February 10 at 6:00pm, February 11 at 3:00pm, February 12 at 1:30pm: Invitation only
• Transition Workshop Planning (Youth Advisory Group) February 12 at 8:00pm: Invitation only
• Graduation options and COVID-19 Updates (Korean/Mandarin) February 16 at 10:00am: Workshop & Support Group (Parents of Secondary Education)
• Supported Decision Making (Special Guest Speaker) Workshop & Support Group (Korean) February 18 at 7:30pm: Parents of children ages above 16 yrs
• HPD Housing Seminar (Mandarin) February 24 at 8:00pm: Open to the public
• OPWDD ISS Housing Presentation February 25 at 8:00 pm (English/Korean): Adults with disability and their parents
• Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) Meeting February 26 at 9:20am: Invitation only