Message from Executive Director

Members, Friends, and Collaborators of CIDA,

With the expansion of the coronavirus vaccine, we are looking forward to having safer and improved daily routines. However, with the increase in hate crimes against Asians, our community is facing another ordeal. Discrimination and assault against Asians are not new to us. It is more important than ever for our community to show solidarity and determination against racism and violence. Also, parents should help our children to have confidence in their skin color and ethnic identity.

On March 19, CIDA already released a statement of our members’ positions on hatred and violence against Asians, especially with the Atlanta shootings. We, CIDA, will continue to do our utmost to fight against violence against Koreans and Asians.

If you are a victim of violence against Asians or have any concerns about the safety of children with disabilities, please contact CIDA immediately.

May everyone have a healthy and safe April.

Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

Policy News

Board of Regents Acts on Emergency Regulation Revisions to 2021 Diploma Requirements – August 2021 Regents Exams Cancelled
Source: http://www.nysed.gov/

Due to the COVID-19 crisis still affecting New York and with students having varied levels of in-person instruction, the Board and Department are taking necessary steps in flexibility for New York students, families, and educators. One action taken will be to cancel the August 2021 Regents exams. Also, all but four June 2021 Regents exams will be cancelled. The Board of Regents also approved exemptions to graduation requirements for students who are planning to take any Regents exam in 2021.

Stimulus Payments Headed To Adult Dependents With Disabilities
Source: https://ny.chalkbeat.org/

Stimulus checks will be going out to many people with disabilities regardless of whether they’re considered dependents. The American Rescue Plan is a COVID-19 relief bill signed early March which includes $1,400 direct payments to individuals who earn less than $75,000 per year and phased payments for those who make up to $80,000 annually. Majority will be paid through direct deposit, and others will receive a check or debit card in the mail. To check the status of your stimulus payment, you can visit the IRS website.

What’s Up at CIDA

CIDA Member Conference

On March 18, CIDA invited all CIDA members to the first ever All Members’ Conference to share what we had achieved in 2020 and to discuss goals and objectives for 2021. We were glad to see so many of our CIDA members through Zoom and to connect with each other once again through the CIDA Member Conference.

Events

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

• Keeping Healthy Routine – Young Adults Meeting – April 2 at 3:00pm: Teens and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities
• Mental Health of People with IDD during COVID-19 (Korean) April 8 at 8:00pm: Support Group (Parents of all ages)
• Preparation for Exit IEP Meeting Workshop (Korean) April 20 at 8:00pm: Workshop & Support Group (Parents of high school students)
• Preparation for Exit IEP Meeting Workshop (Mandarin) April 21 at 8:00pm: Workshop & Support Group (Parents of high school students)
• OPWDD application, Self Direction Basics (Korean) April 29 at 8:00pm: Workshop (Parents of all ages)
• Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) Meeting April 30 at 9:30am: Invitation only