Message from Executive Director

Members, Friends, and Collaborators of CIDA,

Greetings,

First of all, I would like to congratulate all graduates of 2021 and their families. We are grateful and proud of our children’s efforts to finish school in these very challenging environments. We wish these graduates all the best for the next chapter of their lives. Also, I would like to express my sincere respect to their parents who have devoted their lives in helping their children complete their education. For the names and stories of CIDA graduates who are graduating this year, please visit our Meet the Family page.

Throughout May and June, CIDA engaged with New York City, NYS Education Department, and NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to advocate for educational and service equity and inclusion for Korean families with disabilities. Even if it takes time, I believe that the efforts will bear fruit one day.

CIDA is preparing hard throughout July for office reopening and for in-person services starting in August. We are also accepting applications for our Young Adult Transition Program, both face-to-face and online starting in September, and for the Soap business and Organic Shop project run by the Youth with Disabilities Cooperative. Please let us know if you are interested in applying for any of the programs.

Remember to vaccinate yourself and your children before visiting our office.

Enjoy a healthy summer!

Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

Policy News

To Get Billions in COVID-19 Aid, States Pledge Focus on Mental Health, Learning Recovery
Source: https://www.edweek.org/

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will be reviewing plans from 28 states on how they will be using the $122 billion in American Rescue Plan money in addressing the impacts of the pandemic. This American Rescue Plan is the third major coronavirus relief package to be enacted by the Congress along with fundings for K-12 schools. New York is planning to expand fundings for facilities for charter schools that have increased their enrollment during the pandemic.

NYSED issues memo to school districts regarding Compensatory Services for Students with Disabilities as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: https://p12.nysed.gov/

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recognizes compensatory services for students with disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is intended to assist school districts and parents/guardians in determining what compensatory services may be needed for students with disabilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compensatory services are given to students with disabilities with “appropriate services” during the time the student was entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) but was denied appropriate services.

What’s Up at CIDA

Dr. Bae’s Speaking at New Yorkers for Racially Just Public Schools’ Town Hall

New Yorkers for Racially Just Public School (RJPS), a citywide education justice coalition, invited our executive director, Dr. Bae, to share her vision of inclusive public schools as a community organizer and an advocate.

OPWDD Stakeholder Meeting

CIDA hosted a stakeholder meeting with the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The Deputy Commissioner, Sharon Devine, presented the 2021 Statewide Comprehensive Plan, and CIDA parents contributed to the agency’s 5 year strategic plan development by sharing their feedback to the plan and experience with OPWDD programs.

Self-Determination Academy

On June 29 and June 30, CIDA held their annual Self-Determination Academy with our fantastic youth/young adults. During this 2-day program students were able to learn about self-determination, goal setting, social skills, disclosing their disability, and how to successfully conduct their final IEP meeting. CIDA is so glad to have had the opportunity to have yet another successful Self-Determination Academy this year and we hope to see our youth/young adults again next year!

Events

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

• Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) Meeting – July 16 at 9:30am: Invitation only
• Special Education Conflict Resolution: Alternatives and Options Workshop (Korean) July 27 at 11:00am: Parents of school age children with disabilities
• CIDA Enrichment Art Therapy Funded by Member Donation (English & Korean) July 27 at 7:00pm: RSVP guests only
• Special Education Conflict Resolution: Alternatives and Options Workshop (Mandarin) July 28 at 8:00pm: Parents of school age children with disabilities
• Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) Meeting – July 30 at 9:30am: Invitation only

Meet The Family

We are celebrating youths’ accomplishments this month! Please join us in celebrating these outstanding achievements of our youths. Along with our graduates, please join us in celebrating all our youths’ achievements. We are so proud of CIDA youths who are making disability a possibility!

Exhibition:
Julia Lee (20) Debut Exhibition at Korean Community Center, July 16-28

Graduation:
Ahra (MS in Pharmaceutical Science, York College)
Samuel (G8)
William (G5)
Brian (G5)

Award:
Samuel (Sandra Jones Memorial Award)