Message from Executive Director

Members, Friends, and Collaborators of CIDA,

What a year of growth we had in 2021! As we returned to schools and workplaces and found our new normal, we were met with challenges, but again we persevered and grew. During our first in-person support group since the pandemic, many parents shared that they were grateful for their resilient children who continued to thrive this year. It’s not just our children who grew. All of us grew, as well. Please give yourselves much deserved credit for your own growth.

Building upon the growth we had in 2021, we are thrilled to welcome 2022. The pandemic made us appreciate our community even more and reminded us the importance of togetherness. With this insight in our mind, for year 2022, we are renewing the commitment with our partners and collaborators on strengthening our advocacy efforts, creating more opportunities for our parents to stay empowered, and providing venues for our youths to work together.

I cannot say this enough – all our work is only possible with your support, participation, and contribution. We thank you always for your unwavering support. On behalf of everyone at CIDA, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and we look forward to working with you again in the new year!

Sincerely,

Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

Policy News

NYC Special Education Recovery Initiative Begins in December 2021

Source: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/family-resources

During the 2021-22 school year, DOE announced that students will receive additional supports and programs connected to daily instruction as part of the DOE’s Academic Recovery Plan.

• How: No need to apply (school will contact you )
• Who: Service will be provided based on the student’s need (The student who made very little progress or regression will be the priority group to receive services)
• When: will be provided on Saturdays and after school hours.
• Where: (Mostly) at the students’ current school location.
• What: Related services and literacy programs.
• If you have any questions, email specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov or call 311.

Governor Hochul Announces 24 New #VaxtoSchool Sites.

Governor Hochul announced a total of 120 sites will take place over a 12-week period statewide. To date, 189 sites have been set up — far surpassing this goal. The Department of Health continues to work with local county health departments, community-based organizations, and healthcare centers to provide logistical support to establish these sites in all regions of the state. VaxToSchool pop-up site listing is available here here.

What’s Up at CIDA

CIDA Board of Directors host CIDA Visionaries Dinner.

CIDA board of directors are hosting CIDA Visionaries Dinner on December 9th to celebrate our partnerships with our biggest supporters, patrons, and collaborators. Congresswoman Grace Meng, NYS Senator John Liu, NYS Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, and NYC District 19 Councilwoman Vickie Paladino will be recognized as our special guests during the event. As our biggest patrons, NY Nanum Foundation, Korean American Community Foundation, Southpole Foundation, World Education Services, and H Mart/Grand BK will also receive 2021 Visionary awards at the ceremony for their contribution to CIDA’s work. This event is for all CIDA stakeholders to renew our commitment to serving individuals with disabilities and families in our community.

Ready to Golf donated hand sanitizers for CIDA Small Business Owner Families.

CIDA distributed hand sanitizers to small business owners with the generous contribution of Andrew Kim, CEO of Ready to Golf. We were able to provide 480 large bottles of hand sanitizers to our families who operate small businesses in Queens.

Atomy USA Launches a FUN-draising Campaign for CIDA.

Mrs. Jennifer Lim from Atomy launched a fundraising campaign with a group of her clients who challenged themselves to shed a few pounds and raise money for CIDA. CIDA would like to acknowledge that neither fundraising nor weight loss is easy, and we will put this funding towards our growing youth program.

Events

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

• Understanding in Meditation, Impartial Hearing and State Complaints (Online) – Dec 2 at 12:30pm: Parents of School Age Children (Age 5 -16) Register here

• End of Year Virtual Get Together (Online) – Dec 16 at 8:00 pm: All CIDA Families, Children are welcome, too! Register here