2022 November News

teddi3Newsletter

Rethinking Disability & Possibilities

2022 Gala Opening Speech by Dr. Young Seh Bae, Executive Director

I first would like to thank all our sponsors who made this event possible. We really have come a long way from 2012, when CIDA started out as a small parent support group. Back then, I don’t think any of us could have predicted how much we would be able to accomplish and experience over the next several years. CIDA’s first tagline that we created 6 years ago was “Making Disability a Possibility”: We worked so hard to make this happen in every aspect of how we envision the lives of our children. 6 years later, it is time for us to reevaluate ourselves, rethink and strive even further. That is why our theme for tonight is Rethinking Disability and Possibilities. However, we couldn’t have come this far without the support and collaboration of many of our peers and sponsors.

As such, I would like to recognize the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) for supporting our adult program for almost three years now. I would also like to thank St. John’s University and the New York Korean Art Association for years of partnership in supporting our individuals with unique talents.And I would like to honor our welcomed guest, Richard O’Neill, for being a part of our journey.

Thank you!

News & Resources

U.S. Department of Education Approves State Plan to Restart School Accountability System.

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) approved the State Education Department’s plan to restart the federally required accountability system for the 2022-23 school year based upon 2021-22 school year results on October 3rd, 2022. Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. The accountability plan addresses disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and modifies accountability indicators and processes to best support New York’s schools. Commissioner Rosa says, “Driven by our commitment to developing a reliable, transparent, and better understood accountability system going forward, the restart plan focuses on how we will partner with schools and districts to provide support for improving student learning and academic outcomes.” To learn more about this information click here.

Influx of 5,500 migrant children to NYC schools

NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced last month that more than 5,500 migrant children have been enrolled in schools through the city’s Project Open Arms program since April. The program, ‘Project Open Arms’ is designed to provide children and families seeking asylum with necessary services, and the children enrolled through it are typically considered “high need” and require extra support in the classroom. To learn more about this information, click here.

What’s Up at CIDA

The first CIDA Fundraising Gala & Exhibition went successfully, Thank you

CIDA, a support organization for families with disabilities, held a fundraising gala on October 21st at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY. The event began with a musical performance by the world-famous violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill, who won a Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo in 2021; Mr. O’Neill was subsequently interviewed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Vivian Lee. In addition, KACF, St. John’s University, and the Korean Association of Korean Artists in New York were given achievement awards for their outstanding support of and cooperation with CIDA. The event was preceded by a public gallery exhibition of works created by young artists with disabilities for the 7th Annual Very Special Art Festival.
CIDA is currently operating a job preparation program for young people with developmental disabilities through its social co-operative, CoSpire. The funds raised during the Gala Event and Exhibition will be used as a preparation fund for online and offline business ventures featuring the CoSpire brand; this includes an in-person thrift store which is scheduled to open in December 2022, where young people with disabilities will work. Thank you to everyone who donated and attended this amazing event!

Events

As we recover from the COVID-19 epidemic, all events are now online. Please check our event calendar for event details and registration information.

  • Language Access Info
  • Supported Decision Making
  • Support Group for School Age Parents

Local Resources

  • Music Lap for Kids: Making a Theme Song
    • Nov 4, 1-2pm at Apple Queens Center in Elmhurst
    • Nov 5, 10:15-11:15am Apple Queens Center in Elmhurst
    • 90-15 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11373
  • Hands on History: Queens Hip-Hop
    • Nov. 19, 2022, 1-4pm
    • King Manor Museum
    • 150-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica
    • All Ages
    • Free ticket here