Advocacy

CIDA works closely with the parent center network and community-based organizations to increase
inclusion opportunities for persons with disabilities, as well as helping them find education, housing and
jobs through policy and systems changes. Currently, CIDA facilitates two important initiatives to help
youth and young adults with disabilities in creating meaningful adult lives after high school.

NYC Coalition on Transition Services for Youth with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (I/DD)

CIDA, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders of NYC, formed this initiative after finding wide gaps in
the employment percentages of Asian and immigrant persons with ID/DD. This Coalition aims to expand
competitive integrated employment opportunities and improve the postsecondary outcomes, equity,
and inclusion for youth and young adults with ID/DD in diverse communities in NYC.

The stakeholders involved in this initiative include parents, providers, and representatives from the NYC
Department of Education District 75, ACCES-VR, Queens DD Council, NYS State Department, NYS-
DDPC, NYC Independent Living Center, and OPWDD. CIDA is currently facilitating bi-monthly meetings to
discuss issues in language access and culturally responsive practices and streamlining schools to
adulthood transition planning and service processes for youth with ID/DD in NYC. The members of the
Coalition also discuss collaboration across the agencies to effectively inform families and youth
with ID/DD about transition, employment resources, and services after high school.

You can view the issues addressed and the recommendations submitted by Dr. Young Seh Bae, 　　　   　　　Executive Director of CIDA and the members of the Coalition. 

Download the Recommendation Letter Here

NYS Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) Working Group

Dr. Young Seh Bae, Executive Director of CIDA has been facilitating the NYS Alternative Assessment
(NYSAA) Working Group with the federally funded Parent Centers Network in NY. Alternate assessments
are assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS). These assessments are
intended for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate
in general assessments even with accommodations. Alternate assessments were initially required by the
1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Federal law allows up
to 1.0% of the total tested state student population in a subject area to participate in the alternative assessment.

The NYSAA is part of the New York State testing program that measures the attainment of the State’s
learning standards in the areas of English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science for students
with the most significant cognitive disabilities. In New York State, students who are assessed by NYSAA
are not eligible to receive a high school diploma from public schools.

The NYS Parent Center Network found several issues including a lack of robust date collection process
before referring students to NYSAA, parent informing procedures, and segregated settings where NYSAA
is provided. On September 29, the NYS Parent Center Network had a meeting with NYS Education

Department Representatives to discuss the problems, best practices and potential solutions to these
problems. More information about NYSAA can be found in the NYS Education Department website.