Main Banner for New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Rose Marie Toscano,   
Chairperson
Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor
Sheila M. Carey,
Executive Director

New York State Disability Events

Click on the image-map below to find disability-related events in New York State.


List Your Disability Event

If your government or non-for-profit organization is holding a disability-related event in New York State within the next 90 days, and you would like us to list it in the Monthly Update, you can submit the information online by clicking the event submission link below:

 Event Submission Form

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Contact Information

NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
99 Washington Avenue, 12th Floor, STE. 1230
Albany, New York 12210

Toll Free: 1-800-395-3372

Upcoming NYS DDPC Open Meetings

Upcoming DDPC Meetings

NYSDDPC Full Council Meeting

May 30-31, 2013
Gideon Putnam Conference Center,
Saratoga, New York

Childrens' Issues Committee Meeting.

July 8, 2013
99 Washington Ave,
12th Fl, STE 1230
Albany, NY
Systems Committee Meeting:

July 9, 2013
99 Washington Ave.,
12th Fl, STE 1230
Albany, NY
Adult Issues Committee Meeting.

July 11,, 2013
99 Washington Ave.,
12th Fl, STE 1230
Albany, NY

*** Notice ***

Open Government and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC).

All DDPC meetings are held in Albany, NY unless otherwise noted. Under law, the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) meetings and DDPC Standing Committee meetings are open meetings. If the public wants to attend, they can attend as observers. Participants may be asked to leave during breaks in the deliberations and when the meeting goes into executive session.

For more information, please contact the DDPC directly at 1.800.395.3372.

People First Language

The DDPC strictly adheres to and encourages the use of people first language. However you may note that in some articles/stories appearing in the E-Bulletin the language used is not always entirely people first. Articles submitted to the DDPC are taken verbatim from the source and are therefore not edited by the DDPC for correct people first language due to copyright restrictions.

Link to New York Acts Website

NYACTS is a website designed to provide current information on New York State services and supports for individuals with autism. Autism is on the rise in New York State and around the country. It is estimated that more than 60,000 New York State residents have a diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and that the incidence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. New York State government needs to be united in its efforts to respond to these dramatic statistics. The formation of the Interagency Task Force on Autism has helped to ensure that state agencies are working together to assist individuals and families struggling with ASD.


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OPWDD’s Road to Reform

In 2011, New York State embarked on a reform initiative to transform its system of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, one that will modernize outdated system structures that limit individuals’ independence and achievement of their goals and create a more person-centered approach to meeting needs and supporting improved outcomes.

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Boston Marathon Tragedy: Providing
 Psychological First Aid to Those Affected

In the aftermath of the tragedy at the 2013 Boston Marathon, people will need mental health support as much as medical support. Therefore, it's crucial to help medical professionals, first responders, family members, and victims both administer or receive the proper psychological first aid.

This mental health awareness toolkit provides first responders—whether they are disaster response workers, parents, caregivers, or teachers—with specific tips for responding effectively to people in the wake of a disaster. The information is meant to help alleviate painful emotions and promote hope and healing.

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News You Can Use – Resources from NICHY

It's spring at last, when all of our thoughts turn to . . . IEPs. Yes, this is the time of year when we assess this year's progress, plan for next year's services, visit kindergarten programs/middle schools/high schools/colleges, worry about transitions, and meet with our IEP teams.

With all of the activity and information at meetings, it can be hard to get your priorities and concerns heard. This month, we're sharing resources that can help you to prepare for IEP meetings as well as some of our favorite resources for supporting students on the autism spectrum.
 
For more information please visit: http://nichcy.org/newsletters/april2013

Special Education in Plain Language

The Special Education TaskForce is comprised of over 200 parent advocates, school district staff, attorneys and other individuals who specialize in Special Education Law, and work collaboratively to ensure that children with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive setting and receive a free and appropriate education.  The Special Education TaskForce works to assure that families and school personnel have the knowledge and skills to enable them to effectively assist students with disabilities. To this end, this publication was developed to help families and educators to work collaboratively in supporting students with disabilities throughout their school years. 

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ASL Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Taxpayers

IRS/SPEC has a new partner that is available to assist Deaf or hard of hearing VITA/TCE clients that use American Sign Language and this service is FREE!
 
The Hearing and Speech Agency's new Video Remote Interpreting (HASA VRI) program, located in Baltimore, is prepared to donate, free of charge, sign language interpreting services for your VITA and Tax-Aide program from now until May 15, 2013. This tax season ends April 15, though there may be extensions and other residual needs to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing taxpayers beyond April 15.

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Fall 2013 LEGAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE TO ALL LAW STUDENTS
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION
Racial Justice Program, NY
 
For more than 92 years, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU), has been at the forefront of virtually every major battle for civil liberties and equal justice in this country. Principled and nonpartisan, the ACLU has offices in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and brings together the country’s largest team of public interest lawyers, lobbyists, communication strategists, and members and activists in the advancement of equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. The Racial Justice Program of the ACLU’s National Office in New York City seeks legal interns for the Fall of 2013. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
 
Please visit: http://www.aclu.org/job/fall-2013-legal-internship-acluf-criminal-law-reform-project-ny

Applications Accepted for University of Delaware Leadership Institute

This week-long, intensive leadership development program is designed for current executive-level leaders and emerging leaders. Participants may work in areas of management or program leadership in organizations that provide, advocate for, or fund supports for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.

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DDPC Work in Shared Living

At the March 7, 2013 DDPC meeting, the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA) and other project participants delivered their final report on Shared Living (Phase II).  Shared Living is a promising practice in the continuum of individualized living options for people with disabilities, and the Council has received a great deal of interest and support in helping people and families develop similar opportunities for themselves.

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End-of-Life Decision Making for Self-Advocates

In 2007, the DDPC, in partnership with NYSARC, Inc., the University of Albany Center for Excellence in Aging Services, and the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS), developed curricula and other support material on issues surrounding end-of-life care and decision-making. 

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Fair Housing Information

The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status or disability. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced this year’s theme as, “Our Work Today Defines Our Tomorrow.” HUD and the National Fair Housing Alliance have released videos and fliers as part of a national media campaign. State and local disability advocates are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to enhance awareness of the Fair Housing Act and its important protections for people with disabilities and other covered groups.

MCH Workforce Development Centers Funding Announcement Now Available

The Division of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Workforce Development is pleased to announce the release of a new funding opportunity announcement, HRSA-13-265, The MCH Workforce Development Centers.  The purpose of the MCH Workforce Development Centers Program is to support workforce development for State Title V program leaders and staff to meet current public health MCH policy and programmatic imperatives in four key topic areas around implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

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Paul Marchand Internship in Disability Policy – Applications for the Fall 2013 session due May 15

For 38 years, Paul Marchand was a dedicated disability policy advocate and recognized leader working on behalf of people with I/DD and the entire disability community.  Upon his retirement from The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in 2011, The Arc, with substantial contributions from UCP, other organizations, and individuals with whom Paul worked during his decades in Washington, established an internship to honor Paul and to continue to cultivate disability policy advocates. 

The Paul Marchand Internship Fund will provide $3,000 per semester or summer session which can assist interns pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  See Application information and Internship FAQs for more information.

SSI Survey for Western NY Families

An online anonymous survey is available to WNY families who either have previously applied for or currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for their child or family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The survey asks about what is working well, challenges/obstacles, and recommendations for improvement with the SSI process. Those who complete the survey will receive a $10 gift card.

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The TA Impact Fact Sheet Series

A key component of the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence is to provide technical assistance (TA) and training to recipients seeking to decrease the incidence of FASD through prevention efforts, and/or by improving the screening and diagnosis of FASD to improve the functioning and quality of life of children, youth, or adults with FASD and their families.

The TA Impact Fact Sheet series compiles key lessons learned from recipients of Center TA and training efforts in specified areas. As such, these Fact Sheets can provide guidance to other entities that seek to expand and sustain their ability to address FASD.

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