New York State

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Because the New York State budget was not passed on time, the Legislature enacted a temporary spending bill to continue providing certain funding until April 11.  The next temporary bill is being prepared now.

The current temporary spending bill continues Medicaid funding, which covers most services for people with developmental disabilities.  But it does not include funding for important non-Medicaid OMRDD services, such as family support services, individual supports and services (ISS), day training, sheltered workshops, and some senior services. 

The NYS Early Intervention (EI) Program has been in existence since 1993. The regulations have not been changed in over 10 years.  Some newly proposed changes to the state’s EI regulations will have a negative effect on infants and toddlers and their families who benefit from the services this program provides. 

At the same time, the 2010-2011 budget the Governor is proposing, including the introduction of parent fees, could have a serious impact on families’ abilities to receive EI services. Please read the information below from our partners at Advocates for Children, and take action as soon as possible. 

The Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council presented its 21st Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday March 5th at Barnes & Noble Union Square. With Helene Craner, RCSN Associate Director, as Chair of the Legislative Committee, the event drew over 200 people to discuss current issues with key city, state and federal legislators.

Download a Copy: 

Download the Legislative Agenda - Access to Services: City and State

Download the Legislative Agenda - New York State Executive Budget

Download Jodi Roure's speech, "Parents' Fees for Early Intervention Services"

Download Sandy Hyman's speech, "Residential and Day Habilitation Services"

Download Hirba Riera's speech, "Recognition of the Workforce in OMRDD Services"

The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) Chancellor Joel Klein and Laura Rodriguez, Chief Achievement Officer for Special Education and English Language Learners sponsored a breakfeast meeting at Tweed Courthouse on Tuesday 2/2/10 to introduce the DOE's special education reform plan - A Two-Year Phase-in Process Focusing on the Advancement of Student Learning and Achievement. Jean and I were there from RCSN, along with advocates and colleagues from city and state agencies and organizations.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has developed a model Prior Written Notice form to assist school districts to provide the parent(s) of a student with a disability with the required written notification whenever the district proposes or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to a student with a disability.

Download a Copy: 

Click here to download the form

Click here to download the directions to use the form

The New York States Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) and the State Education Department (SED) have announced the launch of the New York ACTS Website.

The Board of Regents has approved for permanent adoption the amendment of section 100.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to diploma requirements for students with disabilities. 

Mariko, Jean, Nina, and Kim Sweet from AFC joined me to represent Manhattan and the Bronx in  Albany and Saratoga Springs last week at meetings of the other 11 State Parent Centers, the NY State Department of Education (NYSED), and a variety of academic and educational Technical Assistance organizations working to improve educational outcomes for students with special needs.