2025 March 26
what’s new
N.Y. State
Looks like the New York State Legislature had a session yesterday, March 25th, focused on People with Disabilities. Here's a quick rundown of the bills discussed:
Task Force for Employment: A bill (A00033) was on the agenda to create a task force aimed at boosting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
OPWDD Staffing Plans: Another bill (A00226) proposed amending the mental hygiene law to require the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to develop staffing plans to handle workforce emergencies and shortages.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: There was a bill (A00999) looking to update the definition of developmental disability in the mental hygiene law to include fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Spina Bifida: You sponsored a bill (A03572) to also amend the mental hygiene law and add spina bifida to the definition of developmental disability.
Blue-Ribbon Commission: Finally, a bill (A06021), also sponsored by you, aimed to establish a "blue-ribbon commission" to examine and make recommendations about the future of New York State's service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This commission would eventually be repealed after its work is done.
are there websites or books that you’ve found helpful? please share with us.
2025 February 17
what’s new
we’re always finding great sites, blogs etc
here’s one the director stumbled upon and wanted to share…
from- Roberta Bernstein, an editor, writer and advocate.
“bulletin board” site for developmental disability news with a focus on New York State
a page from the site -
“The Best Developmental Disability Podcasts for Learning, Venting and Sharing”
are there websites or books that you’ve found helpful? please share with us.
2025 February 02
our first newsletter!
february focus - epilepsy
If you see someone having a seizure:
Stay calm.
Time the seizure. Note how long it lasts.
Protect them from injury. Gently guide them to the floor if standing/sitting. Remove sharp objects. Cushion their head. Don't restrain them.
Do NOT put anything in their mouth.
Loosen tight neckwear.
Turn them onto their side (if possible, after jerking stops). This helps keep their airway open.
Stay with them until the seizure ends. Offer reassurance afterward.
Call 911 immediately if:
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
They have repeated seizures without regaining consciousness.
They are injured.
They have trouble breathing afterward.
You are unsure if it is a seizure.
They are pregnant, diabetic, or have other concerning medical conditions.
The Epilepsy Foundation's 24/7 Helpline
Call 1-800-332-1000 in English
or 1-866-748-8008 in Spanish.
our first newsletter!
Welcome!
Our agency is staffed with kind peers who can, with their experiences, help you find support in whatever you may need. We are developing classes and programs for individuals with disabilities and their families. We also hope to be a resource of all legislative changes in our state so you can be informed and be able to be a voice in our community.
Each month we will be highlight disabilities that need a Spotlight and provide relevant resources for those who might need them.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and we hope that we can always provide a space for you that feels welcoming, inclusive and supportive for all.