News
Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day 2024
Today, the Autism Coalition of Long Island (ACOLI) will join the United Nations and others from around the world in observing the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism Coalition of Long Island Thanks Gov. Hochul Fining Insurance Companies for Failing to Adequately Cover Behavioral Health Services
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $2.6 million in penalties against five Medicaid managed care health plans following a comprehensive examination of their reimbursement of behavioral health service claims.
The Wall Street Journal: Staff Spread Coronavirus At New York Nursing Homes, Study Says
Report findings run counter to accusations that a directive from the state led to deaths at facilities across New York.
ABC7 New York: Reopen News: Special Needs Community Being Left Out of NY Reopening, Protesters Say
Dozens of people rallied on Long Island Thursday, protesting that people with developmental disabilities in group homes are being left out of the reopening phases in the state's response to COVID-19.
ABC7 New York: Coronavirus News: Parents Urge New York To Allow Special Need Visitation At Group Homes
There are more than 7,000 people with developmental disabilities living in small group homes in New York and their families feel like they've been forgotten about during the pandemic.
NBC New York: Families Urge Cuomo To Change Restrictions On Visiting Autistic Children’s Facilities
Dennise Segal and her husband's biggest concern right now is with the governor, who so far hasn’t indicated when they’ll be able to see their son, Jarred, again.
Associated Press News: Thousands Sick From COVID-19 In Homes For The Disabled
Neil Sullivan was angry, frustrated and crushed with guilt. His brother Joe had been rushed by ambulance from his home for the developmentally disabled to the emergency room with a possible case of the coronavirus.
News 12 Long Island: Parents of People With Developmental Disabilities Say Group Homes Are Left Out of Reopening Plans
Parents of people with autism or developmental disabilities say their children are being left out during the pandemic, and they want answers.
NYCLU: NY’s COVID-19 Priorities Overlook People With Developmental Disabilities. Deaths Are Mounting
Group homes have been under-funded and under-staffed for years. Then coronavirus hit.
CBS6: Cuomo Responds On Nursing Homes, State To Make Changes In Group Homes After CBS 6 Report
A whistleblower told CBS 6’s Anne McCloy they had concerns the State wasn't doing enough to stop the spread.
CBS6: Call For Policy Changes, Nearly 2,000 COVID Cases In OPWDD Group Homes
CBS 6 has learned there have been at least 1,974 positive cases of COVID-19 in group homes operated under the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
NYAPRS: NYS Disability, Rights Groups Urge Gov Cuomo To Address High COVID-19 Risks In Congregate Settings
A broad coalition of disability and legal rights groups including NYAPRS have sent the following letter this morning to the Cuomo Administration urging that prompt action be taken to mitigate the contraction and spread of the COVID-19 in state funded congregate facilities
CDC increases estimate of autism’s prevalence by 15 percent, to 1 in 59 children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released its biennial update of autism’s estimated prevalence among the nation’s children
Hartforf Courant: FOCUS Center For Autism Eliminates Anxiety In The Classroom
The FOCUS Center for Autism, in Canton, is all about removing anxiety and creating a welcoming learning environment for students with autism.
Mashable: 7 activists tell us the best thing about being autistic
Forget what you've heard — autism isn't something to cure. In fact, it's a condition we should embrace and celebrate.
Video: Eye-Opening PSA Shows What A Normal Day Is Like For A Child With Autism
A powerful PSA is shedding light on the challenges so many kids with autism navigate every day.