BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
June 7, 2020
NYC Emergency Texting-911
People who have communication issues can now text 911. It is free and works through short message service -- or SMS -- with cellular carriers and requires a text or data plan. New Yorkers can text 911 in English or Spanish. Texts should be sent to the number 911 without spaces or hyphens. Texts should include whether you are deaf and the reason for the emergency. Texts should also include full address and cross streets, as well as borough. Use complete words and sentences, not abbreviations. Don’t text 911 in a group chat or send photos, videos, GIFs, or emojis. Answer all of the operator’s questions. The operator will end the chat.
Professional Special Needs Networking Group
Are you the leader of a special needs school, camp, respite, or residential program? Are you involved in the special needs community, and would like to be part of something bigger? An online support and networking group has been created where people involved in the special needs community can share information, ideas, and support. Benefit from each other's experience, knowledge, and ideas. This online google group is free to join, and created only for the benefit of the special needs community. Join by emailing
Sleep Away Camps
As you may know, day camps in New York have finally received the green light to open this summer using Covid restrictions. However, sleep away camps, including those for children with special needs, are still in limbo. AJCO, a group of camp directors and a medical team (including top infectious disease doctors) have developed a detailed plan which they feel will allow camps to open safely. This plan includes testing before camp and lockdown once camp begins. With COVID-19, BH, declining so rapidly, their medical board feels that camp is a safe place for our children. The governor will be making a decision shortly. Parents who are considering sleep away camp for their children are requested to contact Governor Cuomo TODAY at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form. Give your name and email address. Select “Covid 19” from the drop-down menu. Write “Overnight Summer Camp” in the subject. And stress what overnight camp means to your family.
Beineinu Parent Matching Program
Our Parent Matching Program helps connect families who are dealing with the same diagnoses. We receive many requests, especially for the more rare diagnoses. This is your chance to use your expertise to help another family. To register, please contact