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Possible LIRR strike and service suspension on May 16
A Long Island Rail Road strike may impact service. Get details on shuttle bus service, accessible travel alternatives, and more.
Possible LIRR strike starting May 16
Some Long Island Rail Road unions have threatened to strike as early as Saturday, May 16. If a strike happens, LIRR service would be forced to shut down entirely.
A strike would have a devastating impact on the nearly 300,000 passengers who depend on the LIRR to get where they need to go every single day. MTA leaders will continue to negotiate with the unions in an effort to ensure that a strike does not happen.
However, we want riders to be prepared in case employees do go on strike.
Last trains on Friday, May 15
If the strike does happen at 12:01 am, LIRR trains that are in service before midnight on Friday, May 15 will continue to their final destination. We recommend that you plan to finish your trip before midnight. Use the TrainTime app to plan your trip accordingly.
See the list of last trains below.
Babylon Branch
- 11:45 p.m. westbound from Babylon to Penn Station
- 11:51 p.m. eastbound from Penn Station to Babylon
Brooklyn service
- 11:31 p.m. from Atlantic Terminal to Jamaica
- 11:39 p.m. from Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal
Far Rockaway Branch
- 11:30 p.m. eastbound from Grand Central to Far Rockaway
- 11:14 p.m. westbound from Far Rockaway to Grand Central
Hempstead Branch
- 10:55 p.m. westbound from Hempstead to Grand Central
- 11:54 p.m. eastbound from Grand Central to Hempstead
Long Beach Branch
- 10:53 p.m. westbound from Long Beach to Penn Station
- 11:57 p.m. eastbound from Penn Station to Long Beach
Montauk Branch
- 8:50 p.m. eastbound from Jamaica to Montauk
- 10:53 p.m. eastbound from Jamaica to Speonk
- 10:03 p.m. westbound from Montauk to Jamaica
- 11:30 p.m. westbound from Patchogue to Jamaica
Oyster Bay Branch
- 11:30 p.m. westbound from Oyster Bay to Jamaica
- 11:43 p.m. eastbound from Jamaica to Oyster Bay
Port Jefferson Branch
- 10:20 p.m. eastbound from Penn Station to Huntington with connection to Port Jefferson
- 11:48 p.m. eastbound from Penn Station to Huntington with no connection to Port Jefferson
- 11:52 p.m. westbound from Huntington to Penn Station
- 9:26 p.m. westbound from Port Jefferson to Huntington with connection to Penn Station
- 11:28 p.m. westbound from Port Jefferson to Huntington with no connection at Huntington
Port Washington Branch
- 11:36 p.m. westbound from Port Washington to Penn Station
- 11:45 p.m. from Penn Station to Port Washington
Ronkonkoma Branch
- 11:37 p.m. eastbound from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma
- 11:54 p.m. westbound from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station
West Hempstead Branch
- 11:18 p.m. eastbound from Jamaica to West Hempstead
- 11:58 p.m. westbound from West Hempstead to Jamaica
Work from home if possible
Unfortunately, there is no substitute for the Long Island Rail Road, and its shutdown will cause severe congestion and delays. Avoid nonessential travel and work from home if possible.
If you must commute, give yourself ample travel time, no matter which mode you take. There will be congestion on the roads and travel alternatives will be near or at capacity due to an influx of additional riders.
Travel alternatives
Shuttle buses
The MTA will provide limited shuttle bus service on weekdays for essential workers and those who cannot telecommute. Buses will run during peak hours (toward Manhattan from 4:30 to 9 a.m. and to Long Island from 3 to 7 p.m.) to/from six locations on Long Island to subway transfer points in Queens. There will also be limited reverse peak service available on some routes.
Peak and reverse peak direction service
- Bay Shore (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Huntington (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Av and 179 St
- Ronkonkoma (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Av and 179 St
Peak direction service only
- Hempstead Lake State Park, near Lakeview (LIRR), to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Hicksville (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Mineola (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
There is no charge for shuttle bus service. Tap and ride using your phone, credit or debit card, or OMNY Card for transfers to the subway and MTA buses.
NICE Bus
Nassau County customers should also consider using NICE Bus to connect to/from points in Queens, both at peak and reverse peak times. See below for MTA locations with NICE Bus connections.
- 179 St EF
- Far Rockaway-Mott Av A
- Flushing-Main St 7
- Jamaica Bus Terminal, a short walk from the 169 St F
- Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer EJZ
Visit the NICE Bus website for more information and service changes, or use the NICE GoMobile app to plan your trip. Use your phone, credit or debit card, or OMNY Card to tap and ride on NICE Bus.
Passenger drop-off locations
We recommend using the following subway stations as passenger drop-off points. These stations are close to major roadways that lead to and from Long Island. These stations do not have parking lots, so please do not plan to park there.
- Far Rockaway-Mott Av A
- Kew Gardens-Union Tpke EF
- Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd A
- Sheepshead Bay BQ
- Woodhaven Blvd J
Accessible travel alternatives
Accessible travel options will be available on Long Island and in Queens.
- Shuttle buses will transport customers from Bay Shore, Hempstead Lake State Park, Hicksville, and Mineola to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A station.
- Shuttle buses will transport customers from Huntington and Ronkonkoma to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer EJZ station.
budget update
Governor Hochul Announces Agreement on FY 2027
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-agreement-fy-2027-state-budget
INVEST IN NEW YORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
4687 actions taken
313 needed to reach next goal
The cost of living has skyrocketed, yet state funding for New Yorkers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) has failed to keep pace. Without a meaningful funding increase, voluntary provider agencies and care coordination organizations (CCOs) cannot pay the competitive wages our DSPs and dedicated staff deserve, worsening a statewide staffing crisis.
Remember:
- Prices are Up: The cost of basics like gas and groceries has risen by 23.7% and minimum wage has increased by 26.5% over the last five years.
- Funding is Lagging Behind: The funding to pay for the Supports and Services for people with IDD has only increased by 15.8% in that same time.
- Past Investments Have Paid Off! That 15.8% allowed us to increase DSP starting wages by 28.6% which decreased vacancies by 43.5% and turnover by 6.1%.
We need the Legislature and the Governor to include the following investments in the final New York State Budget to stabilize vital IDD supports and services:
- A Targeted Inflationary Increase of 4%
- Include Care Coordination Organizations in the TII
With just a few clicks you can directly send your legislators and the Governor a message by using this online form.
State Budget
https://nyassembly.gov/2026budget/?sec=news
check out new york state budget
Care Coordination E-Visory
The Care Coordination E-Visory is an electronic publication which provides information on policies, guidance, available programs and services, and training opportunities related to Care Coordination services. Sign up to receive each issue.
OPWDD Training Opportunity:
Provider and Care Coordination Organization Staff Information Session: 625 Events and Situations
When: Tuesday May 12, 2026, from 1:00pm-2:30pm
Where: In SLMS enroll here or under class code: Webex-CCO-Part625-20260512-1P
What: This training provides an overview of Part 625 Events and Situations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of events and situations that must be reported as required by OPWDD Part 625 Regulations. The session will cover essential resources, key definitions, and the role of a Care Manager. Case scenarios will be utilized to reinforce learning and application of these concepts.
This training is expanding on what was introduced on the March 4, 2026, Quarterly Care Managers Conference. It will be recorded and made available in the SLMS.
Prader-Willi Syndrome: Overview, Supports & Clinical Considerations
Presenters: Stacy Ward, MS, BCBA, Amy McDougall, Noelle McDougall, & Paul Partridge, PhD
When: Tuesday May 12, 2026, from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: In SLMS enroll here or under class code: OPWDD-PWS-20260512-1PM
What: This training will provide an in-depth overview of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and will cover genetics, medical concerns, behavioral considerations, and environmental/external management needs related to hyperphagia. Clinical, research, family, and self-advocate perspectives will be discussed. A review of applicable OPWDD regulations and guidance on environmental limitations will also be provided.
- At the conclusion of the training, attendees should be able to:
- Identify several medical conditions commonly observed in individuals with PWS
- Discuss behavioral presentations frequently encountered in this population
- Describe how person-centered planning might impact PWS-specific supports and services
Please Note: this training occurs on the same date and time as the above 625 Events and Situations training and will be recorded and made available in the SLMS after.
OPWDD Recorded Training Opportunity:
Aging and People with Developmental Disabilities Training Series
When: On Demand
Where: In the New York Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS)
- For Module 1 enroll here or under class code: OPWDD-EL-APDD
- Module 1 gives a basic understanding of what growing older is like for people with developmental disabilities. It will talk about why aging sometimes affects people with developmental disabilities earlier in life. It also looks at signs to watch for as people get older and talks about effective ways to support them.
- For Module 2 enroll here or under class code: OPWDD-EL-PIPADD2
- Module 2 discusses why older adults with disabilities are at higher risk for pressure injuries and how to prevent these types of injuries from happening. It also shows how to recognize a pressure injury that has already started, and how to report a pressure injury before it gets any worse.
- Additional Modules are being developed and will be posted to SLMS as they become available.
What: This series of trainings covers many different topics that affect the growing number of older adults with developmental disabilities. The goal of this series is to support people in their homes throughout their lives. It also aims to improve the overall quality of care. These trainings courses are targeted to Direct Support Professionals and would also be very useful for care managers, nurses, clinical staff, family care providers, and more.
For questions about the aging series or other nursing topics, please contact: nursingandhealthservices@opwdd.ny.gov.
For all OPWDD trainings you will be prompted to sign into the Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS). For detailed instructions on how to access the SLMS, visit the SLMS Reference page on the OPWDD website.
If you have issues with using SLMS, registering for a training, or logging in the day of a training, please contact OPWDD’s Talent and Development by email at talentdevelopment@opwdd.ny.gov or by phone at 518-473-1190.
Eleversity: Care Manager Training for OPWDD Employment and Vocational Services
When: Two Day Training scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, and Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8:30am-10:30am
Where: Click here to Register
- Due to the high demand for this session, if you register and determine you will not be able to attend, please log in and cancel your registration or contact Info@Eleversity.org and ask them to cancel for you.
What: Care Managers that support people utilizing OPWDD employment services
are invited to attend the Care Manager training offered by Eleversity as part of the
Innovations in Employment Supports Training. The flyer is attached here
- Topics will include:
- What it takes to be employed
- Key ingredients for Competitive Employment
- Introduction to OPWDD Employment Services
- Care Manager role/Other considerations
- Authorization and enrollment
- Required documentation
Interborough Express (IBX)
The Interborough Express is a transformative rapid transit project that will connect currently underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens.
The Interborough Express is a transformative rapid transit project that will connect currently underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens. It will substantially cut down on travel times between the two boroughs, reduce congestion, and expand economic opportunities for the people who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The project would be built along the existing, LIRR-owned Bay Ridge Branch and CSX-owned Fremont Secondary, a 14-mile freight line that extends from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to Jackson Heights, Queens. It would create a new transit option for close to 900,000 residents of the neighborhoods along the route, along with 260,000 people who work in Brooklyn and Queens. It would connect with up to 17 different subway lines, as well as Long Island Rail Road, with end-to-end travel times anticipated at less than 40 minutes. Daily weekday ridership is estimated at 115,000.
Using the existing rail infrastructure means the Interborough Express could be built more quickly and efficiently. It would also preserve the Bay Ridge Branch’s use as a freight line, providing an opportunity to connect to the Port Authority’s Cross-Harbor Freight Project.
After extensive planning, analysis, and public engagement, Light Rail was chosen because it will provide the best service for riders at the best value. It also announced a preliminary list of stations and advanced other important planning and engineering analysis of the project. The formal environmental review process is anticipated to begin soon.
We want to hear from you!
Public workshop dates, times, and locations
You can also share your feedback via our digital engagement tool.
NEWS LETTER
CLICK CDD Connects: March 2026
https://mailchi.mp/nycfair.org/they-count-the-one-clicks?e=10741dbd45
click commissioner willow baer comment
click nys budgets 2026
CLICK STATE OF THE STATE
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Holds a Press Conference to Make an Announcement
https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Mental Hygiene – 02/04/2026
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Human Services – 02/05/2026
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Elementary Ed./Secondary Ed. – 01/29/2026
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Health/Medicaid – 02/10/2026
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Local Gov’t/General Gov’t – 02/11/2026
Joint Legislative Hearing on 2026 Exec. Budget Proposal: Ag. & Markets/Parks & Rec. – 01/27/2026
SPECIAL EDUCATION For PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/parents-guide-special-education
DRNY wants your feedback on wheelchair
repair delays in New York
Disability Rights New York wants to know:
- How are New Yorkers impacted by delays in getting wheelchair repairs & replacements?
- Why it is important to make wheelchair repairs faster and more routine?
- How wheelchair vendors in New York can do better?
CLICK LOOK FOR OFFICALS IN NEW YORK
- Increase amount: The average monthly benefit will rise by approximately $56.
- Effective date: The new benefit amounts will begin in January 2026.
The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living increase (COLA) is 2.8%, which will go into effect in January 2026. This will result in an average monthly increase of about
$56$ 56$56 for Social Security beneficiaries. The increase for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will begin on December 31, 2025.
Key details about the 2026 COLA
- COLA percentage: 2.8%.
- Average monthly increase: Approximately
$56$ 56$56.
- Effective date: January 2026 for Social Security benefits and December 31, 2025, for SSI payments.
- Comparison to previous years: The 2026 increase follows a 2.5% COLA in 2025 and a 3.2% increase in 2024.
- Notification: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail notifications with the new benefit amounts in early December.
- Online notices: Recipients can opt-in to receive their notice online by signing up for digital notices through a my Social Security account by November 19, 2025
Due to the current federal government shutdown, November SNAP (food stamps) benefits may be delayed or not issued at all, though some states are accepting new applications for now. Many states, like Florida, have warned that benefits could be suspended if the shutdown continues, and some states are using their own funds for emergency relief. The USDA instructed states to halt the process for sending electronic files to EBT vendors, which is likely to cause delays for November benefits.
Impact of the shutdown
- Delayed or no benefits: The federal government may be unable to fund November’s SNAP benefits.
- EBT card issues: Recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their EBT cards starting November 1st.
- State-by-state variations: While the federal government may not be able to provide funding, some states are using their own funds to provide emergency food relief or are warning of potential issues for November’s benefits.
- New applications: Some states, like New York, continue to accept applications for now, but this could change if the shutdown continues.
What to do
- Check with your state agency: Check your state’s official website for the most up-to-date information on SNAP benefits and potential delays.
- Prepare for potential delays: If you rely on SNAP benefits, begin planning for a potential delay or suspension of benefits for November.
- Contact your state agency directly: If you haven’t received a notice about your application or have other questions, contact your local SNAP office directly to check the status.
“Do people realize that this is happening to this population of vulnerable students?” one education department leader told ABC News.
The education department is the smallest cabinet-level agency in the U.S. government and its staff has been nearly halved since Trump took power earlier this year.
Now Accepting Applications for Regional Disability Health Clinic Grant
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Addressing health equity for people with developmental disabilities is a top priority for OPWDD and for me personally. A common theme that I hear from people is that they are being left behind when it comes to accessible settings and availability of medical professionals trained to treat the physical health needs of people with developmental disabilities.
To improve access to health care services for people with developmental disabilities, the Governor announced during her 2025 State of the State, and included in the New York State Budget for 2025-26, the creation of Regional Disability Health Clinics.
I am thrilled to announce that the Request for Applications for $25 million in capital project grants to create Regional Disability Health Clinics has been released. The deadline for applications is November 5.
Article 16 clinics and Article 28 clinics, including Diagnostic and Treatment Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Centers (RHCs), and Free-standing hospital extension clinics (off-campus sites), are all eligible to apply to the recently issued Request for Applications. Applicants can propose capital projects that improve both access to and the quality of physical health care services (e.g., medical, dental, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology).
OPWDD will prioritize projects related to expanding or enhancing existing dental services, improving physical space to better accommodate wheelchairs, improving physical space to be more sensory-friendly, and improving access to specialty physical health services in ‘healthcare deserts.’
We are excited to receive proposals that recommend innovative ways to deliver increased access to physical health services specifically for people with developmental disabilities. No one should have to suffer the indignity of an office visit without the proper medical equipment or the frustration of not being able to find healthcare in their community.
Best Regards,
Willow Baer
Commissioner
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Events Calendar / Calendario de eventos: https://www.sinergiany.org/Events
| Share Your Feedback on the 2025 NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan by 9/1The deadline to submit public comment on NYC Ferry’s proposal for systemwide route and service changes is this Monday, September 1st. Substantial changes are being proposed for the South Brooklyn line, whose Sunset Park and Bay Ridge stops would be absorbed by the St. George line, with additional stops at Atlantic Avenue only in Brooklyn and the existing Wall Street stop on the east side of Manhattan. Stops on this route would include Staten Island and Midtown West heading the opposite direction.Individual route maps can be reviewed here and outline the proposed changes by landing stop. Complete the Survey |
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