Parents of children with disabilities in Bronx, New York have access to a range of resources to help them advocate for their children's educational rights. The AFC Parent Center provides training, information and assistance to parents so they can effectively advocate for their children's education-related rights in the public school system. Workshops are available in English and Spanish in every community in New York City. The Office of Defense responds to the concerns of parents, youth, adoptive parents, and others affected by the child welfare system, juvenile justice system, and other ACS services.
Additionally, there are many organizations and groups organized by self-advocates and parents of children with disabilities that can provide assistance or guide parents to other advocacy groups. IncludeNYC is the Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) funded by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) to promote meaningful family participation in the education system, build collaborative community relationships, and provide information and training on service options and delivery systems available to children from birth to 21 years of age. Staff will help families develop strategies for navigating the NYCDOE special education system, as well as referrals for additional information and services. The Advocacy Center will provide general promotional and referral information to all families who call and have difficulties related to their children's special education services.
Advocates for Children is a recognized leader in school reform efforts, with experience bringing together community organizations, parent groups, and government agencies to address systemic issues and improve outcomes and options for all students. With the support of a five-year grant from the U. S. Department of Education, the AFC operates the Collaborative Training and Information Center for Parent Training and Information for New York Region 1.This program provides a Program Guide for Gifted and Talented Students for Students with Disabilities (also available in Spanish).
Special education should not prevent admission or participation in a program for the gifted and talented. Parent to Parent of New York State creates a support network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special health needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions. The New York City Department of Education has been challenged on issues such as providing free breakfast and lunch to children with disabilities who would normally be entitled to receive meals at school but who had to attend private special education schools because the DOE did not provide them with adequate public school education. We are also part of REAL Transition Partners, funded by the RSA, along with Starbridge, Parent Network of Western New York, SPAN Advocacy and Federation for Children with Special Needs, leading a collaboration of 26 parent centers that provide young adults with disabilities and their families with information and support related to post-secondary transition across the Northeast and the Caribbean.
Services include a therapeutic day care, a traveling special education teaching program, an early childhood consultation, and an outpatient clinic. Advocates for Children of New York has been protecting and promoting the educational rights of students with disabilities since 1971. Parents in Bronx have access to a range of resources that can help them advocate for their children's educational rights. Through training programs, support networks, legal assistance, information centers, advocacy groups, and more, parents can ensure their children receive quality education.
