NYC

Round 2 of pre-kindergarten admissions begins this Monday, July 19.

Check out the DOE's "Making Choices" Summer Workshop Series: June 30 - August 10. Middle school students and their parents are invited to attend summer workshops to learn about the high school admissions process. Dates, locations and topics are here on the DOE website.

New York City schools enrolled 14,000 more students than had been projected and about half of them require special education services, School Chancellor Klein said this week.

We need your help!  A critical program for children with autism spectrum disorders is in danger of losing its funding.

Join RCSN and other providers for a rally and press conference with City Councilman Mark Weprin on the steps of City Hall in New York City, at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 25th, 2010.

The Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council presented its 21st Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday March 5th at Barnes & Noble Union Square. With Helene Craner, RCSN Associate Director, as Chair of the Legislative Committee, the event drew over 200 people to discuss current issues with key city, state and federal legislators.

Download a Copy: 

Download the Legislative Agenda - Access to Services: City and State

Download the Legislative Agenda - New York State Executive Budget

Download Jodi Roure's speech, "Parents' Fees for Early Intervention Services"

Download Sandy Hyman's speech, "Residential and Day Habilitation Services"

Download Hirba Riera's speech, "Recognition of the Workforce in OMRDD Services"

The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) Chancellor Joel Klein and Laura Rodriguez, Chief Achievement Officer for Special Education and English Language Learners sponsored a breakfeast meeting at Tweed Courthouse on Tuesday 2/2/10 to introduce the DOE's special education reform plan - A Two-Year Phase-in Process Focusing on the Advancement of Student Learning and Achievement. Jean and I were there from RCSN, along with advocates and colleagues from city and state agencies and organizations.

RCSN is excited to begin two collaborative projects in 2010.  

We'll be teaming up with Mental Health Association (MHA) NYC's Family Resource Centers and the NYC Department of Education (DOE) Empowerment Schools: Bridges for Learning Network to provide critical services to families of children with mental health or other special needs, preventing disconnection, alleviating stress, and helping students succeed.