Advocates for Children of New York has been protecting and promoting the educational rights of students with disabilities since 1971. As a result, we have unparalleled experience and expertise in special education, particularly in the New York City schools. All of AFC’s projects involve special education advocacy to some extent, as they target specific populations that tend to include a disproportionate share of students with disabilities.
AFC’s Project Thrive offers free legal representation and in-depth case advocacy to low-income families who need support obtaining appropriate school services for preschool and school-aged children with disabilities.
Our Parent Center helps families navigate the school system through free NYC educational rights workshops, community education events in English or Spanish, and a wide array of free know-your-rights resources.
In 2008, AFC founded the ARISE Coalition, a diverse group of parents, educators, and advocates working together to improve the education of students with disabilities in New York City’s public schools. AFC continues to coordinate and lead the coalition.
“When I look back, what I mostly remember is being frustrated and angry that I wasn’t learning the way the other kids seemed to be. My mom knew from when I was in pre-school that I was not progressing the way I should be.”
Micaela was quickly enrolled in a specialized dual language ICT class where native English speakers and Spanish speakers, with and without disabilities, are learning together in both languages.
For six years, AFC and pro bono attorneys represented Asha and Ayanna to make certain the girls received the support they needed to be successful in school.
Advocates for Children assisted Kevin’s mother in finding a more appropriate school placement for sixth grade. With our help, Kevin enrolled at a specialized non-public school for students with disabilities, where he finally received the individualized support he needed.
When Zio, who is classified as autistic, came to AFC, he was 12 years old and had attended four different schools in six years, none of which had provided him with an appropriate education.
Supported by a five-year grant from the United States Department of Education, AFC leads the New York Region 1 Parent Training and Information Center Collaborative. The Collaborative, which coordinates the parent centers for New York City and Long Island, includes Sinergia, IncludeNYC, and the Long Island Advocacy Center. We are also proud members of the New York State Parent Network.
Our free trainings and workshops provide important information to help parents, communities, and professionals advocate effectively on behalf of their children
