| Thank you to all who joined us a few weeks ago for our panel discussion and speak-out on providing behavior supports to students with disabilities in New York City’s public schools. The ARISE Coalition uses what we learn from our panelists and the parents, educators, and other stakeholders who attend these events to inform the advocacy work we do — pushing the Department of Education to improve the day-to-day experiences of and long-term outcomes for youth with disabilities in NYC. What we hear from all of you impacts every conversation we have with the DOE and every campaign we undertake to push for improvements on behalf of students with special needs. We couldn’t do our work without you. |  |
Along with our co-host, the Mental Health Association of New York City, we welcomed a great panel that included Dana Ashley from the Positive Learning Collaborative, Amy Breglio from the School Justice Project at Advocates for Children of New York, and Lisa Hunter Romanelli from the REACH Institute. In front of a packed room, our panelists:
- Discussed their work related to the topic;
- Talked about the need for systems to avoid and de-escalate problem behaviors at school;
- Advocated for school staff to receive specific training and on-going assistance in their own efforts to support students with behaviors;
- Urged that parents and school staff work collaboratively to meet the needs of students with challenging behaviors;
- Reminded us of the need to consider the unique perspective of each student — using what motivates individual youth to address problem behaviors.
Then it was your turn to speak up. We heard from parents and professionals who spoke compellingly about:
- Wanting to know more about parents’ and students’ rights when behavior is concerning;
- Fearing that behavior is often used as an excuse by school staff to move students out of their community schools;
- Recognizing the need for training of all school staff, including building-wide staff, teachers, and paraprofessionals working with students who present with behavioral challenges;
- Knowing that the schools need resources to put into place the supports described by the panel members;
- Wanting to be sure that other, after-school opportunities are available to all students, including students with disabilities who have behavior needs.
For those of you who couldn’t be there on the 19th, but still wanted us to know your concerns, it’s not too late. Send us your stories to add to the record. For everyone, we remind you that sharing your story is not a request for legal advice, and if you are interested in getting specific assistance, we urge you to contact one of the ARISE Coalition member organizations that provides assistance and representation in school-related matters.
