INCLUDEnyc BLOG
We’re Very People-Centered
INCLUDEnyc works with over 350 community partners throughout New York City to deliver hundreds of trainings and events to young people with disabilities and their families each year. Chatham Square Library, the New York Public Library Branch on the Lower East Side, is one of those partners.
I Met My Shero, Jean Mizutani
“I don’t idolize many people, but Jean is my ‘shero.’ If it weren’t for her, the school placement process would have been very long,” Sheyvonne said.
Taking Big Steps, No Matter What
My name is Oscar. I am 24 years old and am on the autism spectrum. I would like to tell you a little bit about my life and why I’m celebrating disability pride this month.
Understanding My Daughter’s Disability
Felicita had limited English proficiency and trouble navigating the NYC public school system for her children, Jennifer and Nixon, now ages 17 and 24. Felicita started her work with us through the NYS PROMISE project. When she contacted INCLUDEnyc for the first time, Alfonso Guzman, Manager of Parent and Family Services and Family Educator Steffany Ruiz connected Felicita to a Community Employment Specialist and Community Case Manager.
Why Disability Isn’t A Deficit
When I reveal that my son has a disability, I’m showered with both pity and concern. “That must be so hard,” I’m told. I never really know how to respond in those situations, so I usually just talk about all of the amazing progress he has made.
Students of Color and Disability Classifications
Many times, students of color are overrepresented in some of the official 13 disability classifications and underrepresented in others. Nationally, for example, fewer African American students are classified under “ADHD” than white students. Likewise, they are underrepresented in the category of “Autism” and overrepresented in the “Emotional Disturbance” category.
Autism, Race, and the Media
We have many conversations—sometimes controversial ones—in the autism community. High Functioning vs. Low Functioning. Atypical vs. Neurotypical. Public School vs. Private School. Vaccinations and autism. We don’t often talk about the lack of minority representation in the media. It seems to be taboo.
Her Son Deserves Access and She Won’t Settle
“I’ll go into that IEP meeting with an agenda, my own goals, and questions. Whether its busing or services, my son deserves access and I won’t settle for less.”
What the Turning 5 Process Taught Me
I will always be ready and willing to advocate for him in any way I can and he will always show me what it’s like to be fearless and brave.
Students with Disabilities Among Most Segregated in NYC Schools
As a parent to Jack and through my professional work, I live with the implications of student segregation everyday. As a result, I push for systemic policy and cultural changes for better outcomes for the more than 250,000 students with disabilities in New York City.