Advocates for Children of New York has a singular vision: an equitable and inclusive school system where all students receive the education they need to maximize their potential as adults.
We fight for families
For more than 50 years, we have fought beside NYC families from under-resourced communities through a unique combination of services, all focused on protecting education rights and eliminating barriers to success so all students can thrive.
Al-Yasid says that the day he found out he would finally be graduating “was one of the best days of my life!” Al is currently applying to college and aspires to a career in music production or media.
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.
"She’s about to graduate and she’s a whole new child. She would never participate in anything before, and now she’s in all the plays, she joined the choir, she’s playing instruments, spending so much time with her friends."
Tell City Leaders: Preschool Special Education Services Are Not Optional
As of March 2025, more than 7,900 preschoolers were waiting for at least one of their legally mandated services, like speech therapy or counseling, to begin. Tell city leaders to add at least $70 million in the FY 2026 budget to give preschoolers with disabilities the evaluations, services, and classes they need.
