When 5-year-old Arianny’s mother came to AFC, her daughter had already been out of school for months. Arianny, who was born with Down syndrome and significant physical and cognitive challenges, should have started kindergarten with the support and services she needed to learn and thrive. Instead, the family was met with silence and delays – no school placement, no plan, and no one at NYCPS who seemed able to help.
Arianny’s AFC advocate immediately stepped in and secured an appropriate school placement for Arianny, but our work didn’t stop there. When we checked back in, we learned Arianny was still at home and not attending school; this time, because the city had failed to provide appropriate transportation. Arianny, who is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, requires a dedicated paraprofessional to accompany her on the bus to support her medical needs. Without that support, she could not get to school safely.
For two more months, AFC advocated with NYCPS and coordinated with service providers to ensure every detail was in place for the consistent transportation and one-to-one support Arianny is entitled to receive.
This Fall, Arianny started first grade on time, with all of her services and supports in place – including transportation – and she’s thriving in a school that understands her needs.
“Arianny has been doing so much better since starting school. Thank you to AFC and my advocate Micaela for supporting me and Arianny during this past year!”
-Arianny's mother