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.
"I wanted to let you know that Briana is doing so well!! Her reading has improved and the support she is given on a daily basis definitely has improved her confidence. I will forever be so grateful for all your help in finding her the right fit."
With AFC's support, Valerie was placed in school where she has "taken a 180 degree detour": now she loves going to school, her grades have been improving, and she is even starting to read for fun again.
AFC found Delayney a new school placement for 8th and 9th grades, one that could provide both specialized academic instruction and a small, nurturing environment to support her socially and emotionally.
“Mia’s IEP meeting is coming up, and for the first time I don’t feel like I have to put on boxing gloves and bring an advocate with me. It shouldn’t be like that. Had it not been for AFC, I know she’d just have been on that first floor until she graduated."
Gabriel, a kindergarten student with speech delays, needed a bilingual class and speech therapy but the DOE wasn't responding to his mother's pleas for help.
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
