Schools serving New York Students with Disabilities Support the $2 Billion Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014

Measure will come before voters on Nov. 4, Election Day.

ALBANY, NY (10/23/2014)(readMedia)-- The association of schools representing New York's deaf, blind and severely physically disabled students has announced its support of the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 – a bill that would infuse $2 billion into technology improvements in schools across the state.

The bond act, proposed by Gov. Cuomo in January, would allow schools to create "21st century" classrooms to help students learn the technological skills they will need after graduation, according to the governor's office. The measure will appear on the statewide ballot on Election Day. The 4201 Schools Association has advocated for inclusion in the bond act, arguing that technology is an important means of closing the communication gap between students with disabilities and their educators.

"Smart Schools should be for all schools," said Bernadette Kappen, chairwoman of the 4201 Schools Association and executive director of the New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx. "Technology is an important link between an educator and a student who is deaf, blind or physically disabled. It opens the student to a world of information they would otherwise not be able to access.

"Earlier this year, the association advocated on behalf of the Smart Schools Bond Act and asked the governor's office and the Legislature to include its members in the funding stream. The advocacy included this video of John Kemp, president and CEO of The Viscardi Center, which includes the Henry Viscardi School. The $2 billion bond act is dedicated to public school districts. Through the advocacy efforts of the 4201 Schools Association, additional state funds would become available to 4201 schools if the measure is passed. The association also testified during the state's January 2014 budget hearings, where they presented the rationale for including special education students in the bond act.

"If voters approve the Smart Schools Bond Act we will certainly do all we can to ensure the state understands the needs of our children," Kappen said. "This is not just an educational issue, it is a safety issue for our students, many of whom can't run and hide, or yell for help in a time of need."

The 4201 Schools Association represents 11 private, state-supported schools that serve blind, deaf or severely physically disabled students. The "4201 schools" are so known because of the section of New York State Education Law (§4201) that grants their funding. Students in 4201 schools receive a quality education in a supportive and challenging setting from teachers and staff with specialized training and experience. Students develop emotional, social and cognitive abilities that are crucial to their success. The schools also provide extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities and mentoring.

-30-