Nolan, Dromm Laud De Blasio On New Schools Accessibility In Admissions Policy
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Woodside, Long Island City, Maspeth, Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Blissville) and City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights ) yesterday lauded Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza and Mayor de Blasio for their announcement of a new admissions policy to better match students with accessibility needs to accessible school buildings.
Starting this admissions cycle, students who have an accessibility need will receive priority in admissions to school buildings that are fully or partially accessible.
This new policy builds on the city’s $750 million in investments to improve school accessibility citywide—the largest capital funding investment in accessibility to date.
Currently, 45 percent of elementary schools, 55 percent of middle schools, and 58 percent of high schools are fully or partially accessible. The Department of Education is currently in the process of surveying all partially accessibility school buildings and creating building accessibility profiles for each that provide specific and detailed accessibility information about different floors, rooms and classrooms in each school.
“As someone who has fought to get elevators and other accessibility features in schools, including I.S. 93 in my own Assembly district, I know that this is a much-needed initiative and I applaud the Chancellor and the New York City Department of Education” said Nolan, Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee.
“This new admissions policy is welcome news for students with accessibility needs,” said Dromm. “Inaccessible facilities create barriers to learning for our children. This is both unfair and unnecessary. I am pleased that the DOE has brought a greater degree of fairness to the admissions process. Many more young people with accessibility needs will excel because of this progressive change. I will continue to work with the administration to transform our schools into welcoming and inclusive places for all students.”
Ulrich Tells Seniors About Relaunch Of Transportation Services
City Council Member Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven) is letting his senior constituents know about the relaunch of a no-cost transportation service for seniors to get to medical appointments.
“I am pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Queens Delegation, $50,000 has been allocated to Selfhelp Community Services. The funding we have secured for this program provides a dedicated transportation service for eligible seniors at no-cost,” said Ulrich.
The Selfhelp Community Services program, which will relaunch on Monday, December 10, provides transportation to seniors living in Queens for medical appointments up to two long distance trips, or four local trips per month. Rides must be scheduled the day before the appointment, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Prior to receiving a ride, an application must be submitted.
Seniors enrolled in Medicaid or other medical transportation programs (i.e. Catholic Charities, HANAC, JSPOA) are not eligible for this service. Other eligibility requirements may apply.
For more information about the application process, eligibility, or to schedule a ride, please call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center directly at (718) 224-7888.
Constantinides to Unveil New Hydroponic Lab
City Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, part of Long Island City) on Monday will unveil a recently completed hydroponic lab, which will give I.S. 126 students hands-on experience about biology, technology, agriculture, and nutrition.
Eleven schools in Constantinides have either opened or received an allocation for a hydroponic lab.
The unveiling is slated for 9:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 10 at I.S. 126, 31-10 23rd Street (at 31st Avenue) in Astoria.
