Help Restore Evan's Crucial School Year Therapies & Supports

We are raising funds in support of our 14-year-old son, who is neurodivergent (ASD), and in need of his related therapy services for this school year.

In September 2024, the New York City Department of Education stripped away our son's support services without warning. Although they claim we failed to provide a letter of intent requesting services, in actuality, THEY failed to notify us that such a letter would be needed to continue his services for the school year. Their decision to strip Evan of his services for this school year has deep ramifications and goes against the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children ( whether in public, private or homeschool). Evan will suffer setbacks in social, academic, and physical skills without these supports. We find it unconscionable that the NYC DOE would underhandedly disenfranchise our son when he has been receiving services since kindergarten, as these related services are what support his academic success. This is a blatant disregard of our son’s constitutional rights, and NYC DOE is in VIOLATION of the due process rights.

It has been almost 3 months since the school year started, and we are already witnessing the results of his not having his services. While there has been talk of class action lawsuits from other affected families, we neither have the funds to retain a lawyer, nor do we want to further delay getting our son the supports he needs NOW. We simply cannot wait for the NYC DOE to listen to our appeals for reinstatement. We have written letters to City Council members, given testimony along with many other families similarly affected at a City Hall meeting with a Special Education Committee, etc. While we have been galvanizing, organizing, and trying to amplify this plight for our children, time has been ticking, and our son needs his services now. We are coming out of pocket to pay for his services; however, we are in need of support. Your donation will help us secure his services for the remainder of this school year. We are planning to re-establish his SETSS, PT, OT, and Speech services to ensure he has a successful school year and does not suffer regression from a full year without his needed supports. NO amount is too big or small, and your support is truly appreciated. THANK YOU