Future of NYS's 4201 Schools in Jeopardy

Rochester School for the Deaf.  Lexington School for the Deaf.  Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. Henry Viscardi School.  Lavelle School for the Blind.  The New York Institute for the Blind.  Cleary School for the Deaf.  New York School for the Deaf.  St. Mary's School for the Deaf.  St. Joseph's School for the Deaf.  St. Frances de Sales School for the Deaf. 

All of these 11 schools' futures are in jeopardy.

When I first read that New York State's Governor Cuomo proposed 1.5 billion cut in the education budget, I knew that the 4201 schools would be impacted one way or another, but I was not sure how.  Before I continue, I'd like to take a moment what "4201" means for 11 schools I mentioned above.  Copied and pasted from http://4201schoolsassociation.wordpress.com/about-us/ :

"In 1947, New York lawmakers enacted legislation designating certain schools to serve the special education needs of children who are deaf, blind and/or severely physically disabled. The 4201 schools – so known because of the specific provision of the Education Law (§4201) where the schools are listed – have been providing unique and appropriate educational and related services to students with low-incidence disabilities in New York State for nearly 200 years."

So these schools are private, state-supported schools meeting the needs of the students with various disablities.  I have two children who attend one of the 4201 schools where they are thriving and I really love the school.  The administrators and the board of directors are working together to ensure that the schools have resources to best meet the students' needs.

Anyway, this past Monday I went to PSA (Parents-Staff Association) meeting where we listened to Dr. Mowl who is a Chairperson of 4201 Schools Association as well as a superintendent of one of the schools.  He gravely explained to us what Governor Cuomo's budget proposal meant for the 11 schools. He explained that in the past, the money from the state government went to the schools for the staff's payroll mostly and the money from surrounding school districts where the students resided in went to schools for tuition, food, standardized tests, assessments, etc., to ensure the success of the students. 

Governor Cuomo wants to shift the direct budget appropriation which has been used for many years to a rate-setting methodology, which means the money would be sent to school districts instead  The school districts would have more say in how the students with various needs would receive education.  Remember the school districts have economic struggles also, and from my understanding, the average cost of a Deaf student is usually around $60,000 (depending on where the student lives and his/her needs) and of course, the school districts would rather keep the money for themselves instead of sending it to a Deaf school.  Okay, let me say this... If the budget proposal regarding the 4201 schools goes through, the parents might find the option to send their child/children to any 4201 schools closed.  NOT all Deaf students succeed in the mainstreaming, as I have observed when I lived in Indiana.

As for me, as a parent, my children's happiness is important, of course.  Their ability to thrive at their school means being "whole"... emotionally, academically, and socially.  If one of the aspects is lacking, other aspects would be impacted.  I can safely say that both of my kids did experience mainstreaming at their local elementary schools in Indiana and while they might have thrived academically, they were struggling socially.  Hence their emotions were affected.  If the school district where I reside in decide that mainstreaming would be the best option for both of my kids, they'd likely to re-experience the social struggles as mainstreamed Deaf students which is something I don't want for both of them.  Plus being forced to rely on the interpreters all day, likely missing out something, etc... can be somewhat draining.

So I have deep concerns about this.  So far, there are tentative plans of going to Albany on Advoacay Day on March 2nd and going to the rally on March 10th, as well as letter-writing campaign, testimonies of students who thrive at the 4201 schools, etc.  Dr. Mowl did warn that even if we successfully diverted the budget proposal from impacting the 4201 schools, the proposal would continue being brought up yearly as long as the state had the economic woes.

How do I feel about this?  I am tired of this political bullshit.  All because the kids are deaf which is "profitable" to the school districts?  What about their social needs?  Their academic needs?  Their emotional needs?  When I first learned of my son's progressive hearing loss, I found myself on the battlefield against a particular school district, just because he was not deaf enough... when I wanted him to go to a Deaf school.  At 8 months pregnant with my second child, I spent almost 4 hours at my very first case conference, with an audiologist who was on my side, against three staff from the school district.  Finally they gave me what I wanted, on two conditions... that when a slot in the universal Pre-K program opened up, I SHOULD, without any question, withdraw him out of the Deaf school and that I got the written form from my son's primary doctor stating that he had progressive hearing loss.  On the advise from my friends, we moved out of that town to a different town where its school district was more friendly and more supportive of parents.  That was years ago, and we have moved to Indiana and then back to here in NYS last year and we are living in a different town now.

Because of it, I will be involved in seeing to that the proposal be amended so that the students of varying needs could have options to go to any of 4201 schools.  My son wants to spend his 4 last years in high school with people he knows and my daughter is thriving, enjoying the attention from her teachers and developing the social and leadership skills there.  Why deprive them of those opportunities?  They have had enough of changes of their academic placements. And I know that many parents want to have the option for their child/children to attend any of 4201 schools open.

 

For more information on 4201 schools:

http://4201schoolsassociation.wordpress.com/

 

Links: 

http://www.rsdeaf.org/news.asp?action=view&ID=583

http://www.deafnyaction.org/

 

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9aSRwYhKTI&feature=player_embedded   (Aidan Mack)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAAQuSKjUm4&feature=player_embedded   (Barb Digi)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuSTda_AeLg    (Dr. Don)

 

For New Yorkers, I urge you to contact Governor Cuomo's office to express your concerns about the budget proposal impacting on 4201 schools:

Write letters/send b/vlogs to: http://www.governor.ny.gov/

Comments

[Dianrez]

Parents in New York State should be aware of this, both present and future parents of Deaf children. My family and I plan to go to Albany to advocate for keeping the 4201 legislation.

Most of my friends graduated from one of the "4201" schools, and chose to send their Deaf children to the same schools even after investigating all possible alternatives.

The fact that these friends and their children turned out well, and had the opportunity to attend Gallaudet or NTID, and/or are employed, shows the success of the schools. Mainstreaming would not have given them the same and could have harmed their readiness for higher education.

It takes a village to raise a child, but the present day environment of the mainstream schools lacks the close-contact supportiveness and socialization that a deaf child needs. The mainstreamed child is taught to be dependent on a few special-needs staff and never becomes completely integrated with his classmates.

In the campus environment of the self-contained school for the deaf, he can learn to behave as a whole citizen of a community. This is a necessary experience that supports education and builds a future in the wider community.

[Karen Mayes]

Yup.

I am a bit bemused at the lack of response to this serious blog posting... Oh dear.

We will attend next Thursday's meeting and plan on going to Albany next month once the plans are more definite...

[Eileen]

Karen, this is a wonderful blog! May I repost your blog on my FB to spread the word to alumni, please?

You also should use this as your testimony when you send in letters,etc.

I plan to ask my mother to write a letter about how she felt when I was successful in completing RSD's program and what she has observed me being successful in the world and how RSD has impacted her, too.

[Karen Mayes]

Yes, you have my blessing to share my posting on FB :-) The more people know about it, the better...

[patti durr]

heye karen

THANK YOU for blogging this. its REAL important.

I wish i could attend the Thur night meeting but i have to lead a film screening - booked long ago. boo conflicts! we need clones. just kidding - i aint for cloning - its not organic!

to ur post and point - EXCELLENT. yep - Deaf schools r VERY VERY VERY VERY important

and this is a perennial problem eh?

grr - wish we could nip these threats in the bud.

very glad folks will be going to albany.

let me know if there is anything i can do or if there will be room on the bus!

I have an "ignite the light..." entry over at People of the Eye that addresses the importance of Deaf schools - ill add a link to ur entry into that entry and also tweet ya

if Egypt could do it - surely we can

peace

patti

[Karen Mayes]

Patti, see if you could alert the NTID students and the staff about it... especially the ones who graduated from NTID or have worked there in the past. We could use their voice...

It could become perennial as long as we have state budget woes... Dr. Mowl warned of it. :-/

Nervous time for us, alright.

[Crystal P]

seems its doing again.. it happened few years ago i think 96 or 97 cant remma when that happend that some few students including me went to albany and got a strike about it.. to keep the schools stay open and stuff like that.. but wow!

[Karen Mayes]

Crystal, yes, you are right. I heard about it, and I was not involved that time (my Deaf son was born in 1997.) Now it's more serious because of the budget problems which are affecting the state (and the rest of America as well.)

[Crystal P]

yeah cuz i went there to strike with all my friends that i was in RSD few years ago.. and now its going to do it again that dont make me happy about this.. RSD and other deaf schools are great for deaf children and people who works there.. i was there from 92 to 99 graduated from RSD.. sighs its sad to hear this again

[Cousin Vinny]

I did bring up this issue in a blog entry. You can find it in Page 3 of the 5A5A 2045 comic book.

In a nutshell, nip this in the bud and do it at the legislative level. Don't leave it to the courts.

[Karen Mayes]

Cousin Vinny, we are working on addressing it on the legislative level.

About his comic book Cousin Vinny was referring to...

http://ll.51f.us/?p=57

[DF]

Four deaf family ours who graduated at RSD from 1963 to 1994 that why webought our deaf children enter RSD in years ,,we are proud of our kids who has good educaitons into the world ,,The RSD is the best education than other place ,,,we learned how to spell righ words instead sign language but we do still asl but people ask me how to spell the words to write down..

DONT LET RSD DOWN TO CLOSE NO WAY .,,ENCOURAGE THE KIDS GO THERE AND LEARNS LOTS WE THANKS TO RSD IN YEARS WHAT WE HAVE DONE THIS ,,,KEEP UP WITH 4201 ,,,NOT MIXED WITH BLIND KIDS NO WAY

[Tami]

Karen,
Keep up the great advocacy work. Parents whose children have benefited from Deaf Schools across the nation can identify with your testimony! I do:))

[Barb DiGi]

Karen,

Thank you for doing an outspoken blog as a parent who has gone through so much dealing with full of political struggles just because you are seeking most appropriate placement for your Deaf children. Your sharing experience is vital for the lawmakers to be aware of what we as parents are going through. Yes it is very tiring for us going through the hurdles to get appropriate service that should be other way round. Keep on making noises!

By the way about the history..here goes:

Here is the history background:

1989
The office of the Governor initiated a budget proposal to change RSD's funding, as well as other 4201 schools, from direct appropriation through the State Education Department to a reimbursement methodology. Through political action, this proposal was averted.

1995
The proposed budget presented by the office of the Governor eliminated direct state appropriations for RSD and the other ten 4201 schools throughout New York. Under this proposal, the schools were to be funded by tuition payments from local school districts which would have been reimbursed by the State Education Department. Costs to local school districts would have increased from approximately 13% of the per student cost at RSD to approximately 40% of the educational costs, with 100% of the residential costs being charged to the County Department of Social Services. Most school districts would have opted to offer their own programs, and RSD would have either had to close or would have been significantly reduced in size. Through a very active campaign conducted by the 4201 Schools Association and our own staff administration, and Board of Trustees, the crisis was averted and the Legislature was mobilized to support restoration of our funds.

So with the CommUNITY, there is hope. This time it is a bit more challenging because of the economy crunch. It is a pattern that with the new governor like in 89 and 95, they tend to touch 4201 budget first until they get the loud message from us. So of course this time we will make plenty of noises and be proactive.

[Barb DiGi]

Here is another link that you may would want to keep an eye on:

http://www.deafnyaction.org/

[Karen Mayes]

Thanks Barb for the history... I have faith that the situation will be averted. Also for the link to deafnyaction.com.

[DeafPoet2]

Ohhh no, not again!! These aren't good news to hear...it happens everywhere...the school districts are greedy to keep their monies to themselves and doesn't think of what's BEST for our Deaf children, academically, socially and mentally!! I was raised at Lexington for 13 years, such wonderful education, teachers and friends...this was my world. I've always regretted going into mainstreaming school (I was the only Deaf student there) and realized I missed out the next 3 years at Lexington. Lexington has taught me to be independent and to think for myself instead of letting others think for us! Mainstreaming won't help these children but making them more isolated and confusion, more lonely due to lack of interactions, challenges and so forth.
There's always cons and pros in every situation...we got to admit that many schools are lacking in teaching higher education to Deaf children for quite a while (not like the old days) but like RSD, ISD and other schools are thriving with teaching Deaf children higher education, using bilingual education and getting parents involved.
Great blog and will be sharing this in my FB. I want everyone to be aware of what's going on! I think if you can vlog, the words will spread even farther and more widespread into our Deaf communities...maybe Barb will be able to vlog about this? Keep us posted! Have a great weekend!

[Karen Mayes]

Also, this video about what the budget proposal would mean for the 4201 schools:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9aSRwYhKTI&feature=player_embedded

[Karen Mayes]

Hello DeafPoet2, yes, Barb will vlog about it. I am waiting for her v/blog to come out soon...

[Candy]

Illinois had gone through the same thing, maybe not as big as NY. 4201 involves more than one schoools and will have major impact on future of deaf/hh education in the state of NY. In IL, they have managed to averted that with help of alumni, parents and supporters. Every deaf/hh children should have choices and deaf state schools that focuses on sign language is one that should always be available. It's unfortunate that sometimes money seem to override what is really needed. Karen, I can see you being a great advocate since you're a parent to two kids who attends one of the schools. Good luck and keep us informed. ;o)

[Clifford Rowley]

Thanks for bring this up to everyone's attention. I noticed one error in your introduction where 11 schools are listed. The one that is listed as New York School for the Blind is incorrect. The right name is New York School for the Deaf, known as Fanwood and is located in White Plains, NY.

There's another link that will have more information about 4201 issues. DeafNYAction.org/

[Karen Mayes]

Thank you Clifford Rowley for pointing it out to me...I fixed it.

[PopeMistress]

yeah Karen!!! I agreed with you that I'm so SICK of politic!!!! Hope everything will be speeding resolve asap!!! I'll be looking out. Pls do take photos of the rally as you can. I'll be thinking of ya and your family!!!

[Dianrez]

Even in today's times, the self-contained schools for the deaf are still the best. When my Deaf son was born, I visited all the programs with deaf children that were available in the Rochester area. Mainstream/integrated, a special school for several classes of disabled children including deaf, a deaf class in a public school, and another that was private and had no deaf students yet but might consider it in the future.

RSD won. Hands down. Two of the other programs left me with such a sinking feeling that it cost me a few nights' sleep. What was so depressing was the attitude of the school administration and/or the teacher in those classrooms: Hearing, paternalistic, limited in goals, and even despairing.

RSD gave our son everything. He received audiological services, hearing/speech training, primary through precollege education, sports and club activities, field trips including to other cities and to Italy, afterschool tutoring, camping and wilderness experiences, summer jobs and vocational training. In addition to that, he grew up with an extended family of caring teachers, staff, and fellow students from infancy to his 20's and still has contact with them. In all this he learned to live in a community of equals and to build confidence for his future community with hearing people.

In none of the other schools, despite the modern times and the legislation available to deaf children, would he have obtained even one-tenth of what he received at RSD.

We must not allow politics and budget-cutting to put schools for the deaf at a lower priority than they are at now. There are people that badly need educating, and I am not talking about our deaf children!

[Frank]

What about New York State School for the Deaf in Rome, NY? It is a state school, not a 4201 school. Does this mean the students in those other schools would be either mainstreamed or sent to NYSSD?

[Karen Mayes]

Frank... it could be.

The problem with the budget proposal is that it'd force at least 85% cut on the 4201 schools---120 million dollars down to 20 millions. That's why we need to show it's not acceptable.

Diane, what a very nice testimony... highlighting all the accomplishments that your son achieved as a student at RSD.

[Hershey]

Does anyone know the number of students that attend each of these deaf schools? Someone pointed out to me that NY has 11 schools while many states only have one. Thoughts on this please?

I will say that education is important but as a former student that was mainstreamed growing up, education isn't the only factor of a child's development. Deaf schools do offer more and I've seen the differences when one doesn't consider the other aspects of a child's development. Isolation has many long term impacts that one never realizes until adulthood. So what is a blessing in some ways is actual a hindrance in other ways.

Karen.. GREAT blog and I'm sharing on Facebook!

[Karen Mayes]

Hershey, good question. I do know that RSD has 130+ students (which has been more or less steady for many years.) 4201 has 11 schools, yes, and 8 of them center to Deaf students.

Like you, I was mainstreamed, and my children did experience mainstreaming... our experiences are that we did well on academics, we were lacking in socialization, which therefore impacted our emotions and self esteem. That's why I stressed the importance of the wholeness in the educational setting.

[Karen Mayes]

Candy... thanks. I know there are ways for Governor Cuomo to trim the budget, but 4201 schools. He's practically asking for around 85% cut from 4201 schools (from 120 million dollars to 20 million dollars.) We would accept 10% to 20% budget cut, but around 85% cut? Nah.

[Karen Mayes]

For the residents of NYS, I urge you to contact Governor Cuomo to express your concerns about his budget proposal impacting on 4201 schools...

Write letters/send b/vlogs to: http://www.governor.ny.gov/

[Andres]

I agreed with Governor Cuomo on cutting some funds for the 4201 schools but not to $20 million. We really need to reduce the number of schools for the deaf in the state of New York. We have 9 schools for the deaf (8 are in 4201 Association). Across the nation, each state has one or two schools for the . We have two schools in Rochester/Buffalo area, driving between both schools about 50 minutes to 1 hours and half. We have 3 schools in New York City (driving between 3 schools about 40 minutes to one hour and half) and one school is outside of Bronx's area (10 to 15 miles from school in Bronx). Look at Texas School for the Deaf, this school serves students in the big state. Two schools for the deaf in California, each school have thier region to serve students (CSDF for northern California and CSDR for Southern California)

Those schools in others states also serve as the deaf outreach and educational centers. On deaf outreach and education center, we don't have a one.

We and 4201 schools need to offer a proposal to Governor on reducing the number of 4201 schools (from 9 to 4 or 5), that's will save NY between 30% to 50% from current budget for 4201 schools. That's mean the NY will pay only 4 or 5 school superintendents, administrative offices (HR, Food Services, Transportation, Technology, etc) and school buildings. I urge the 4201 schools and supporters to consider this proposal on reducing the number of schools for the deaf.

[patti durr]

in terms of the number of 4201 schools for the Deaf it is important to note that 6 of them are in the NYC area or surrounding areas

this is due to the high population of those areas and also it should be noted that 2 of those 6 schools (or more?) do not have High School programs - they stop at Jr HS- unless things have changed since the many moons ago that i taught at Lexington

in addition to the NY State School for the Deaf (Rome), PS 47 is also not considered to be a 4201 school (and from last i heard PS 47 of Manhattan is now a Hearing & Deaf bi-bi school

will try to do my letter to Cuomo soon.

Karen - u mentioned getting the word out to NTID folks - if u have a specific flyer ud like me to get distributed - pls send me via email. I dont want to grab and use something that might not be what u all want - so if u send me something ill know its good and then pass on.

again thanks for doing this blog entry and all ur advocacy in this area

it is IMPORTANT

peace

patti

[Karen Mayes]

Patti, I emailed you with PDF.

Hmmm... Andres, I understand where you are coming from. I do have questions about the number of Deaf schools, but Patti's comment pretty answers the question, which makes sense to me.

Hmmm... I'd have NO problem if we get plenty of warnings beforehand so that we could work with Governor Cuomo's office. But instead, his office more or less slammed us with his proposal without asking for our input. That's what hurts the most.

[Andres]

Yes, there are 6 schools in NYC and surrouding areas, due to the high population during 60s, 70s and 80s. Some schools had served 400 students at that time. And now, some schools are serving 125 to 220 students and 300 at Lexington. So those schools have to spend funds to maintaining and upgrading facilities includes vacated space. We should close some schools and transfer students to other school with a plenty of vacated space.

[Susan Bottari]

My son attends The Henry Viscardi School and this news is extremely disturbing. I know that if it is up to the school districts to fund this school, it will certainly impact the school and number of students that can attend. Can't NYS cut the fat off the top and allow these kids to succeed in school. We are meeting on Wednesday to rally our parents. Will go to the ends of the earth to save these schools.

[Joseph Sogno]

My name is Joseph Sogno, hearing impaired who still lives in Queens, NY. I am extremely disappointed how NY Governor Cuomo treats 4201 school and deaf culture very different. Let's go to Albany to rally and sign "Let 4201 schools open" Acting a brave warrior like Egypt following let the whole world see us!!

[Adrienne Sogno]

Dear Gov. Cuomo - As the parent of a deaf adult who attended 4201 schools, I am writing to you to srongly oppose the proposal to shift funding (and/or possibly close 4201 schools)from the hands of the administrtors of the various schools for the deaf, blind, and those with other severe disabilities to the local school districts. I'm sure you are well aware of the fact that the special schools will NEVER receive the funds that are needed to support those children academically and socially on the same level that they are now receiving. Because of our poor economic situation, those school districts will dole out only the minimum to the 4201 schools, since they will believe that they need more money for their own schools. Who suffers then???
Only those parents who have experienced the educational system fully understand how their children developed, both academically and socially, by attending a 4201 school. How would you like to spend all your school hours focused on an interpreter and also having to rely on another student to take accurate notes for your ability to learn and study for tests, discussions, etc. Obviously,you would need more than one interpreter per class since they can only sign for 2 hours at a time. The note-taker would also have to receive some stipend and would have to be judged to take notes that are clear and concise.
Remember, all deaf students have various levels of deafness and communication skills. What happens to them regarding development of their social skills since they are being groomed to go into the "hearing" world as they grow into adulthood where they can be productive citizens not only in their jobs, but also in their contribution to society? Deafness is more of a "hidden" handicap and as I am sure you are well aware, people tend to be "afraid" of disabilities they know nothing about. This can then lead to discrimination. What about those individuals who have other disabilities and who need other forms of special attention? Are you just going to force them into a school environment where they will be put into a corner and forgotten about? You are fortunate not to have children with any special needs. I am sure that savings can be found in other ways, e.g., possibly combining schools where feasible, to save money so that these schools can still be in control of their budgets and remain open. Get input from the parents as well as those who are afflicted. I'm sure they can contribute some positive ideas on saving money since they are living this day to day.
Thank you for your time. I BEG of you not to let this happen.

[Karen Mayes]

Hello Adrienne,

Be sure to send your comment to Governor Cuomo via his email (info on this link: http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php

Or snail mail address:

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

GREAT letter!

[Laurel]

I had a similar struggle getting my 14 year old son into a 4201 school. His vision was declining quickly and he was asking me for help. He asked to go to the school he attends now because he was tired of fighting for basics (teachers who KNEW he was supposed to have a front row seat but moved him back to keep their seating alphabetical and on and on). I've also heard other parents complain that some kids get extra time for tests or have tests read to them. Really? Would you rather have YOUR child get extra time to figure out what's written on the page and give up their 20/20 eyesight in exchange for being declared legally blind before High School? The difference in my child socially (much more confident, competes in sports for the 1st time in his life, etc) were the EXTRAS that I never expected and so badly don't want to give up. As bad as this change will be for my child it will be so much worse for some of his classmates who's vision loss is more severe and who's ability to appropriately socialize with peers will be all but lost if they are now thrown back to the public schools that failed them to begin with! I'll write everyone that I can and most of all pray that these kid's futures are not tossed away in the name of the almighty dollar.

[Laurel]

Oh, by the way, just to add to my last comment - Our School had a wrestling match at Lexington and I drove from Staten Island to Queens to watch my boy compete in his 1st organized sport. I was so excited. Watching the kids at Lexington and what purely NORMAL adolescent interactions they are when they are together was great. It is the same thing to see the kids at the NY Institute together.But,see one of them on their own in a group of kids w/out the same challenges and many times it's like looking at a different kid. I was the only parent from our School (in the Bronx) that (as far as I knew) went to see that match, so other than the wrestlers and Coaches on the floor I was 1 of the only people who couldn't communicate fully with the rest of the crowd. They were having a great time together but I have no idea what was being said. I'd love for our law makers to have that experience before they decide on the 4201 funding in the State budget. I was an adult in the situation for an hour. To be a kid in the situation for years, well, I'd just like them to think hard about the consequences of their political actions before they affect innocent kids.

[Karen Mayes]

Laurel, thank you for leaving the comments... to explain how you as a parent dealt with with case conferences, getting your child into a 4201 school.

I particularly LOVE your second comment... especially the last statement " I was an adult in the situation for an hour. To be a kid in the situation for years, well, I'd just like them to think hard about the consequences of their political actions before they affect innocent kids."

I will take this comment and blog around it...MANY THANKS.

[Karen Mayes]

Laurel, I do hope you write letters to Cuomo and your district legislators, telling the same thing you shared with us on my blog.

[Laurel]

I absolutely will. I'm drafting them now. Thanks for spotlighting this important issue on your bog.

[Laurel]

The issue hit the NY Daily News today!. Here's the link. There is a poll and comments can be left as well. Let the Politicians see that many people care deaf, blind, disabled, parents and otherwise!
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/02/23/2011-02-23_budget_ax_may_chop_schools_for_blind_deaf.html

[Karen Mayes]

Thanks! I posted it on my FB, and left a comment on the NY Daily News.