PADD

Our PADD program provides both systemic and individual advocacy to people with ID/DD. We investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, and rights violations. We monitor locations where people with disabilities receive services. We work to enforce and expand the rights of all people with ID/DD through lawsuits, public reports, education, outreach, and self-advocacy support.

DRNY Files Case Challenging Segregation of Students with Disabilities in New York City District 75

DRNY filed a class action lawsuit challenging New York City’s segregated school system for students with disabilities on Staten Island. District 75, segregates these students thereby denying them an equal education, without adequate resources and no meaningful opportunity to be integrated into their community schools.

When students with disabilities learn in an integrated learning environment, they score higher on academic achievement tests. They are more likely to graduate with a diploma as well as maintain employment. However, in many cases, being labeled as having a particular disability or needing certain supportive services has meant an automatic, segregated District 75 placement. Many of these students attend schools located outside their communities and spend two hours or more commuting to school every day.

We are seeking reforms that will provide the necessary resources to every District 75 student to have the opportunity to attend their neighborhood schools if they choose.