State budget would cut schools for disabled

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's budget eliminates state support for 11 private schools for deaf, blind and severely disabled children, three of which are on Long Island ["Guv proposes cutting money for special schools," News, March 9]. The schools' mission is to provide highly specialized services for some of New York's most challenged and vulnerable students. Direct state support for these schools dates back more than 190 years.

The proposed change would shift costs to local school districts. Deaf, blind and physically challenged students require and deserve expert interventions, educational strategies and therapies.

Most school districts have only a few of these students, making it difficult to adequately provide the array of services needed. This is one of the many reasons the "4201" schools have been directly supported by the state for all these years. These schools can do what many individual school districts cannot do.

Mark R. Prowatzke

Mill Neck

Editor's note: The writer is the executive director of the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf and Early Childhood Center.
 

In my 29 years as an employee of the Mill Neck Manor School, I have watched the achievements of students who enroll, often at less than a year old. I have seen the fear and hurt of the parents as their young children are diagnosed. I have also seen the joy and pride these same parents exhibit years later when their children earn a Regents diploma, graduate from our fine school and go on to college or successful employment.

Our children can have the same experiences that all children crave. They can play on competitive sports teams. They can take driver's education classes. They can be in the drama club, attend the prom and participate in student government. Deaf children at 4201 schools can communicate with every other person they encounter daily. Is there any chance these children will have the same experience or success in public school districts?

Please visit our website (www.millneck.org) for more information.

William S. Charon

Glen Cove