Legislators Honored For Work On Behalf Of Blind, Deaf And Severely Disabled Children
Leaders of the 4201 Schools Association today presented the Award of Merit to Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer. The association, which is comprised of 11 member-schools throughout New York, represents students who are blind, deaf or severely physically disabled. The association honored Assemblywoman Mayer and Sen. Flanagan for their long-standing and sustained support and advocacy for member-schools and their students.
“Both Senator Flanagan and Assemblywoman Mayer have been vocal and stalwart in helping ensure the voices of our students are heard loud and clear in Albany,” said Bernadette Kappen, association chairwoman and executive director of The New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx. “They have been long-time champions for our children and we are proud to bestow on them the Award of Merit.”
Both legislators have visited member-schools, met with students and their families, as well as teachers and administrators. They possess a genuine interest and understanding for the educational paths and needs of our children. Sen. Flanagan served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee prior to his election as Senate Majority earlier this year.
Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said: “I am humbled and honored to receive this award from the 4201 Schools Association, and I thank them for recognizing the good work that all of us have done together. Providing a first-class education for every child in New York is a primary responsibility of our state government, and I am pleased and proud to be working with my colleagues in the Legislature to that end. 4201 Schools provide a specialized learning environment that allows all children to reach their full potential and be on a path towards independence and achievement. I salute them for the critical role they play in educating our kids.”
They have been instrumental in ensuring that their legislative colleagues understand the unique nature of our educational programs and they advocate on our behalf so our children have the right tools to be successful in school and throughout their careers.
Assemblywoman Mayer is chairwoman of the Committee on Education Subcommittee on Students with Special Needs. Assemblywoman Mayer said, “I am honored to receive an Award of Merit from leaders of the 4201 Schools Association. I am proud to have worked side-by-side with these schools, which provide such essential quality educational services to many of New York's special needs students. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to support the teachers, staff and, importantly, the parents of these students to secure a long overdue rate increase for the schools. We have more work to do, but I am pleased we were able to increase the funding for 4201 schools.”
Tim Kelly, superintendent of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo, said, “Assemblywoman Mayer and Senator Flanagan clearly appreciate the child-first philosophy that so many of us endorse in our schools. Our students and their families have been the true beneficiaries of their continued advocacy, sincerity and dedication for many years.”
The 4201 Schools Association represents 11 private, state-supported schools that serve blind, deaf or severely physically disabled students. The “4201 schools” are so known because of the section of New York State Education Law (§4201) that grants their funding. Students in 4201 schools receive a quality education in a supportive and challenging setting from teachers and staff with specialized training and experience. Students develop emotional, social and cognitive abilities that are crucial to their success. The schools also provide extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities and mentoring.
