Dear friends,
Imagine being a child stuck on a school bus in sweltering heat without any air conditioning. Now, imagine that child being disabled with no ability to speak out.
This is exactly what's happened right here in New York City as special needs children who receive services throughout the summer have, at times, sat through long bus rides in extreme heat and no air-conditioning. Many of these children are non-verbal and suffer from various disabilities.
It's not only horrendous, but a violation of the law which specifically calls for special needs children to be transported on air-conditioned buses when the temperature surpasses 70 °F.
It's why I stood up to the Department of Education and demanded that children going to school throughout the summer for therapy and special education are protected from a disaster waiting to happen.
We must stand up for our children and families[.]
Share your thoughts or report a problem by replying or connecting with me on social media (Twitter: @TishJames Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PALetitiaJames).
Yours truly,
Letitia "Tish" James
NYC Public Advocate