Today's paper had a front page article about how NYC DOE failed to recover tens of millions of dollars for special education services it provided because  they couldn't follow the new rules and regulations!!!! Pitiful. When you or I have to file forms, we had better dot every i and cross every t. Looks as if the city has some special needs of its own.

Other cities complied. Other cities adapted. Our city didn't even try to file thousands of claims because they said they didn't have the staff or training. Duh! How many services are our children not getting because the city can't hire or train competent staff to file claims for reimbursement?

Come on guys. Get your act together. Shame on you.

I had my first meeting of the "Sensory Advisory Board" at the Brooklyn Children's Museum last week. All I can say is that  the energy, passion, and commitment to see this room come together was palpable from everyone. We even have an opening date in early September – a date of celebration.  The room will, of course, be educational. But it will also be hands-on, voice-activated, calming, and safe for our kids who need this sensory input to learn. We already acknowledge that the room is small. It is currently a room for workshops, downstairs near the beach exhibit. But we can grow as the demand grows.

Then this week, Wema and Juliet of the museum, and I met with Eliza Factor to see her sensory gym (Extreme Kids and Crew) in Bed/Stuy. Wema and Juliet were very impressed and got into some of the equipment! (So did I.)

I'll keep updating as things move along.