Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, along with a bipartisan group of local officials, has called on the U.S. Department of Education to hold New York City accountable for not providing required accommodations to non-public school students with developmental disabilities. The group argues that these students are entitled to services under the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

One case highlighted involves a deaf fifth-grade student whose listening device was taken away despite being previously paid for by the city. Marisa Jones, the student's mother, is urging the city to restore her daughter's accommodation, emphasizing that without it, her daughter struggles in class.

Congresswoman Malliotakis stated, "It not only unconscionable that students across our city are being denied the accommodations they are legally entitled to, but it’s plain cruel to take away an already paid for listening device from a deaf 5th grade student." She urged the city to reinstate these accommodations immediately.

Marisa Jones expressed concern over her daughter's educational experience, saying, “Without this [hearing device] my daughter can’t hear the teacher in the classroom she is effectively denied her right to an education.”

New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton criticized this year's implementation of IESP law for its impact on disabled students and noted the financial burden on families. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella described the lack of services as unacceptable and supported efforts to resolve the issue.

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon emphasized that all students deserve access to IESP accommodations and condemned any withholding of special education services. Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo joined in calling for accountability from New York City.

Assemblyman Mike Tannousis demanded immediate action from the federal government, while Assemblyman Michael Reilly expressed embarrassment over the city's failure. Councilmember Joe Borelli urged swift resolution before further educational setbacks occur.

Councilmember David Carr criticized local government decisions that have left parents uninformed about necessary paperwork for their children's IESP services. Congresswoman Malliotakis and Congressman Ritchie Torres have written to request federal intervention.