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AGENCY TESTIMONY

Outcomes of autism program pilot in districts 5, 12, and 14

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Christina Foti presents the impressive outcomes of the autism program pilot implemented in three school districts. The results show significant improvements in access, inclusion, and equity for students with autism.

Increased access to district schools from 44% in 2023 to 81% in 2024
Reduced average travel distances from 2.7 miles in 2023 to 1.5 miles in 2024
Decreased reliance on 1-to-1 paraprofessionals (15% in pilot districts vs. 28% in other schools)
93% of students placed in new programs are Black or Hispanic
Whole school training approach benefits all students, not just those in specialized programs

Christina Foti

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In this pilot, each kindergartner identified as autistic was guaranteed access to a high quality autism program close to their home.

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As a result of this work, we are seeing unprecedented outcomes, including increased access to district schools from 44% in 2023 to 81% in 2024.

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Shorter average travel distances from 2.7 miles in 2023 to 1.5 miles in 2024.

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And independence among students is on the rise with 15% of the pilot disc districts relying on 1 to 1 paraprofessionals compared to 28% in the rest of

Melinda Andra

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our

Christina Foti

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schools.

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Today, I'm proud to testify that 93% of students placed in these new programs are black or Hispanic.

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Students in Harlem, Williamsburg, and Crotona Park who would otherwise need to travel outside of their communities into segregated programs are thriving in their local public schools and learning alongside their siblings and their neighbors.

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Furthermore, the whole school training approach means that staff throughout the building are taught an inclusive inclusive approaches to teaching and learning, an impact that is felt far beyond the specialized program.

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Unfortunately, while these programs have demonstrated exceptional outcomes, they faced persistent funding challenges.

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Expansion of autism programs (NEST, Horizon, AIMS)

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Funding challenges for specialized programs and litigation costs