In New York City, students with disabilities are facing a lack of support due to a shortage of paraprofessionals, who are critical to the city’s special education system. At one Bronx school, a single staff member is responsible for pushing multiple students in wheelchairs. In Queens, students miss out on job site learning opportunities due to insufficient staff. Some students are also unable to attend school because they cannot ride the bus without a dedicated aide. A survey by the United Federation of Teachers highlighted that the shortage is particularly severe in District 75, which serves students with more complex needs.
