Why Are There So Many Homeless NYC Students in Special Education?

homeless nyc student in special education program

As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, homelessness is frighteningly common among, and particularly debilitating to New York City students. Such unfortunate children and youths are at much higher risk of having emotional and behavioral problems, developmental delays and learning disabilities. As schools are already ill-equipped to deal with homelessness, the challenges are magnified when a student has a disability necessitating placement in a special educational program. This blog post will discuss why there are so many homeless NYC students in special education. 

How Many Homeless NYC Students are in Special Education?

Of the 938,189 students enrolled in the New York City school system, approximately 23 percent - or roughly 213,787 - live with one or more disabilities eligible for placement in special education. [1] As previously mentioned, 146,000 city students lack permanent housing. Sadly, there is a great deal of overlap between these two cohorts. By the latest estimates, nearly 20 percent of homeless students qualify as disabled. 

Which Homeless NYC Students Qualify for Special Education? 

For any student to qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, he or she must have one or more recognized disabilities, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia

  • Speech or language impairments 

  • Conditions that limit a child’s strength, energy or alertness, such as ADHD and epilepsy

  • Conditions that result in below-average intellectual ability, such as Down’s Syndrome 

  • Mental health issues, such as generalized anxiety, bipolar and oppositional defiant disorders 

  • Developmental delays 

  • Hearing, visual or orthopedic impairments 

  • Traumatic brain injury 

Why Do Homeless Students Struggle in Special Education Programs?

It isn’t that homeless students inherently struggle in special education, it’s that their circumstances, such as lack of fixed address or transportation, often lead to the following disadvantages: 

  • Failure to identify and evaluate their special needs in a timely and efficient manner 

  • Disruption of special education services 

  • Lack of a consistent teacher or relevant school personnel familiar with the student’s milestones as well as the ability to intervene on the student’s behalf, and 

  • Lack of representation by a parent or guardian, if the child is unaccompanied

What Happens If Homeless, Disabled Students Don’t Receive Help?

Much like their homeless peers without disabilities, disabled students are at substantially higher risk of dropping out or failing to meet the academic requirements needed for graduation. Without a diploma, these students face a future of diminished earning potential and, thus, the likelihood of further perpetuating the cycle of homelessness. 

How Do You Help Homeless NYC Students With Disabilities? 

While one’s first recourse ought to be seeking the support to which they are legally entitled to, thanks to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Acts, one should also avail themselves of the services provided by organizations like Mentor A Promise. Along with our partner organizations, we identify problems, meet regularly and develop individualized lesson plans for each one of our students, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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