NYC schools launch pilot program to translate Individualized Education Programs

The New York City Department of Education launched a pilot program recently that translates the Individualized Education Programs, of IEPS, into a parent’s native language.
The program provides support to families and schools within District 9 in the Bronx, District 24 in Queens and District 75, which is a citywide district for students with disabilities.
This pilot program also helps take pressure off the schools, which can now turn to the Department of Education’s Translation Department for help.
Evelyn Martinez’s son Eli is in second grade at P.S. 88, and says having the IEP translated into Spanish has been invaluable.
“I have every bit of information detailed from what the therapists and the workers, to the teachers are doing with my son, so for me as a mother that helps me to look and see what he's doing at home to make sure he's doing what he needs to be doing for school,” says Martinez.
The DOE plans to review the program at the end of the year and decide if it should be expanded.