Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and Deputy Chancellor Foti Announce the Launch of Student Safety & Independence Training for Families

NEW YORK — New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti today proudly announced the launch of the Student Safety & Independence Training Program for Families, a new pilot initiative designed to empower families of children with disabilities and to teach and reinforce community safety, including confident use of public transportation and pedestrian routes. This free program teaches families to support their child with skills to travel independently, fosters family engagement through shared learning experiences, and reflects New York City Public Schools’ commitment to building an inclusive and equitable school system and city.

“We’re not just getting students to school; we’re preparing them for life beyond school,” said Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “Giving our students the tools to travel independently means they don’t just reach destinations - they gain confidence, self-reliance, and a stronger connection to their communities.”

Launching this month, the pilot consists of five virtual, expert-led training sessions that will equip families with critical skills such as understanding intersections and pedestrian safety, mapping and planning safe travel routes, using tools like transit maps and ID cards, problem solving for unexpected situations, and strategies for social interaction and navigating public spaces. After completing the online training, the participating family member and student will each receive an OMNY card to begin supervised travel sessions, gradually increasing the student's independence with real-world practice. Throughout the program families will have access to a support network of other participants to share experiences, troubleshoot, and foster a sense of community. By September, the goal is for the children of participating families to travel more independently across the city, in turn increasing access to employment, education, and social opportunities.

The program builds on the long-time work of the District 75 Office of Travel Training, which is part of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning, which offers the longest-standing travel training program for students in the nation, empowering them to travel confidently around the city. This pilot, a partnership between DIAL and our Office of Pupil Transportation, is grounded in five decades of travel training and expertise and designed with student and family needs at its core.

“Whether it's getting to school, to a job, or meeting up with friends, independent travel opens doors for young people,” said Deputy Chancellor Foti. “In New York City, where the transit system is what connects us all, having access to it is life changing. We're proud — not just of the opportunities this creates for students with disabilities, but of the greater access and connection it builds to the city itself.”

“By equipping students with the tools and knowledge to navigate public transportation confidently, we are not only improving their daily commute to school but also empowering them to access broader educational, employment, and social opportunities — and everything NYC has to offer," added Operations and Finance Deputy Chancellor Vadehra. "This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom."

This program is yet another example of this administration’s unyielding commitment to supporting children with disabilities. In 2022, a $205 million investment helped re-imagine the education experience for students with disabilities by prioritizing inclusion and wellness. The establishment of the Special Education Advisory Council and the launch of DIAL have transformed how these students learn and grow, through school and beyond. By centering the voices of those with lived experience we can better shape our programs and priorities, driving equity and expanding access for all learners.