Requiring a study on how language access needs, income, and geographic location affect access to special education programs and services.

This bill requires the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, in consultation with the Department of Education and community-based early childhood organizations, to study how language access needs, income, and geographic location affect students’ access to special education programs and services. The study must evaluate whether students with language access needs, low-income students, and students in geographically underserved areas of the city face unique challenges accessing special education programs. The study must also analyze the availability, capacity, and geographic distribution of special education programs and related services and make recommendations on how to address any identified disparities. A public report with findings and recommendations to improve equitable access must be issued within 6 months.