Statement From 4201 Schools Association Co-Chairs Dr. Bernadette Kappen and Mr. Timothy Kelly on the Appointment of Kimberly T. Hill as the State’s First Chief Disability Officer

“The 4201 Schools Association applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for establishing the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, and the appointment of Kimberly T. Hill as the state’s first Chief Disability Officer. The Governor’s actions underscore her commitment to making New York a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive place to live, work, and enjoy.

We look forward to working with Chief Disability Officer Hill and her team to ensure that our communities – and our schools serving children who are deaf, blind, and physically disabled – continue to be represented in state government and receive the resources needed to succeed.”

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Dr. Bernadette Kappen is Co-Chair of the 4201 Schools Association, and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx.

Mr. Timothy Kelly is Co-Chair of the 4201 Schools Association, and Superintendent of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo.

The 4201 Schools Association represents 10 schools serving children who are blind, deaf, and severely physically disabled. The schools are located in Erie, Monroe, Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. The schools support nearly 1,500 students from across New York and are nationally recognized for their expertise and achievement. Follow us on Twitter: @4201Schools and on Facebook @4201SchoolsAssociation.