Part 2: CUTV News Radio spotlights Schaneick Thomas of ManyBabies NYC

Richmond Hill, NY – According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 6 million kids in America receive some type of special education; one out of every 10 children under the age of 14 has some type of special need. That’s a lot of parents struggling to navigate the uncharted waters of raising a special needs child.

ManyBabies NYC is a family resource nonprofit organization for children with special needs that offers free special education advocacy services to the community. Founded by Schaneick Thomas, a mother of twin sons diagnosed with Autism, ManyBabies NYC serves as a peer-to-peer resource for families who struggle to understand their children’s diagnosis.

“No parent wants to hear there is something cognitively wrong with their child,” says Schaneick. “But I knew there were other families dealing with the issues I was facing. That’s why I started ManyBabies NYC.”

ManyBabies NYC educates families on disability laws and teaches parents how to advocate for their children’s education empowered with confidence and purpose. The goal is for parents to engage in their child’s learning and social development for their entire academic career.

Ultimately, says Schaneick, parents must embrace the challenges of raising children with special needs,

“Tenacity: if you don’t have it, I encourage you to get it. As a parent, you’re going to have to make some very difficult decisions, and your decisions may not be popular,” says Schaneick, “As long as you’re doing what’s in the best interest of your child, you’re making the right decision.”

For more information on ManyBabies NYC, visit www.manybabiesnyc.org.