KIDS
& EDUCATION
The mural illustrates fathers’ role as protectors and nurturers in their children’s development.
Dads create a ‘bridge’ for special-needs kids
BY LINCOLN ANDERSON
Fathers of District 75 students showed they
care with a new mural they designed at the
district’s administrative offi ce on E. 23rd
St.
A small leadership group of dads of the students,
who have various disabilities, came up
with the visual — and real — concept that they
are like a “bridge,” helping their children get
from a place of bullying and low self-esteem to
success and confi dence.
The project not only was for the kids themselves,
but also empowered the fathers through
the process of conceiving, designing and ultimately
painting the artwork. And, counter to the
stereotype of dads being uninvolved, it helped
them engage more closely with their children’s
education.
Working with District 75 — which has school
sites citywide — the social-action mural project
was spearheaded by the Center for Educational
Innovation, an education nonprofi t that has a
new arts division.
Leading the project was Alexandra Leff, CEI’s
director of arts education.
The mural was unveiled in October inside the
school’s lobby at 400 First Ave.
“Art is a powerful tool for expression, and
CEI’s work with District 75 has been a great
opportunity for us to support its Fathers Initiative
and present a mural project that engages fathers
in their children’s education, gives them a
voice to express themselves, and impacts others
through this inspiring mural,” said CEI C.E.O.
Michael Kohlhagen. “This project is aligned with
our important work with the My Brothers Keeper
Initiative and our commitment to parent engagement
and the success of all students.”
“This social-action mural gives fathers a voice
through the power of art,” Leff said. “It refl ects
their love, sensitivity, respect and care for their
children — expressing to fathers everywhere that
being actively engaged in their children’s lives
and education is vital to the growth, success,
self-confi dence and happiness of their sons and
daughters.”
District 75, the special-education district of
the New York City Department of Education, has
sites in all fi ve boroughs and is devoted to serving
nearly 25,000 special-education students facing a
wide range of challenges, including severe learning
disabilities, emotional disturbances, cognitive
disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and
multiple physical disabilities.
Founded in 1989, CEI’s mission is to guarantee
a quality education for every student. CEI’s
motto is to “work directly with students, teachers,
school leaders and the community to create
the schools their children need to succeed.”
PHOTOS BY LINCOLN ANDERSON
Alexandra Leff, the director of arts education
at CEI, led the mural project.
The group of fathers who worked on the mural
were themselves empowered through
the process.
Schneps Media TVG December 27, 2018 15