Special Education Services

At P.S. 83 Luis Muñoz Rivera, we believe every child can thrive when they receive the right support at the right time.

Our special education team works closely with families, classroom teachers, and support staff to ensure students with disabilities are included, supported, and challenged every day.

P.S. 83 also emphasizes early intervention through MTSS, so children can get help quickly before small concerns become bigger barriers to learning.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the educational program designed to meet a student's unique needs. Teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students work together as a team to design and implement the plan.

Related services are those additional supports needed for a student to fully access their special education services. Special education teachers and service providers work together to identify programs that meet each individual student's needs.

Families choose P.S. 83 because we combine high expectations with strong support.

Students are welcomed into a caring school community where academic growth, social-emotional development, and family partnership all matter.

P.S. 83 is also one of the few elementary schools in East Harlem with a Mount Sinai School-Based Health Clinic in the building, which adds another layer of support for children and families.

Our school team helps students succeed through a range of supports that may include small-group instruction, classroom accommodations, progress monitoring, and coordinated services.

We use a responsive approach so that students receive support early, rather than waiting until they fall behind.

The goal is to make sure every child feels included, capable, and ready to learn alongside peers.

Special education services are designed around each student’s needs and may include accommodations, related services, classroom supports, and individualized instruction.

In NYC Public Schools, special education services are available for students ages 3 to 21, and support can range from mild to intensive depending on the student’s evaluation and IEP.

Families can expect services to be planned and delivered in collaboration with the school team and the Committee on Special Education process.

Speech and Language Services

Delivered in general ed or resource room settings — individual, group, or integrated. Supports communication skills and academic success.

Occupational Therapy (OT) Services

Fine motor skills, sensory integration, visual perception, daily living skills, and play — all as part of the student's educational plan.

Physical Therapy (PT) Services

Motor development, functional mobility, and participation in everyday routines to support gross motor needs in the student's program.

Counseling Services

School psychologist and social worker provide individual & group counseling, crisis support, behavior planning, and psycho-educational evaluations.

Hearing Services

Direct instruction or consultation for students with hearing impairments, focusing on listening, speech, and spoken language per IEP or 504 plan.

Vision Services

Direct instruction or consultation from a teacher of the visually impaired, provided according to the student's IEP or 504 plan.

Assistive Technology (AT) Services

AT specialists support teams in selecting and using assistive devices. Considered at every annual IEP review to support academic success.

Extended School Year (ESY)

Services beyond the regular school year at no cost to families, for eligible students as determined through the annual IEP process.

New York City Public Schools Related Services Page

We know that parents are essential partners in special education.

At P.S. 83, we encourage families to ask questions, share concerns, and stay connected with their child’s teachers and support team throughout the year.

NYC Public Schools also provides parent guidance and hotline support so families can better understand evaluations, services, and their child’s educational rights.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, behavior, speech, attention, or development, contact the school’s Special Education and 504 Coordinator.

At P.S. 83, that contact is Mrs. Suzanne Tollinchi-Bent, who can be reached at 212-860-5847 ext. 2321 or STollinchiBent@schools.nyc.gov.

Families may also contact the NYC Public Schools Special Education Hotline at 718-935-2007 for additional guidance.

If your child already has an IEP, our team will work with you to review services and supports.

If you think your child may need an evaluation, the school can help guide you through the process and connect you with the appropriate NYCPS resources.

The goal is to make the next step feel clear, welcoming, and manageable.

If your child needs support, P.S. 83 is ready to help with care, expertise, and a strong commitment to inclusion.

We invite families to join a school community where students are known, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

504 Accommodations: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. To qualify, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

NYC Public Schools prohibits discrimination against any person with a disability in any of its programs, and works to ensure accommodations are accessible to all eligible students.