Help Us Build An ADA-Accessible Apartment at 721Q

Help a Queens high school serving students with disabilities create an ADA compliant living space for students to learn the skills necessary to become independent adults. John F Kennedy Jr. school is a place where staff and students work together to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. This project will give all students the hands-on experience they deserve to help foster independent living skills. Help us make this dream, a compliant living space for our students to learn the skills necessary to become independent adults, a reality for our students and learning community.

This is a full view what the room will look like and all extra special touches we have thought of to give our students what they deserve, the ability to be like everyone else!

For more information on about our school community please visit our school website

Imagine living in a modern, fully functioning apartment in New York City. You have your own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, sitting room, and laundry area. You can cook your own meals, clean your own space, pay your own bills, and manage your own storage. You are independent and productive, just like any other citizen of NYC.

Now imagine that you have a disability that makes it challenging for you to do these things. You may have cognitive delays, you may be a person with autism, multiple disabilities, or speech and language delays. You may need extra support and guidance to learn and practice the skills that are essential for independent living. You may be a person who is bound to a wheelchair.

That is the reality for many of our students at the John F. Kennedy Jr. School (P721Q). We are a high school for students with special needs, serving students aged 14 to 21. Our school emphasizes transition into adult life and independence. Our focus is to help young adults gain skills they need to live as much of an independent life as possible in adulthood. We maintain partnerships with various community businesses and organizations who help us provide work experience for our older students.

Our vision is to create a school where every student, regardless of background, becomes independent and productive members of our community to the greatest extent possible. Our mission is to welcome, empathize, advocate, respect, and excel in everything we do.

That is why we are seeking your generous support to raise $25,000 for a unique project that will significantly enhance our ability to teach Adaptive Daily Living (ADL) skills. Our project is to create a realistic apartment within our school premises, where our students can learn and practice essential life skills such as cleaning, cooking, bill payments, and storage management.

The apartment has been thoughtfully designed by Mattaforma, keeping ADA compliance in mind. It includes adapted appliances, furniture, and a sink to ensure accessibility for all our students. This space is not just a learning environment; it represents the future of our students as independent citizens of NYC.

Your contribution will specifically help us purchase necessary cabinets from IKEA, a crucial component of our project. The cabinets we have chosen are designed to be ADA compliant and adapted for our students’ needs. They include features such as push openers, finger pulls, and adjustable shelves. These will ensure that our students can access and use the cabinets easily and independently, without relying on others.

The cabinets we have chosen are also aesthetically pleasing and match the overall design of the apartment. They have a gray-green color that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. They also have a wood countertop and a quartz backsplash that add a touch of elegance and sophistication. These will help our students feel proud and confident of their living space and their abilities.

With your generous support, we can make this vision a reality and significantly enhance our students’ journey towards independent living. Thank you for considering our project. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of our students.