Focus
Avonte Oquendo
Vigil Marks Year Since Autistic NYC Teen Vanished
The mother of a nonverbal autistic teen who died after he wandered from his school a year ago Saturday wept as she thanked the volunteers who helped search for him and called for reform within a broken education system that she said allowed her son to slip away.
De Blasio Signs Avonte’s Law
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed “Avonte’s Law,” which requires the Dept. of Education to evaluate the need for door alarms in elementary and special needs schools.
Council Passes Bills on School Safety, People With Disabilities, and Open Government
The City Council approved four bills on Thursday that will become law once Mayor Bill de Blasio signs them.
City Hesitant on Avonte’s Law
A high profile City Council bill mandating alarms on school doors met with a wonky response from the Education Department officials during a hearing Thursday.
Mother of Autistic Teen Sues City
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against New York City in the disappearance and death of an autistic teen.
Avonte Oquendo Found Dead? DNA Evidence Not in Yet; Family Awaits Anxiously
Avonte Oquendo may have been found dead in Queens on Friday, but police aren’t sure until the DNA tests come back.
