Release #355-00

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton (212) 788-2958
	Jeffrey S. Bravin (Lexington School) (718) 899-8800
	Michele Litzky (Litzky Public Relations) (201) 222-9118

Deaf Mexican Immigrants Granted Asylum in New York City
In 1997 Present Mayor with Original Artwork

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani-joined by Board of Education member Ninfa Segarra, and Mayors' Officer for People with Disabilities Director Catherine Paradiso-today visited the Lexington School for the Deaf in Jackson Heights, Queens, to help commemorate the school's 135th year of serving the deaf and hard of hearing. The Mayor also presented a Proclamation recognizing September 21, 2000 in New York City as "Lexington School for the Deaf Day."

Last May, as part of their social studies curriculum on city government, approximately 25 4th and 5th grade students from the Lexington School visited City Hall. The Mayor met with the students and promised to visit their school sometime during the upcoming school year.

"I'm very pleased to offer congratulations on behalf of all New Yorkers to the Lexington School for the Deaf, which has served New York City so capably for 135 years," Mayor Giuliani said. "This school is truly a New York institution, and also one of the finest institutions of its kind in the nation."

Also during his visit, the Mayor was presented with an original piece of artwork created by the deaf Mexican immigrants who were the victims of severe exploitation, and were granted asylum in New York City in July 1997. Since then, many City agencies have worked to help them establish themselves in New York City, and the City contracted with the Lexington Center for the Deaf to give them vocational training, classes in American Sign Language and help in finding homes. Today, many have found jobs and are living independently.

"All New Yorkers were deeply touched by the terrible plight that the immigrant Mexican families suffered," Mayor Giuliani said. "I'm very grateful for the artwork they've given me. But I'm much more gratified to learn that these families are doing well in their new country. And I thank the Lexington School for assisting the City in our efforts to provide crucial help to these people who came to this country under such awful circumstances."

The original Lexington School was founded in 1865 in New York City. In 1880, the school moved from a brownstone to a new facility on Lexington Avenue. Its October 4th dedication was attended by President Rutherford B. Hayes, Governor Alonzo B. Cornell and Mayor Edward Cooper.

The Lexington School for the Deaf/Center for the Deaf has been serving the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community of the New York metropolitan area for 135 years. Since its founding as a school, Lexington has evolved to offer vital services in a range of important areas and strives to be a leading educational, advocacy, and social service agency on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

For more information, visit the Lexington website, www.lexnyc.org.