During this crisis, I hope all of you and your families are well. I've heard from many of you about the difficulties and concerns that tele-therapy has presented.

The UFT heard from many members about their frustrations with the paperwork demands created by the Department of Education’s Special Education Remote Learning Service Plan. After relaying those concerns, we were able to convince the DOE to extend the deadline for creating a plan to April 3 and change the responsibilities for all related service providers and special education teachers regarding the plan requirements.

The bottom line: No forms must be completed by the end of the day Thursday, March 19..

We all understand that speech teachers and occupational and physical therapists still have many unanswered questions regarding video conferencing with their students.

Every year, we ask you to nominate a colleague who does outstanding work. We heard about some truly remarkable therapists, including Victor Barangan, who works in PS 229 in Queens.

PS 150 Chapter Leader Anne Wine successfully went to bat for three probationary teachers in her Queens school who were being treated unfairly.

Hundreds of occupational therapists, physical therapists and educators donned UFT T-shirts on May 13 for the UFT Occupational and Physical Therapists Chapter’s day of solidarity to increase visibility for their chapter and for the work they do.