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May 30, 2006 7:12 pm U.S./Eastern

Cerebral Palsy Victim: NYC Owes Me An Education

Alba Somoza Feels Betrayed By Department Of Education

Kerri Lyon
Reporting

(CBS) BROOKLYN Twelve years ago, Anastasia and Alba Somoza, twins afflicted with cerebral palsy, were fighting New York City to provide them a meaningful education and becoming champions of the rights of disabled children.

They are now 22 years old. Anastasia went on to college, but Alba, who can't speak, is still fighting for the education she said New York City never gave her.

"I think I could have learned to read and write," Alba said through a computer attached to her wheelchair.

Alba did receive her high school diploma in 2002, but her family said she couldn't do basic skills and that since then the Department of Education has quietly been paying for extra instruction.

But the family has now been told those services, which have cost the city $1.2 million, will be cut off at the end of June, even though family members said Alba needs two more years to catch up. So on Tuesday her family sued the city to continue paying for her schooling.

"Just now, when we have the finishing line in sight, when Alba will become a functioning member of society, that's when they want to pull the plug on the program," said her mother, Mary.

Department of Education officials wouldn't comment Tuesday, but their attorneys said they're no longer obligated to provide services to Alba because she's over the age of 21

Another two years of instruction would cost the city about $800,000. Whether that money should be spent will be up to a judge to decide.

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