To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Most students at the New York Institute for Special Education in Pelham Parkway are either blind or visually impaired. Others are coping with emotional problems. This, as the school tries to cope with what could be a budget problem.

"My parents and me did go through a lot of work to find a school like this. When I hear budget cut, the worst that comes to mind is, 'Oh my god they are going to close the school. That can not happen,'" said 8th Grader Vanessa Luna.

The Institute for Special Education is considered a 4201 school -- a private school funded directly by the state for students with disabilities. There are 11 such specialized schools in the state, five here in the city.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing to take the nearly $100 million budget for the schools, turning the funding over to local school districts. The districts will then pay the special ed schools.

"All I have heard about is we are in a budget crisis, we need money. But, why are we taking it from a school that is working?" said New York Institute for Special Education Teacher Nicole Korn.

The concern, officials say, is that school districts around the state are facing budget cuts and could funnel the money elsewhere.

"The child may be offered a different program where there might be additional cost savings," said New York Institute for Special Education Teacher Bernadette Kappen.

Public schools don't have the resources for students with severe disabilities. The Institute for Special Education and St. Joseph's School for the Deaf -- both in the Bronx -- have been equipped for these types of students.

"I'm a slow learner in some academic stuff, and they really understand that and they know what I need," Luna said.

"Here everyone treats me like I am someone normal. Everybody in public school looks at me differently," said 11th Grader Christian Diaz.

"We worry about the children because if they are not properly taught what is their future," said St. Joseph's School for the Deaf Principal Joe Catavero.

The state says it's not closing schools but just changing the way programs are paid for. Parents say they're not so sure about that and fear their children could end up in mainstream public schools.

"He was the only visually impaired student in the entire school. What does that mean? Are they are going to worry about him who is only one or are they going to worry about the other 800 kids they have in the school?" said St. Joseph's School for the Deaf Parent Jeannette Christie.

Next week, on March 10, specialized schools from around the state are planning a rally in Albany. Staffers say they want to make sure the governor and lawmakers see and hear from the students.