NYPD Creates Magical New Year’s Eve Experience for Hearing and Visually Impaired Youth
In a heartwarming display of community engagement, the New York Police Department created an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience for approximately 50 hearing and visually impaired young people at the iconic Times Square ball drop. This special initiative, now in its fourth year, gave these teens and young adults from all five boroughs unprecedented access to one of the world’s most famous celebrations. The participants, ranging from 8 to 22 years old, came from the Lexington School for the Deaf and St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, with many coming from low-income families. For these young people, witnessing the dazzling spectacle up close represented far more than just a fun night out—it offered them inclusion in a cultural moment that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
“What this means to the deaf community is very significant,” expressed 22-year-old David Patrick Perez, who is deaf. His words captured the essence of the program’s impact: “It allows us to be a part of something… it gives us something to look forward to.” This sentiment echoes the fundamental human desire for inclusion and belonging that lies at the heart of the NYPD’s Disability Engagement Event. By bringing these young people directly to the center of the celebration, the police department created an opportunity for them to not just observe but truly participate in a quintessential New York tradition. The significance of this accessibility cannot be overstated, as Perez further explained: “It really does make an impact, because it gives us the access, the ability to be here in person, to witness something like the ball drop.”
NYPD Assistant Commissioner of Community Affairs Alden Foster emphasized the profound impact of these experiences, particularly for those with visual impairments who may eventually lose their vision completely. “To create the opportunity for a young person that is about to lose their vision, to live out a dream, to see the ball up-close is really special,” Foster explained. These moments become cherished memories that participants can carry with them throughout their lives. The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to serving all members of the community, including those who often face barriers to participating in major public events. Foster highlighted the particular significance for participants from lower-income backgrounds: “It really creates an opportunity for young kids that also are from low income communities around the city,” acknowledging the intersection of disability and economic disadvantage that can further limit access to such experiences.
The New Year’s Eve program represents just one component of a broader community engagement strategy that includes similar special access to other major New York City events. The NYPD also brings hearing and visually impaired children and teenagers to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, creating a year-round calendar of inclusive experiences. These initiatives demonstrate a thoughtful approach to community policing that recognizes the importance of building positive relationships with diverse populations across the city. By focusing on creating joyful, memorable experiences, the department fosters goodwill while making meaningful connections with communities that might otherwise have limited interaction with law enforcement outside of emergencies or enforcement situations.
The emotional impact of these programs extends beyond the participants themselves to touch their families as well. Foster shared a particularly moving aspect of his work: “To have a kids’ parent come up to you and say, ‘Hey, you know, my kid’s been deaf for all his life, and this is just an experience of a lifetime’… that’s special.” These moments reflect the ripple effect of inclusion—when a child or young adult is given access to extraordinary experiences, their entire family shares in the joy and pride. Parents of children with disabilities often face additional challenges in providing enriching experiences for their children, making programs like this even more valuable. The gratitude expressed by families underscores the significance of these seemingly simple but deeply meaningful opportunities.
The success of the Disability Engagement Event reflects a collaborative effort within the NYPD leadership. Foster specifically acknowledged Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s support as instrumental to the program’s accomplishments. This institutional backing ensures the sustainability of the initiative and signals its importance within the department’s community affairs priorities. As the program enters its fourth year, its continuing presence suggests a long-term commitment to disability inclusion rather than a one-time gesture. By consistently creating these opportunities year after year, the NYPD builds trust and demonstrates an ongoing dedication to serving all New Yorkers, regardless of ability. In the bright lights of Times Square as the calendar turned to a new year, these young people weren’t just spectators but honored guests at one of New York’s defining celebrations—a powerful statement about belonging and inclusion in America’s largest city.
