Ritchie Torres: “I rise to acknowledge Tanya Pedler, a passionate community leader, disability advocate, and the current president of the…”

“I rise to acknowledge Tanya Pedler, a passionate community leader, disability advocate, and the current president of the Morrisania Air Rights Houses Tenant Association in the south Bronx. A dedicated mother and tireless organizer, Tanya has become a leading voice for families living in NYCHA developments, especially those raising children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Since her son Glen's autism diagnosis in 2018, Tanya has worked to address the lack of services, programs, and inclusive spaces for children and families with special needs in the Bronx. She has made it her mission to ensure that the New York City Housing Authority, NYCHA, residents are not left behind in the fight for access, equity, and opportunity. Due to Tanya's dedication and activism, she was instrumental in securing $750,000 in Federal funding for the first sensory garden and sensory playground at the Morrisania Air Rights Houses. These groundbreaking spaces are designed to provide safe, inclusive environments for children of all abilities to play, explore, and thrive, transforming public housing into communities where families feel seen, supported, and valued. In 2023, Tanya founded The Sensory Exploration Center, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing sensory play, therapy, and inclusive programming to the Morrisania Air Rights community and beyond.”