Help us, as we help special needs kids
Many parents of special needs children and adults have a lot of frustration about what's happening in Springfield, in regards to providing funding for special needs education and services.
Illinois with its budget problems and lack of attention by Springfield and the media, has made funding for special needs education and services one of the worst in the nation.
Help from families of special needs children and adults, persons in the media and responsible politicians that are tired of inaction and people that are providing no solutions to the problems faced by a fast growing population, is the only way to get this problem solved.
On May 4, we had a Special Needs Forum sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Chapter of the Autism Society of America. Attention for the event was greatly helped by an article by the Daily Heralds Eric Peterson. Parents of special needs children and young adults attended, along with special education teachers and other adults interested in people with special needs.
Two candidates for the 56th state representative seat, Republican candidate Ryan Higgins and Democratic candidate Michelle Mussman, talked with the people about their concerns and what they are looking for from them when they get to Springfield.
Various ideas were started in how to improve special needs education and services, without adding a dime to the state budget. Another meeting is being planned in late summer to have more political candidates and parents join in the discussion.
If you are a parent of a special-needs child or a group or individual that wants to help me organize a strong group of people to make sure political candidates understand our frustrations, concerns and demand for solutions to special needs problems, send me an e-mail at mbaker721@ wowway.com.
We had a good start on Tuesday, but more help from individuals and groups are needed to gain strength in numbers and voice before November is crucial to making politicians and others in the media take notice
Mike Baker
Schaumburg