Illinois record on special needs kids is dismal
Illinois is 51st in the nation in funding special education and is far from providing the adequate services that the state and federal government should provide, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Act.
Last in the nation should not be "adequate" for the parents and children with special needs in Illinois.
I live in the 56th state representative district that covers Schaumburg, parts of Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Hanover Park, Roselle and Bloomingdale.
If you are a parent with a special-needs child in the district and looking for answers on how to get better education and services to provide a good future for them, please come to the Special Needs Forum sponsored by the Northwest Chapter of the Autism Society of America at the Schaumburg Township Building, 1 Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. and talk with Republican candidate Ryan Higgins and Democratic candidate Michelle Mussman.
Come ask questions and find out if they will help you in solving an often ignored and worsening problem that the state and federal government don't seem to be in a hurry to solve. I have tried and have failed miserably to get Congresswoman Melissa Bean to take notice.
If you are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to express your concerns for the future of Special Education and the future of special needs children and adults, please email me at mbaker721@wowway.com by April 30th to let me know that you are coming. All people interested in discussing the issue are welcome.
Mike Baker
Schaumburg