Put some focus on special needs kids

As a father of an 11-year-old with autism, trying to get the best education and services for my son is a constant struggle with this state. 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 Education Act.

Last in the nation should not be "adequate" for the parents and children with special needs.

I live in the 56th House District, and 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 for your child, please contact Republican candidate Ryan Higgins and Democratic candidate Michelle Mussman 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 of the problem, and I'm trying to get the word out to special needs parents to get answers from these two candidates.

If you are a special needs parent in the 56th District like my wife and me and need help, help us in getting their attention and get answers to all of our questions and concerns.

Mike Baker

Schaumburg