Yesterday, March 10, 2026, I spoke before the Valdosta City Schools Board of Education with Theo right there beside me.

After five long years of fighting for our son’s right to be recognized, we stood before the board not only to speak for Theo, but to speak for every student with disabilities who could be left behind in the same way. We showed them Theo’s Lawand asked for their support so no other family has to go through what ours did.

This moment was emotional because Theo was there with us. He was not just part of the story being told, he was present, seen, and finally included in the conversation about his own life and milestone.

This has been a five-year fight for Theo to have the chance to walk across the stage. Valdosta City Schools has now agreed to let him participate in summer graduation, and for that we are truly grateful. But this was never only about one graduation. It was never only about our son. This is about a larger legal and policy gap that still puts other students with disabilities at risk of being excluded from major life milestones.

Theo’s Law is about making sure graduation access is a protected right, not a courtesy. It is about ensuring that students in hospitals, residential placements, long-term care, or medical lockdowns are not forgotten when schools plan ceremonies and milestone events. The proposed law would require inclusive graduation policies, alternative or make-up ceremonies when needed, staff training, and accountability.

We are thankful for this progress. But we are not done.

Please keep sharing Theo’s story. Please keep supporting Theo’s Law. And please help us make sure that no student with disabilities ever falls through the cracks again.