This petition stems from a deeply personal space. My son, who has autism with a speech delay and slight motor skill issues,whom comprehends very well, and doesn't have any behaviors has spent years in a self-contained educational setting intended for those with mental challenges. The result has been devastating - he is educationally and mentally four years behind his peers. He has been deemed ineligible for a high school diploma or even a special certificate, setting him up for failure rather than success.

Children with special needs require more tailored, need-based educational services like math, reading, basic phonics, and writing skills. It is crucial to adapt educational settings and classrooms based on the individual learning needs of every child, rather than dumping them into broad categories such as self-contained or low-incidence classrooms without due consideration. 

School districts are recipients of federal funding specifically earmarked to help these children. It’s only fair that we hold them accountable for how they allocate these funds.

Research shows that inclusive classrooms that adapt to individual learning needs foster better growth in children with special needs (National Center for Special Education Research). We require greater accountability and transparency from schools and demand they deliver on their promise to make good use of federal funding for the benefit of these children.

 
I am advocating for the immediate and substantial reform of school districts across the United States, including CCSD in South Carolina, to better serve the educational needs of children with special needs. Current practices hinder their learning journey, limit potential, and set them up for failure. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, I hold a vision for necessary provisions that ensure equitable educational opportunities for these students. This entails a new mandate under civil and educational law, appointing a responsible entity for oversight, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that schools are prepared and equipped with specialized services and trained staff, such as tutors, ABA therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Sufficient resources, contracts, and funding must be dedicated to guarantee the developmental needs of special education students are met. True advocacy, proactive protection, and unwavering support must be established so children with special needs can advance, achieve rightful recognition, and attain certificates, diplomas, and special diplomas without barriers."

Stand up for special needs children deserving better educational opportunities. Help us ensure that they aren't set up for failure by their educational institutions. Please sign this petition.