My 16-year-old son is non-verbal and profoundly autistic. As a parent, every day is a struggle to ensure he receives the support he so desperately needs to navigate a world that doesn't always accommodate his significant challenges. His therapy sessions are not just appointments on a calendar—they are lifelines that provide him a chance to communicate, engage, and grow in a world that often misunderstands him. However, recent decisions to defund Medicaid threaten these vital supports, not just for my son, but for countless other children with disabilities.

Medicaid serves as a crucial resource for families like mine, enabling us to access essential therapies such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. These therapies are not luxury services; they are foundational to improving the quality of life and fostering self-sufficiency in children with disabilities. Every child deserves the right to a life with dignity and opportunity for development, yet the defunding of Medicaid undermines this basic right.

In 2020 alone, over 4.3 million children with disabilities relied on Medicaid for their healthcare and therapeutic services. Data shows that Medicaid significantly increases healthcare access and outcomes for children from low-income families, many of whom have complex health needs. The consequences of such cuts are dire—meaning families may have to go without services that are essential for their children's growth and future.

We urge policymakers to reconsider these harmful budget cuts and restore funding for Medicaid therapy support. It's imperative that we demonstrate to our legislators the severe impact these cuts will have on families who depend on these services to give their children a fighting chance at a brighter future. By signing this petition, you can help safeguard the therapies that are instrumental in the development and well-being of these vulnerable children.

Sign this petition to tell Congress: "Do not defund Medicaid for our disabled children. Their futures depend on it."