A Special Message for Theo from Representative John Corbett

We are incredibly grateful to Georgia State Representative John Corbett, House District 174, for taking the time to send Theo such a thoughtful and meaningful letter recognizing his graduation.

Representative Corbett wrote something that went straight to the heart of why we continue fighting for Theo’s Law:

“Your experience has resonated with many people throughout Georgia, underscoring the importance of recognizing the achievements of every student.”
Those words mean so much to our family.

For Theo, graduation was never simply about walking across a stage. It was about finally being seen, included, and celebrated for an accomplishment he had already earned.

Theo is profoundly autistic and nonverbal. His path has looked very different from that of many other students, but his achievement was no less meaningful. After years of waiting, advocating, and refusing to give up, Theo finally had the opportunity to participate in his graduation ceremony and experience the recognition that should accompany completing his education.

Representative Corbett also wrote:

“Your perseverance has served as an inspiration to others and has highlighted the value of ensuring that every graduate is given the opportunity to be celebrated for their efforts and success.”
That is exactly the principle behind Theo’s Law Georgia.

No student who has completed the requirements for graduation should lose the opportunity to be appropriately recognized simply because disability, hospitalization, residential care, medical restrictions, or other circumstances outside of their control prevented them from participating at the originally scheduled time.

Every graduate deserves dignity.
Every achievement deserves recognition.
And every student deserves to know that their accomplishment matters.

Representative Corbett, thank you for recognizing Theo, for acknowledging the importance of his journey, and for giving our family another reminder that Theo’s story is reaching people across Georgia.

Every letter. Every meeting. Every conversation. Every person who hears Theo’s story brings us one step closer to making sure another family never has to fight this hard for something so fundamental.

This is why we keep going. This is why we are fighting for Theo’s Law.

💜 For Theo—and for every student who deserves to be seen, included, and celebrated.

Please continue sharing our petition and helping us bring Theo’s Law to the Georgia Capitol.