If you’ve been reading my blog since the beginning, you’ve probably noticed that I am really proud of receiving my high school diploma and college degree. Getting an education was really important to me, not only because I was able to learn and absorb new information, meet new friends and get to know some amazing teachers, but also because I was able to prove to MYSELF and the people who said, “Jason will never amount to anything” that I can do anything I set my mind to and can achieve the impossible dream. I know there are so many young kids out there who have a disability, and I’m sure all they want is to be accepted despite their disability and be able to receive a quality education without fear that they won’t be able to afford it.
When I read that funding for programs for children with disabilites may be cut, you can bet your ASS I was furious because we are people too, damn it, and deserve to be a part of society just as much as those multi-millionaires with the $500,000 Corvette or the $750 million mansion overlooking the ocean who have so much money coming out of their ass that they have six maids, a butler and a chauffeur driving them around to all the swanky parties with celebrities who have their nose stuck up in the air like they’re God’s gift to the world… I received this information from the Easter Seals and they were gracious enough to allow me to post it to my blog. This is too important to let it do down the toilet without a second thought. Let’s band together and let our elected officials in Washington know that people with disabilites deserve an education and a way to pay for it. Hell, as much as they keep jacking up insurance, pretty soon, we won’t even be able to go to the damn doctor without it costing us a damn arm and a leg. No wonder the past couple years I’ve felt like an old man. If I knew insurance would cover me, I’d go get a checkup, but I keep putting it off because I’m afraid of what it’ll cost me. And I have medical expenses of my own every month to worry about….
Dear Friend,
Books, paper, pencils. You wouldn’t send your child back to school without these essentials.
But millions of children with undiagnosed disabilities are going to be missing something even more critical to their success when they start school this year: help for their special needs. Deprived of the therapies and treatment they need to learn and play with other children their age, many children with disabilities can feel lost and alone in class, are unable to make friends, and quickly fall behind.
Right now, the fate of all federal programs, including those that can save our nation’s most vulnerable children from falling behind, rests in the hands of the newly-named Super Committee. They are charged with cutting another $1.5 trillion from the federal budget, and funding for critical services for kids with special needs is on the chopping block. Don’t let the Super Committee deny kids the services they need to succeed.
Send a message to your representative and make sure they know how critical these programs are for millions of young children with special needs.
Your letters and messages helped many critical disability programs survive the first round of budget cuts – now ensure that these services continue to help millions of American children and their families. We can’t let down the nearly 1.5 million children with undiagnosed disabilities returning to school this month. They are depending on us to speak up for them.
There are boys and girls sitting in class right now who are unable to succeed due to an undiagnosed disability. Help can be as simple as getting a pair of glasses to a little girl so she can see the blackboard, or screening for a little boy showing signs of autism so he can start school on par with his peers. There’s still time to get these kids the help they need.
Tell your representatives you’re counting on them to speak up and urge the Super Committee to defend vital services for young children. Click here to send your message by Friday, September 30!
The first month of school is nearly over. Don’t let another month go by for a child who needs treatment for their disability.
Thank you,
Katy Beh Neas
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
The Super Committee must cut another $1.5 trillion from the federal budget and the critical programs that support children with disabilities are on the chopping block.
Tell your representative: don’t let the Super Committee cut services for kids with special needs.
Your letters and messages helped many critical disability programs survive the first round of budget cuts – now ensure that they continue to help millions of American children and their families.
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Don’t eliminate funding for early intervention services
Dear [Decision Maker],
The Super Committee is faced with the difficult task of cutting more spending from the federal budget. As a supporter of Easter Seals, I want you to know how important federal funding is to millions of children and families living with disabilities. This funding provides diagnosis and treatment for young children with disabilities. Without proper treatment, these kids may never catch up in school and succeed in life. In addition, early intervention makes good fiscal sense. Getting children the support they need now will help avoid more costly interventions later. All kids deserve to achieve their dreams. I urge you to tell your colleagues on the Super Committee not to eliminate funding for these life-changing programs — help that can be as simple as a pair of glasses so a little girl can see the blackboard, or screening for a 3-year-old boy who shows signs of autism.
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With the proper help at an early age, these kids can learn, succeed and thrive.
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Jason's Spina Bifida Journey 