Special Education Budget Cuts

As many of you know, our son Joshua has autism. We recently received a paper from his school with information regarding possible cuts to special education budgets and services for people with autism and other disabilities. We have been asked to contact our member of the Assembly and our State Senator and politely let them know that such cuts are "unacceptable." We have also been encouraged to enlist the help of friends and family who also live in New York State. Here is what I have sent to our Assemblyman Bob Reilly and to our Senator Roy McDonald. I have also copied what Jason wrote to Bob Reilly as well as Assemblyman Reilly's response. If you live in New York state and feel comfortable contacting your local representatives about this important issue I have included links.

Our son Joshua was diagnosed with autism in September of 2008. While this diagnosis was heartbreaking, the experience was not as difficult as it could have been had we not received the services we did. After being referred to our county’s Early Intervention program by Joshua’s pediatrician, Josh was evaluated in March of 2008. He qualified for services based on his delays and was quickly given a wonderful speech teacher who came to our home twice a week. This speech teacher noticed further warning signs and Josh was then assigned an excellent special education teacher in July of 2008. We were also referred to several reputable developmental pediatricians who were able to diagnose Josh. At the time of Joshua’s diagnosis he had also recently started attending a preschool for special needs children five days a week and was still continuing to receive home visits. These services have been invaluable to our family. My three-year-old son now calls me "Mommy" for the first time in his life and interacts and engages with his world in a way that I never would have thought possible. We are pulling him out of the isolated world of autism. This would not be possible without the services he has been and is currently receiving. We realize in these uncertain economic times that there is pressure to reduce spending and balance budgets. While these goals are admirable, they should never be achieved at the expense of special needs children. Please keep children like Joshua in mind when you vote on any future budget cuts.

Sincerely,

Megan Peterson

As I am sure you know there has been an increase in the case of diagnosed autism and early intervention is critical in improving every autistic child's life. > >This last year my son, Joshua, was diagnosed with autism and the impact on my family has been difficult at times. However, the early invention services provided by the special education budget has been an enormous support. Joshua is now able to call my wife and I "mama" and "daddy" which as you know is the happiest words to hear from your child. > >I recognize the strains on the current and future state budgets, and understand the difficult choices you have to make. I also voted for you based on your service to the community, the sacrifice you make in representing us, and your ability to recognize the importance providing the best future for our children. During your deliberations I ask you to think about the improvement that special education services has for autistic and special needs children and defend the budget with your colleagues. > >Thank you for you time, and if can be of any service to you please let me know. > >
Regards >
John Peterson

> > Dear Mr. Peterson, Thank you so much for your kind letter. It was very encouraging to hear from a parent who has received helpful services for a child with autism. Even in this very difficult fiscal crisis I believe most of us in the Legislature will be able to continue to budget support for autism services. Senator Roy McDonald, as you may know, is very focused on this problem and I have pledged to work with him to help. Although you seem to be facing your great challenge well, I do know how difficult your job is so please contact me again if I can provide any help. In the meantime, be assured I will keep autism needs in mind as we form the budget. Sincerely, Robert Reilly Member of Assembly

Bob Reilly
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=109

Roy McDonald
mcdonald@senate.state.ny.us