Special Education at Risk: What's at Stake for Kids Like Kinsley?

Special education is under threat. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) might be gutted. This could hurt many kids. Over 760, 000 students in Wisconsin rely on these services. More than 120, 000 of them have disabilities like dyslexia, Down syndrome, and autism. Special education is not just about schoolwork. It's about giving kids dignity. It's about seeing and valuing them for who they are. OSEP is crucial. It guides schools, supports teachers, and ensures equal access for all kids, no matter where they live. Without OSEP, the system could fall apart. Kids might lose vital therapies. Families could be left alone to navigate complex services. Teachers would be stretched too thin. This is not the system kids deserve. Politics should not divide us on this issue. Parents, educators, and people from all political backgrounds agree. They want kids to learn, grow, and have a fair chance. Weakening OSEP breaks this shared commitment. It puts decades of progress at risk. For kids like Kinsley, special education is not optional. It's essential. It's a promise made by the country. A promise that must be kept. Leaders in Wisconsin and Congress need to protect OSEP. They need to uphold the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They need to keep the door of opportunity open for every child. Investing in vulnerable learners strengthens the nation. It changes lives. It's time to act and protect special education.