Thought I'd share an editorial that was printed in the KC Star on Oct. 27th:
Waiting list too long
I believe that experience is the best teacher, so the Star article on peer tutors and special needs students caught my interest (10/17, Johnson County Neighborhood News).
When you spend time with folks with developmental disabilities (DD), you often get back much more than you give. I’m encouraged that students take advantage of this opportunity. Unfortunately, I’d like to share the rest of the story.
Kansas maintains a list of more than 4,100 individuals waiting for DD funding. Many special needs graduates are on this waiting list.
After graduation, young people look forward to starting new chapter in life. But many young adults with special needs simply “graduate to their living rooms,” unable to access funding required for day service programs. Stuck at home, they quickly lose the skills their teachers and tutors have spent years teaching them. A few may get jobs, but often folks with DD are the last hired and the first to go.
Schools should continue their wonderful efforts. The Kansas legislature should fund the DD waiting list. The “rest of the story” should have a happy ending.
Lurena Mead
Johnson County
Developmental Supports
community relations manager
Overland Park
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