Special Education Writing Is Back!
Hello Parents!
I last wrote about special education in fall of 2024. I come back to this important topic with the world shifted under our feet. I’ve felt depressed, demoralized, and shocked by the viciousness of the new administration’s attempts to destroy the Department of Education. Writing as I had before has felt hopeless.
On NPR, a former ambassador to Hungary, was discussing that country’s descent into totalitarianism. He said the deadliest blow was when the last of the free media was silenced. People gave up and stopped trying to speak their minds.
My husband remembers growing up with the Vietnam war raging, students being shot by police on campuses, the environmental catastrophy of Love Canal, Watergate and the loss of trust in many institutions.
And I think of the ongoing struggle for people of color, immigrants, women, and gender spectrum folks. They have had to fight and speak into the prejudice and hatred and fear for generations.
I decided, I must keep speaking truth. Don’t know if it will help, if people will hear, if good change will occur, but at least other parents can know they are not alone.
Many of us are inundated right now with essays and articles. So I plan to keep each article short and to the point.
Here are some ways to get your voice heard. Don’t go silent. Speak up now more than ever.
From the ACLU on how to write an effective letter to your representatives
https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives
From FiscalNote a site to connect you to your representatives via your zip code.
https://fiscalnote.com/find-your-legislator
Tell me your stories so we can bring the truth to light. I’m working on a book about special education and seeking families, teachers, and school professionals with stories to tell. If you’ve been through this struggle, I’d love to hear from you. Everything will, of course, be confidential. You can reach me at: 241kcawley@gmail.com