How can she pull herself up by her bootstraps?

[Ilsa]

My oldest son has a severe developmental disability, and attended our school's Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities. At his first school, for a year and a half he had a wonderful teacher's aide named "M", a sweet, twenty-something single Hispanic woman.

"M" was great with all the kids. She worked at the school and also had another part time job at WalMart, and sometimes a third part time job, and was going to college to become a teacher, probably for special needs kids. She was getting some govt help, but was always struggling financially.

My son moved to another school, and from time to time we'd run into "M" while she was working one of several jobs at the mall or a restaurant. She isn't even going to college any more. It is such a struggle and she has no one but herself and says she can't get any more help for her expenses. It makes no sense because they say she makes too much money for financial aid, but it is barely enough for her to live on, and college, even junior college, is grossly expensive.

I ran into her today, and she asked me to bring her a new picture of my son because she still thinks about him, even though she hasn't been his aide in three years. I got into my car and started crying. There are so many wonderful and gifted people who want to do their calling in life and they can't because of our insane policies for holding back the poor. If my son weren't disabled and needing every dime we can save for his future, I'd take her under my wing and finance her education.

We need real changes in leadership and vision.

[demnan]

1. Yes you are right

A person who is good with special needs kids is a kind, patient, talented individual who should be educated and encouraged. There are millions of talented people in this country who can't attend college and fufill their destinys. Instead Bush just wants a bunch of poor kids he can send off to war.

[wryter2000]

2. Can your Congressperson help?

Often there are work-study programs. Also, there are many private scholarships that aren't governmental. She shouldn't give up without at least talking to someone at a local junior college. Talents like hers are rare. They shouldn't be wasted.

[Ilsa]

3. That's a good idea,

but I doubt Ron Paul's office will help. I'm under the impression that he thinks disabled kids shouldn't be in public schools, and that all schools should be private (tough luck for kids with disabilities who won't be accepted into a school).

I'll start checking into it anyway. Thanks.