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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

As the mother of a child with special needs, my child has been blessed with some wonderful special education teachers, paraeducators, therapists and others who have made his educational life thus far not only enjoyable, but also impactful.

The services began when he was young — Landon was probably only 2 or 3 and was not reaching several milestones. Early Childhood staff started visiting our home and meeting with Landon, and then those services continued at the preschool level and into elementary school.

Next year, he will move on to the middle school, equipped with an Individualized Education Plan that identifies goals for Landon with his education.

It’s hard for me to think that more than 50 years ago, these resources were not available; in fact, until the mid-1970s most states had laws that allowed school districts to refuse students with disabilities who they considered unable to be educated. When students with disabilities were allowed to attend public school, they were often placed in regular classes and did not receive adequate special services.

It is disheartening to think that if my son had been born in my parents’ generation, he would have been a part of a group of special children who were discriminated against, isolated or even placed in institutions, instead of giving them a little extra help and guidance to grow and flourish.

It wasn’t until 1975 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law that children with special needs were granted access to a free and quality public education nationwide.

This date is celebrated every Dec. 2 with Special Education Day. I’m thankful to live in an age where children with disabilities are accepted with their differences in public schools, recognized for their potential and are able to interact with their peers without disabilities.

Thank you to those who have worked with Landon, who show immense patience and kindness and who have helped him grow.

I’m proud to say that he loves school — it is probably one of his favorite places to go.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune.