Monday, February 7, 2011

Homeschooling Mom: President Should Address Special-Needs Children

Homeschooling Mom: President Should Address Special-Needs Children

Homeschooling Mom: President Should Address Special-Needs Children

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 03:08 PM PST

I'm a professional freelance Web content writer. My child, Ade (pronounced ah-DAY), is a twice-exceptional (gifted with special needs) 11-year-old boy. I began home-schooling him because of his gift and later discovered his challenges.

Because I home-school my son, working a traditional job isn't feasible. Soon, I'll enroll Ade into a special-needs after-school program. His support, around $550 monthly (which will soon increase to $700), will allow me to continue home-schooling, writing and working part time.

Our situation, while not unique, means we'd like to hear President Obama talk about some specific issues during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. Here are five:

Education for our children

My son was recently enrolled in a small school here in Chicago. However, due to his challenges and the staff's inexperience with children on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, his needs could not be met within that school environment. It's not the first time, we've tried public school.

I would like President Obama to require that all educators be trained on effectively integrating children with autism disorders into mainstream classrooms, as 1 in 150 children are now on the autism spectrum.

Affordable housing

In the United States, there is little, if any, affordable housing. Gentrification is displacing those who have lived in neighborhoods for years because they can't afford the housing that's being built for middle-income and upper-income Americans.

The places that are affordable are crime and gang infested. I recently moved to Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. It's a nice area, but it has inflated housing prices. I would specifically like Obama to initiate laws that control the rent in Chicago and in major cities around the country.

Employment for all

I'm constantly hearing that employment is on the upswing and the economy is improving. Yet, the people I talk to, mainly single, non-white parents, are looking for work but can't find a job. Are jobs being created for those in the service and pink-collar sectors? Or are the jobs only for those with master's and professional degrees?

Currently, I'm looking for work, and I am optimistic I'll find a part-time job soon. In 2011, I would like Obama to give incentives to employers who hire poor, low-wage earners, train them on the job and pay them a living wage.

Quality child care

Quality child care is needed for single parents, especially those who have children with special needs. It's difficult for working parents to focus on their job if they aren't confident their children are being taken care of properly. It took me a while to find the right program for my son.

In his speech, I want Obama to define "quality" child care and to commence laws that will charge stiff fines and penalties to day cares that will not make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Small-business programs

All Americans wants to reach their potential and this includes single parents. The American Dream is achievable for them also. Perhaps, there will be a spouse or partner for them in the future, but if there is or if there is not, single parents want financial stability for their families.

Opening a business that offers writing, editing, proofreading and transcribing services is one of my dreams. Loans will be necessary, yet I, like most single parents, do not have A-1 credit because of former life situations. Small loans, similar to micro loans that are issued in developing countries, could be issued as start-up money for single parents (male or female) who want to start small businesses. I would like the president to offer incentives and bonuses to individuals and businesses that offer small loans to single parents who are starting businesses.

This is what's on my mind, issues that impact my life and the lives of many throughout the United States. I eagerly await President Obama's upcoming State of the Union address, hoping he addresses these topics.

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