Texas Is Intentionally Failing Children With Special Education Needs

Think about the way things like this should work. If a child has special needs in Texas, that child should get help, right? Wrong.

I am well aware that we can't take care of everyone or everything, but this is beyond disgusting.

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Texas set an arbitrary number -- a "goal" or "limit" if you wish -- to the amount of children in the state who qualify for special education.

Here's the key thing from The Houston Chronicle:

Over a decade ago, the officials arbitrarily decided what percentage of students should get special education services — 8.5 percent

They just "came up" with that number. It has nothing to do with actual needs. Texas was already below the national average at 12 percent. It's also WAY below the national average of somewhere around 13.3 percent that get services and the 15.4 percent who need services.

What this means per The Chron is that tens of thousands of special needs children in Texas are being denied the help they need.

Related: Texas leads U.S. in investing in prisons over schools

I have to step up and say it again: What kind of people do we want to be? Do we want to be the kind of people who tell a special needs kid "no" because they fell below an artificial cap? Hey, it's tough out there. We all have troubles paying or bills or getting the things we want. Now, imagine trying to do that with some form of disability.

Let's also add this simple, but powerful fact: Kids who don't get help will become adults who need help. At least with early intervention, we can help some special needs kids grow up to be functioning adults. So in the end, Texas is just kicking the can down the road.

I know my listeners. You donate to the telethons. You help the March of Dimes. You would not walk past a special needs kid that needed help. Now, remember that when you vote or if you talk to your representative. We have to stand up for those who can't.

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