Ex-Gov. Martinez: Reopening schools must help special needs students – my family knows challenges they face

America is on its way to defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in our reopening plans, we cannot forget to meet the needs of our vulnerable young people with disabilities.

The financial, mental health and physical security challenges facing students with disabilities have been deeply exacerbated during the pandemic, with many lacking access to their individualized education plans or needed socialization time with other young people.   National, state and local leaders must be advocates for students with disabilities so their special needs are not forgotten as schools plan for reopening.   Now, as parents, local, state and federal leaders push to reopen schools across the country, students with special needs cannot be forgotten and their needs must be met to address the learning loss they have experienced.