I'm back from a week of vacation in Oklahoma, and I couldn't get away from news about the economic downturn is affecting children with special needs. On Jan. 2, the top headline was "Economy Hurts Autism Care in Oklahoma." For 2- to 5-year-olds enrolled in the Easter Seals Autism Therapeutic School in Oklahoma City, a funding shortfall will mean a 50 percent reduction in services.
After winning a lottery for one of 15 spots, these families will now get only 20 hours of therapy for their children -- down from 40 -- and there are no guarantees the program will continue past May.
2 comments:
One of the big unknowns of this negative economy is the effect on non-profits that provide much needed services to the disabled, the elderly, the disadvantaged, or other concerns.
The non-profits rely on corporate and individual donations as the life blood of their organization.
I feel extremely sadden by this. And it will not be the last either.
Wayne Rohde
Edmond, OK
Nick's Law
www.nickslawok.blogspot.com
Thanks for your comment, Wayne. By day, I raise money for a nonprofit, so I know how tough it is these days.
My relatives in Oklahoma are fighting hard to pass Nick's Law, and I'm happy to share updates on this blog. Please stay in touch and keep up the good work.
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