The Need to Advocate for Special Needs Children and Caregivers – What We Can All Do

By Leah Postelnik

When my husband, Yomin Postelnik, found out that his state representative, Ellyn Bogdanoff, was about to go on to run for state senate, he decided to stand up to replace the void that would be left behind. The current state rep is very much in tune with the needs of the special needs community and Yomin felt that it was important to continue that record. Of course, there are many other issues that he feels strongly about, but special needs has a deep importance to him.

Yomin explains that special needs advocacy is an area that is particularly important, due to the fact that those who are most in need of a voice are most preoccupied with the noble and special task of caring for their loved ones.

He explains the need for advocacy as follows: There are many special interest groups, some of little benefit to society and others that do, in fact, campaign for causes of value. They are all, however, spearheaded by energetic people who can devote large amounts of their time to their cause. Even advocacy to combat certain diseases, that we hope and pray no one will ever know first hand, benefit from the first hand advocacy of those who have been affected by them and have recovered.

Special needs advocacy is entirely different in this regard. Advocacy is generally initiated by parents or providers who work tirelessly for the wellbeing of their children and who have little time for political maneuvering. That is why being a voice for the special needs community is so important and why those who are sensitive to the issues facing special needs parents, guardians and provider agencies need to take a lead role and run for office or advise those who do.

Yomin decided to take the plunge and opened his campaign with the websitewww.ABetterFlorida.com. His platform encompasses the needs of the district and what he feels are common sense solutions, but special needs advocacy is a central part of his mission.

Whether you’re a conservative, a liberal or a moderate; whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, a member of any other party or a member of none, if you care about special needs and have expertise in this area or a desire to assist those who do get involved in the legislative process.

There is work to be done. Autism insurance discrimination must end and testing for autism must be covered. Many kids can be mainstreamed through early detection and treatment. It’s the right thing to do and besides, it will save the system, the insurance companies and the government a substantial amount in the long run.

Advocacy for special needs parents must be made less cumbersome. Red tape must be eliminated and the system made more effective. Most importantly, the education system must adhere to basic standards of treatment for special needs kids and never ostracize children who need extra encouragement or attention.

These are not conservative or liberal issues. They’re basic decency issues that need to be addressed. Common sense also dictates that everyone benefits from most of these solutions being implemented.

But these issues have rarely been on the front burner or at the forefront of public discussion due to the simple fact that those who seek their advancement are also the most time consumed, caring for the needs of their own family.

That’s where you come in. If you have time and the ability to run for public office, please do so – as the improvements that informed voices can bring to these areas cannot be overstated. And if you don’t have the time or the ability to run yourself, advise a politician or a campaign that is receptive to the needs of autism and of the special needs community in your area. The difference you may offer can be profound.