Families across the country are sharing personal accounts of how bureaucratic hurdles and systemic barriers have delayed—or entirely blocked—access to education for loved ones with disabilities. From being excluded from traditional schooling until high school to facing enrollment challenges for over a decade, these experiences highlight ongoing gaps in support for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Advocates argue that such delays often stem from outdated policies and insufficient resources, leaving families to navigate complex systems alone. The stories underscore broader questions about equity in education and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure all students receive timely opportunities to learn.
Susan Popkin has a brother-in-law who was kept out of traditional education until high school. David Bateman has a brother-in-law who couldn’t enroll for the first 17 years of his life. These stories ...
