Recently, Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut informed school districts across New Hampshire to expect less state aid for special education. This decision is deeply concerning to ABLE NH and its members. At a time when schools are already struggling to fill teaching and paraprofessional positions, reducing state support puts students with disabilities at a greater risk of losing the services they need to succeed. ABLE NH advocates for a society where people with disabilities are valued and included. These funding cuts reinforce harmful stereotypes that view students with disabilities as burdens rather than vital members of our schools and local communities.

Barriers to their education in the school environment, not a person’s disability, are the true challenges. Reducing financial support will only make those barriers larger, especially in lower-income areas that rely heavily on state funding. I urge state leaders to reverse this decision. Supporting students with disabilities is not just a legal requirement, it’s essential to create a fair and equitable education system for all.

Louis Esposito

Brookline