Don’t leave her behind

[Beth Brown]

I’d like you to meet my daughter, Frankie. Unfortunately, even if the meeting were open, she could not attend. It’s too great a risk to her health. 

Frankie has many disabilities, ranging from global delay to vision impairment. She is unable to wear a mask, unable to understand social distancing, and is in an age group that does not have access to vaccines. She is unable to protect herself and relies, instead, on our community protecting her. She starts special education PreK3 soon. At a time when she should be protected the most, our community is abandoning the public health measures that keep her safe, simply because we’re annoyed and tired of masks. 

This is a child with unique and extensive higher educational needs. Rather than simple interventions, she needs significant therapies to grow, thrive, and become an active member of society – a society that is currently rabid to abandon her. 

Frankie has lost out on so much more than the average child because of COVID. Masking mitigates her risk and enables her to take advantage of these critical school resources. Masking lets her catch up to her peers. 

Don't leave her behind.