The Democratic National Convention on Night Three saw an emotional moment when 17-year-old Gus Walz expressed pride in his father, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Gus, who has ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder, was seen crying tears of joy as his father accepted the party nomination for vice president. The viral moment has brought attention to the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities, particularly non-verbal learning disorder, which can lead to social and spatial difficulties.
There is ongoing tension between Washington and local school districts over the funding of special education. Despite federal laws requiring schools to provide special education services, the current funding falls short of covering the costs. The Democratic Party platform adopted at the convention advocates for fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support students with disabilities and the special educator workforce. The Republican Party platform does not mention special education, but national education groups have long called for full funding of IDEA.
The prospects for increased funding for special education under a Harris-Walz administration are uncertain, depending on future budgetary conditions and congressional composition. However, Governor Walz has approved significant increases in education funding, including special education, at the state level. The National Association of State Directors of Special Education has emphasized the importance of securing full funding for special education on a national level, as the costs of educating students with disabilities continue to rise.
Despite bipartisan support for bills mandating full funding for special education, they have failed to become law over the years. Governor Walz and first lady Gwen Walz recently disclosed Gus’ learning issues, including his non-verbal learning disorder, anxiety disorder, and ADHD. They emphasized that Gus’ condition is not a setback but his “secret power,” highlighting his brilliance and attention to detail. The Walz campaign did not comment on how Gus’s condition has affected his life, but they have previously mentioned his accomplishments, such as getting his driver’s license.
The Walz family’s openness about Gus’s learning disorders has shed light on the experiences of individuals with similar conditions and the need for support and understanding. The rising costs of special education and the unmet federal commitment to funding pose challenges for states and local school districts across the country. Advocates continue to push for full funding of IDEA to uphold the civil rights of students with disabilities and ensure their access to quality education in public schools.
As the 2024 election approaches, the issue of special education funding remains a key concern for policymakers and advocates. The efforts of individuals like Gus Walz to overcome challenges associated with learning disabilities serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusive and supportive education policies. The impact of Gus’s viral moment at the Democratic National Convention underscores the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with learning disabilities in the education system and society at large.
