Just as important are the lessons to be learned from the process of meeting these needs. Traditional funding sources are not supportive of innovative practices. Only recently have flexible mechanisms been put into place in New York State. However, this is an example of how a group of committed individuals was able to pull their resources and respond to the unique needs of this family regardless of the obstacles presented by the system. The challenge ahead will be for services providers to retain their perspective and commitment, and to resist the inclination to believe that what has been accomplished so far is all that can be achieved or that it is unreasonable to expect more.
Individualized services require innovation and commitment over time.
The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and no endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred.