Dear Superintendent,

Hello! As we approach each new semester, it is important to evaluate the best ways to keep all
students safe. I am writing to promote the importance of protecting America’s students with
special needs. Throughout much of the country, it seems that there is a lack of preparedness
when it comes to the differently-abled community and emergency protocol. Devastatingly, with
gun violence on the rise in the United States, it is imperative that the protection of ALL students
is prioritized.

Throughout the US today, there is an immense push for a program called "Run, Hide, Fight." In
the case of an active shooter situation, students should first try to run, hide if necessary, and fight
if they must. It sounds simple enough, but this program completely disregards the students who
can't physically accomplish these actions. With over 56 million children attending school in
America each year, each with varying needs and abilities, current national evacuation protocol
are simply not enough. Since Columbine, there is a longstanding history of special needs
students losing their lives in school shootings, primarily because there was no plan in place to
evacuate them. Research has shown that schools are struggling to come up with emergency
protocol for students with disabilities-- or worse, they aren’t thinking of the issue at all.

At first, this problem may seem a bit overwhelming. The idea of keeping all students safe,
regardless of ability, is crucial, but can seem like a daunting task. However, the solution could be
as simple as enhancing the IEP. Michele Gay, mother of Joey Gay, a young girl with special
needs killed at Sandy Hook, has created “I.E.L.P’s,” or Individualized Emergency and
Lockdown Plans. Parents and educators must collaborate on these specialized plans, ensuring
that every need is considered. Throughout this process, they can create personalized plans based
off of each student’s unique abilities. These plans ensure that schools aren’t left feeling helpless
in emergency situations, and promotes the idea that every student deserves to feel protected.

This problem is immense, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be tackled. Much of the problem is
simply that the idea is often not thought of. With more awareness surrounding this issue, schools
can be made aware of the holes within their emergency plans and procedures, and can fight
against this. The unfortunate truth is that school shootings happen, and are becoming more
frequent. In a world where the voices of the differently-abled community continuously feel
silenced, we must prove that EVERY student deserves protection. These plans could truly make
the difference. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,