By skyforbes 
A Personal Story
Early last year, during one of Elly’s pediatric visits, her pediatrician and I discussed her developmental milestones. We realized that she wasn’t meeting some of the expected milestones — her speech, for instance, was more babbling than actual words. That conversation led us to start speech therapy immediately.
Speech therapy is expensive, but it’s critical for children with speech delays or phonological disorders. At the time, I had no idea there was a program called Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS). I remember asking, “What are the income guidelines? I don’t think we qualify.” To my surprise, TEIS is available to all children with developmental delays — regardless of income.
That initial speech evaluation opened the door to so much more. It helped us recognize Elyanna also needed occupational and physical therapy for challenges we hadn’t even realized were significant. And because of our TEIS case manager, we learned about the Katie Beckett Program, which helps families of children with disabilities. While Elyanna’s needs aren’t severe enough to qualify for Part A, she does qualify under Part B, which supports children with developmental delays — children just like her.
Why am I sharing this?
Because Medicaid cuts and dismantling the Department of Education won’t just affect children like my daughter — they will devastate families with far greater needs. Parents who are full-time caretakers could lose access to critical programs. Children who require specialized therapies or medical care will be left without options. And the most vulnerable among us will suffer the most.
We live in an increasingly individualistic society where many people don’t consider how policies affect others — until it impacts them directly. Programs like TEIS and Katie Beckett exist because of taxpayer funding — state and federal dollars that provide essential support to children in need. When those funds are cut, families are left scrambling, and many won’t have the resources to fill the gaps.
For our family, these cuts would be a financial burden, but we’ll find a way. We can shift priorities, take things one therapy at a time, and rely on the love and support of the four adults in Elly’s life.
But what about families who don’t have that flexibility? What about children who need constant, intensive care? What happens to them when the safety nets disappear? Has anyone stopped to think?
So yes, I take this personally. Every action — and inaction — matters. The apathy at the polls, the carelessness in voting decisions — it all has real consequences. You can claim to care about others, but your choices speak louder than words. And whether you see it or not, those closest to you see it.
