As the observer, this sounds a lot more like a lack of support for these programs for our young people who benefit so tremendously from them. IL seems to have a lack of providers (students, go become speech therapists, physical therapists or occupational therapists --the Annie's of this world need you!) but, more importantly, lacks the commitment that NY seems to have to provide such vital services for these children. EI taught Annie to walk, talk, eat...you know, non essential things like that which are such a strain on tax payer dollars.
I learned early on, that Annie is a fighter so the least I can do is keep up. She will get her services one way or the other but what about those families who have their own Annie's who don't have the means/courage/ability to fight for their kids? A 3 hours evaluation of a 2 year old with 3 evaluators in the room can be intimidating -who wants to stand up against that?
Let me know if this rings a bell or if you have any knowledge of the vast bureaucracy that is EI. This program is great. We need to make sure our children have access to it.
