January 15th, 2025 at the NH State House

Colby Dudal experienced hearing and vision loss from a young age. As a student, he received special education services that he says have helped him decide what sort of life and career he wanted to build for himself.“I wore hearing aids in class,” Dudal said. “I sat up front in class. Teachers would write in darker colors so I could see. Because of my vision and hearing impairments, I had accommodations. Because of those, I was able to be successful in high school and go off to college.” He got a degree in journalism from Keene State and now works at New Hampshire Public Radio. “Special education funding is important for people’s present day and also their future,” Dudal said. “Having appropriate special education can help build the future they want.” As conversations around special education funding continue both state-wide and nation-wide, Dudal wants people to consider the value these services hold for students who need tailored support. “I just hope people take notice and understand the importance of special education funding in New Hampshire,” Dudal added.https://www.concordmonitor.com/special-education-stories-students-parents-educators-advocates-NH-funding-priorities-58904669

“New Hampshire schools are being told to prepare for less state aid for supportive education. Do we like that? No,” Louis Esposito, who leads the advocacy organization ABLE NH, told the crowd. “These cuts don’t just strain budgets. They jeopardize the futures of every student in an educational setting. Underfunding creates impossible choices for schools to either cut essential services or overextend already strained staff. We cannot allow that to happen.” NHPR: Amid public outcry, Edelblut pledges state support for rising special education costs

WMUR- Advocates rally at State House against potential cuts to special education funding