Gunner

Age 7, Missouri

Meet Gunner. He loves to play outside and go fishing. He really loves pizza and belly laughs. He gives the world's best hugs.

Gunner has Autism, epilepsy, encephalopathy, hyperkinesis, asthma, and allergies. He needs medication, adaptive equipment, and multiple kinds of therapy – none of which are covered by Gunner's parents' employer based insurance. Fortunately, Gunner has a Medicaid waiver to cover the costly but vital care he needs that private insurance policies so often exclude.    

Gunner loves to read and goes to his neighborhood school where he's able to be included with his "typical" peers thanks to the support and protection provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

About Gunner's inclusive education, his mom Colette says: "It means EVERYTHING!!! The thought of IDEA rolling back makes our stomachs turn. He deserves access to grade level material and all the same experiences as his peers."

Submitted by Gunner's mom, Colette