Parents of children with disabilities have the same desires for their children as every other parent. I remember this day well. My daughter had so many challenges navigating the K through 12 system that when she had a "typical" day it felt as if we had hit the lottery. Looking back, it took such a toll on our family and everyone who loved and supported us. But it does not have to be that way.

A colleague of mine who is a young mother, and currently in the trenches trying to support her children, reminded me of the importance of explaining our cause when she shared that Florida is currently involved in a federal lawsuit challenging the Section 504 integration mandate — the principle that people with disabilities should have access to services and opportunities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

While I write about these topics often, hearing her specific request landed differently because I know what she is currently going through. The integration mandate is not complex.

Our children want to be seen and not excluded.

Our children want extracurricular activities and opportunities to engage with their peers.

Our children want to graduate and begin their lives working in fields they love.

The integration mandate simply allows our children to participate in the activities of everyday life. There is a center of excellence in everyone, and space for all of our children to grow.