Gus Walz’s DNC Appearance Shines Light on Learning Disabilities
In an emotionally charged moment in in the Democratic National Convention, 17-year-old Gus Walz proudly shouted out “That’s my dad!” as he saw his father, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accept the Democratic party’s nomination for vice president. His overt pride and subsequent display of affection towards his father went viral, catapulting the high school senior to sudden fame and drawing attention towards his struggles and achievements.
Gus Walz’s Challenges
It came into the public domain that Gus Walz suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety disorder, and a Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). The latter of his conditions describes individuals who may face struggles related to social and spatial disabilities, which can lead to marginalization and isolation. However, these individuals often possess sharp awareness for minute details that others might overlook.
The Impact on Special Education
Walz’s sudden fame has doubled up as a platform to shed light on the challenges faced by those with learning disabilities. Gus’s parents revealed his conditions to People magazine recently, leading to an internet surge for information on non-verbal learning disorders. Thereby bringing into focus the long-standing debate about inadequate funding for special education needs in schools.
Since the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, the federal government has committed to funding only 40% of the average per-pupil expenditure for special education, with the actual federal contribution amounting to a limited 13%. This has led to local school districts bearing the burdensome cost of mandatory special education services.
The Democratic Party platform at the convention voiced full support for IDEA and prioritizing students with disabilities and the special educator workforce. However, the Republican Party didn’t touch on the topic of special education. Many education groups have been advocating for the entire cost of the IDEA to be fully funded.
Looking To The Future
The forthcoming election will play a fundamental role in determining whether more funds can be pumped into special education. Much of this will depend on the future federal budget and the composition of the next Congress. Despite platform statements not being legally binding on candidates, Walz has approved sizeable increments in education funding, including special education, as the governor. The two-year budget he signed for 2024 expands per-pupil funding by 6% indexed to future inflation, and it tries to mitigate the gap in federal support for special education with a significant increase in state support.
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education lists securing full funding for special education as their topmost policy priority. There have been numerous bipartisan bills over the years to mandate full funding, which have yet until now to become law.
Personal Triumphs
Despite his learning issues, Gus’s joy during his father’s acceptance speech at the DNC was infectious. His parents spoke admirably of him in their statement to People magazine. They highlighted his brilliance, his hyper-awareness of details, and affectionately described him as an excellent son, demonstrating that despite the challenges, the conditions Gus deals with are not setbacks but rather attributes contributing to his unique and perceptive view of the world.
