PAVE is a part of multiple national, state and local networks of families of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities. Our children and families need multiple services and supports to live an optimal life. Unfortunately, Black families with special health care needs and disabilities experience unacceptable inequities in the access to and provision of care and services, public education, and are disproportionately criminalized.
In solidarity with those who are speaking out about the urgent need to address these disparities, we say:
We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.
We are committed to ensuring that our healthcare, education and other vital systems, our communities, our nation, and the world respect, include, and equally value the voices of Black children and families.
We stand in solidarity with those who condemn the murder of George Floyd, Charleena Lyles, Manuel Ellis, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice and Rayshard Brooks and of so many other Black men, women, and children.
We stand united with those who call for an awakening in the collective conscious of our nation.
We stand united with those who demand the end of structural racism and join together to begin the work of dismantling it.
We stand united and committed to moving forward with those who work to bring about equal opportunities and supports for all children and families.
We are engaged in these difficult and necessary conversations to promote change. The staff and Board of PAVE are reflecting and assessing our outcomes to address the impact of racism on children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs and their families. We will listen and no longer be silent.
We gratefully acknowledge and thank our national network,
