My son Zeke is 12. He has autism. Although he is nearly as big as I am, I still see that sweet baby I put on the bus when he was 3. Being a teacher, I knew I had to put aside my fear and anxiety, wipe off the tears and send him. All the research indicated that well-structured educational interventions were his best hope for a functional future.

Zeke is loving, kind, smart and funny. Because of his disability he has special needs which can be frustrating and challenging. But the very least, he’s worth knowing.

I just can’t understand why it is that no matter how hard I have tried, he has never been allowed to participate in the after-school programs at his school or in the programs at YMCA facilities.

Before living in Vicksburg, he spent his summers with other children — swimming, laughing and playing chase. He didn’t always know how to interact socially, but at least he was given the opportunity to learn from his normal-functioning peers and they were given a chance to understand that all people are of value.

I have notified the superintendent and director of special education and federal programs about this discrimination for four years. I have been given every excuse why Zeke can’t attend.

The YMCA originally told me that he could come — if I provided him with a one-to-one aide who I must train, supervise and provide liability insurance.

Since living in this school district, every time that I have tried to provide my child with a chance to participate in his community, the excuse has been that the program is not set up for kids like Zeke.

As an educator, it has always been my understanding that we set up our classrooms, schools and community programs to meet the needs of all our children, not just those who are the easiest to serve.

Tammy Hosemann

Vicksburg