In a culture that values learning so highly, students with learning disabilities are especially vulnerable. Learning disabilities are certainly a factor in youth leaving Jewish observance. The haredi community has made progress in this area but still lags behind American society. Among Israeli haredim the problem is worse.
I sympathize with school boards that can barely cover present expenses. Asking them to provide special education is a tall order. But neglecting special education has economic costs in the long run, aside from great spiritual costs.
I have seen first hand the great benefits of special education. For many students it is the crucial difference between success and failure. How much is that worth?
The frum community rightly fears outside influences that pull Jews away from Judaism. They go to great lengths to avoid, or at least protect from, these influences. We should be equally afraid of internal factors that push Jews away from Torah. Neglect of special education is one of them.
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