The most important lesson I received from my special education teachers was self-advocacy.

WHITEHOUSE: After Helen Keller: Empowering Students with Disabilities | The White House

Enough teaching staff, including special education teachers, will have to remain on the job for the schools to remain accredited and for there to be a credible full school year of education.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

It means boosting the number -- the numbers of quality teachers who can help our special education and English language learners meet high standards -- and you've done that here at Wright, so congratulations on that. (Applause.) It means improving instruction in science, technology, reading, math, and ensuring that more women and people of color are doing well in those subjects. (Applause.) So that's the second -- the second factor.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Announces $4 Billion Investment in Education | The White House

Then the recession hit, and the DOE ordered a hiring freeze, allowing principals to hire only teachers in certain areas, such as special education.

WSJ: Data Shows Teachers Stay in Job Longer

When unable to find solutions in their local communities, teachers and families tap into national networks like the Office of Special Education Programs, the Helen Keller National Center, Perkins, and the National Federation of the Blind.

WHITEHOUSE: After Helen Keller: Empowering Students with Disabilities | The White House

The specialist teachers affected by the changes run support groups, looking after children with less complex special needs in mainstream education.

BBC: Teachers call for 'reversal' of special needs decision