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Notes -
I can testify there to the case of one of my own family members, who was sick as a child and benefited from such programs, he teetered on the verge of dropping off society because of difficulties caused by his impairment, but managed to remain on the good side of things and now holds a respectable job that he enjoys and is good at.
His parents' valiant efforts should get most of the credit, but I do think total academic failure would have pushed him over the line, and into drugs and crime.
I can also say that I have seen people exploit the system in sometimes disgusting ways, but people whom these things truly help exist, and I know so.
Fake special needs people exist and are a problem, perhaps too much of a problem for these programs to continue existing as they do, but real special needs people also exist, and dealing with them can sadly be a nightmare for everyone involved if the system is too rigid.
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