In Parma, the local program "City of Safety" unexpectedly became a focal point of a fight for inclusion when local resident Shannon Check posed a simple yet profound question: why can't her son Jackson, diagnosed with ADHD, fully participate in a program designed to teach preschoolers basic safety rules? This story, unfolding against the backdrop of a typical American small town, highlights a broader national issue: how communities can ensure access to educational programs for children with special needs.
The "City of Safety" program, launched this summer with a budget of $40,000, aims to teach 200 preschool children in Parma the basics of safety — from fire safety to rules for interacting with strangers and calling 911. Over ten sessions held from July to August, children soon to start kindergarten learn skills that can save lives. Participation in the program is voluntary but requires confirmation of kindergarten enrollment for fall 2025, proof of residence in Parma, and a $25 fee. For many families, like the Cheks, this seemed an ideal opportunity to prepare their child for this new stage of life.
However, for Shannon Check, the path to her son Jackson's participation proved difficult. "I tried to sign him up for 'City of Safety,' but was told that he needed an aide," Check told me, her voice trembling with disappointment. "I couldn't provide an aide, and I couldn't be one myself, so Jackson was left out of the program." Her inquiry to the Parma Safety Department in June met a cold response from Director Bob Curry: the program lacks the resources or personnel to support children with special needs.
"It broke my heart," Check admitted. "When you’re told that your child can’t participate because her needs aren't considered, it’s like saying she’s less important." Her words reflect the pain familiar to many parents of children with special needs who face systemic barriers in educational and community programs.
City's Response: A Step Toward Change
After Check’s persistent letter, Parma began reviewing its policies. Bob Curry, Director of the Safety Department, acknowledged the program's limitations but emphasized that "'City of Safety' is open to all children who meet the requirements." "It’s our first year, and we've already seen children with developmental delays in sessions," he told this publication. "But for those who need individual support, we ask parents or guardians to be present to ensure safety and the quality of learning."
According to Curry, this approach aligns with practices in other community programs, but he also admitted it isn't enough. Following public attention prompted by Check’s complaint, the city announced plans to make "City of Safety" more inclusive. Starting in summer 2026, Parma will collaborate with the Cayuga County Developmental Disabilities Council to adapt the program to meet the needs of children with diverse abilities. Planned changes include:
Curriculum Updates: adapting materials for children with developmental delays.
Inclusive Communication: updating the website and registration materials to emphasize the program’s accessibility.
Staff Training: additional training for instructors to better support children with special needs.
"We aim to make 'City of Safety' a safe and educational experience for every child," Curry assured. These changes, he said, are part of a broader goal to make Parma a model of inclusivity for other small towns.
Parents’ Voice: A Fight for Inclusion
For Shannon Check, these commitments are more than just words. "It’s music to my ears," she said, smiling through a phone. "But I know it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t insisted. If you don’t fight for your child, who will?" Her persistence exemplifies how individual actions can lead to systemic change, but also underscores the heavy burden often placed on parents.
The issue Check faced is not unique to Parma. Across the country, many public education programs lack funding or training to work with children with special needs, leaving families to struggle for access to opportunities others take for granted. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2023 about 15% of school-aged children in the U.S. had some form of developmental disability, yet only a third of community programs reported full readiness to support them.
Looking to the Future
Activities in "City of Safety" will continue until August 7, and Jackson Check, thanks to his mother’s persistence, is among the participants. But the broader significance of this story goes beyond one summer or one town. Parma may have inadvertently become an example of how communities can respond to the challenges of inclusion — not only by acknowledging shortcomings but by taking concrete steps to address them.
For Check, this victory is just the beginning. "I want Jackson and all children like him to feel valued," she said. "If we keep talking, keep insisting, we can change the situation not only for our children but for everyone."
