NC’s childcare crisis disproportionately affects disabled kids. A lawmaker says it’s time for change

North Carolina is facing a significant childcare crisis that particularly impacts families with disabled children, as highlighted by Zack Hawkins, a father of two children with autism. Hawkins and other parents have found it extremely challenging to secure suitable childcare options, often relying on inclusive summer programs and private at-home caregivers. A local lawmaker is advocating for systemic changes to address these disparities, underscoring the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible childcare services. This issue matters because it reveals broader systemic inequities and highlights the urgent requirement for policies that support families with special needs.