MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — After this year's legislative session, programs for disabled kids in Washington schools received a $365 million boost over the next two years.
One way a school district in Mount Vernon is getting creative with those funds is by encouraging their special education students to do just that: get creative.
Diana Rivera-Ortiz is a senior at Mount Vernon High School.
“She wants to communicate,” said Claudia Rivera, her older sister.
But Diana has Down syndrome, and it’s hindered her ability to communicate recently.
"It’s shocking to us how non-verbal she’s become," said Rivera. "She used to talk so much more before. My parents got a divorce, and I feel like that kind of got to her.”
Diana uses a touch-voice tablet to communicate. The device was provided to her by the school district and she is allowed to take it home.
"Welcome to the mariachi concert," said Diana via tablet.
Mount Vernon High School has an adaptive mariachi program for students in special education. In the program, she does folklórico dance, sings and plays guitar.
"Do you like playing music with the guitar?" her teacher asked. "Yes," Diana responded via tablet.
Her family said she loves performing, and it's become another avenue for her to express herself. The mariachi class, her sister says, has contributed to her confidence and skill in that area.
"Music is a big part a big part of Diana's life," Rivera said.
Ramon Rivera, who leads the Mount Vernon Mariachi, was able to purchase adaptive instruments and equipment to make playing and dancing more accessible.
That money, he said, "comes from the school district," adding, "They believe in inclusion.”
He continued, "I told him I need adaptive guitars, I need them with Guitar Buddies, I need adaptive skirts. They have adaptive skirts to dance with.”
Diana’s family said she is now turning to music to communicate, even back at home.
"That's how we know how she's feeling that day, because, depending on the type of music she plays," said Diana's sister.
Her family, she said, is incredibly grateful for the program.
"A lot of kids with disabilities often get put to the side or are judged, and I like to see the extra help that she gets in class, and how included she is in there," said Claudia Rivera.
"I put them in the front," added Ramon Rivera.
And they seem to appreciate that about their teacher.
"My favorite teacher," said student Jenny Garcia, forming her hands into the shape of a heart.
As all the kids get ready for an end-of-year performance, Diana said she's ready to show the world what she’s learned.
“My name is Diana," she said via tablet. "Thank you for coming to the mariachi concert."