|
|
||
Virginia needs more support services for those with disabilities Date published: 8/22/2006
THE FREE LANCE-STAR printed two letters in recent weeks by Charles Cooper ["Hands reach out to lift up a Down child and his family," Aug. 12] and Lynn Miller ["Just two more years, then what's to become of Megan?" July 25] about transitioning and support for people with disabilities. The paper also included an article about SNAP--the Special Needs Advocacy Program, created by Renata Thomas ["SNAP helps struggling parents," Aug. 8]. While I am happy to see the needs of people with disabilities addressed by The Free Lance-Star and Ms. Thomas, clarification on some of the issues should be addressed. Ms. Thomas states that people with disabilities are "special." As the mother of two children, one with disabilities, I believe both of my children are special. Having a disability does not make someone "special," and the "pat 'em on the head, they're special" attitude feeds into the stereotype that people with disabilities need to be taken care of. It does little to promote the fact that people with disabilities are an equal part of our community. Mr. Cooper's letter depicts how people with disabilities are contributing members of our community. His 48-year-old-son who has Down syndrome works at Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, his son's work success is not often the case for many with disabilities, as illustrated by Ms. Miller's letter about her daughter Megan. After many years and dollars poured into her education, Megan will be leaving school to sit at home, isolated from her community due to lack of support services in our state and local area--and, presumably, a lack of an appropriate transition plan to life after high school. Transitioning--the process of preparing for life after school--can be difficult for any child, but it can be much harder for those with disabilities. Transitioning for kids without disabilities begins with the change from middle to high school, around age 14. It includes planning for classes that in the long term will lead to college, employment, and independent living, and they participate in extracurricular activities and sports for socialization and recreation. Transitioning for kids with disabilities, by law, must begin by age 16--two years later than their peers. It can begin earlier, and should be done earlier, so children like Megan are not left behind.
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
||||||||||||
