Comments on: Special Needs React To Palin Promise

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:50:50 +0000

As a parent of an adopted child with Cerebral Palsy, I am thrilled about the McCain/Palin ticket! Does Sarah understand all of the issues about what being a “special needs family” is yet? No, not completely…but neither did any other special needs families when they began their journey. She will come to comprehend the issues over the next 4 years…her first 4 years as Vice President of the United States. What I appreciate is that she and John McCain are so driven to put special needs families in their platform each and every day. THAT, my friends is something we have never had the luxury of having before. Now, the comments alluding to the “photo op” is simply ridiculous. Those of us living every day with kids with challenges knows that nobody wants or asks to be in our position as a parent of a special needs child. Further, as a voting block, special needs families aren’t exactly going to further the McCain/Palin ticket! Sounds like some very bitter people to me.

By: Sheryl

Sheryl — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:38:56 +0000

I am absolutely thrilled to see Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket! She is intelligent, feisty, ambitious, dedicated, and she’s a Real Mom! She has a genuine understanding of many of the concerns of parents with special needs children. I have been an advocate for special needs children in our community and in the public schools for many years. As a neonatal ICU nurse, I have seen infants with a wide array of disabilities. My heart goes out to those parents as they struggle to meet challenges they could not have anticipated. It is sometimes disconcerting to imagine how difficult it must be for many parents to support these special children in terms of their financial. medical, and educational needs. I am also the mother of three children, two that have special needs. My youngest is Autistic; he was diagnosed 14 years ago when there was little attention brought forth on this issue. I really had to be a “maverick” in my community to increase awareness and make changes happen to help my son, AND all those that came after him…. I don’t have to tell you about the current statistics on Autism! It is in all of our best interests to support the McCain/Palin ticket on many levels. A fiesty, dedicated voice in Washington from a woman who can personally relate to the needs of our children has my attention!!

By: Chrissy Evans

Chrissy Evans — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:01:46 +0000

I see a lot of attacks on Sarah Plain from special needs parents. So my question to them is - what do you think Barack Obama will do differently for special education and special needs funding?

By: Laura Temple

Laura Temple — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:59:11 +0000

Christina said it well, “I don’t want my child to be favored, just protected.” That’s my son & I in the photo in the above article ‘Have a Little Patience’, and I feel as Christina does, and have had the same concern as Heather expressed, “She (Palin) may have the ability to relate to parents with special needs but does she have the ability to do something about it?”
I have come to believe Palin is the right person, matched with McCain (who co-sponsored the Combating Autism Act [S.843], in which Early Detection programs, increased research funding, etc were laid out then. This “plan” Lisa refers to above is a weak repeat of that Act. E.g., “work together” (S.843 was a bipartisan act); “support universal screening” (in the act), “fully fund” (ah, here’s the battle ground, special INTERESTS issue), etc.
What concerns me is when you couple this with Obama’s participation in another bill. Research is greatly needed, but there is a double-edge to this dangerous sword. Stephen Mendelsohn put it sucinctly on Autism Vox:
“Obama’s position on disabled newborns contrasts sharply with the example of McCain’s VP choice Sarah Palin, who walks the walk and does not merely talk the talk here. The first right people with disabilities are entitled to is the right to live, at both ends of the lifespan, and a candidate who thinks that defending the sanctity of our lives from eugenicists is “above [his] pay grade” is manifestly unfit to be promoted to President of the United States.
When researchers one day find specific genes for autism, which candidate would be more likely to oppose eugenic elimination of autistics?”
ISSUES (and indeed they are supposed to be “issues”, and not “special interests”) abound. Obama’s autism “plan” also includes providing more of the $$$ for treatment to go thru the schools. I hope NOT. The schools barely provide 5% of my son’s program, and even less for my other special needs kids, and what we get is a struggle. That’s not to reflect negatively on those who are and have been helpful; but overall the school meets such a small part of his needs. Indeed, it is the PARENTS who need to be empowered to help their children through ACCESS to services that are arranged according to our childrens’ needs. Autism is an amazing disability which manifests uniquely in each child. Special Needs parents have had to face more than enough experts whose advice addresses a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole thing; it takes PARENTS to assess what their children need most because we live with them and we educate ourselves to THEIR needs. Indeed, it’s an issue where health care and education intersect, but to place that in the hands of the educational system which is already failing the TYPICAL children, we’re looking at a disaster for our special needs kids.
I want PALIN looking over the shoulder of Congress as VP and President of the Senate, she’s been closest to the PEOPLE and to their real cares, interests and needs than ANY other candidate. We’ll finally have a real person Inside for a change!

By: Christopher A

Christopher A — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:03:33 +0000

I am dad to a young son who has autism. I am excited with the choice of Sarah Palin. Gov. Palin tripled the special ed budget here in Alaska. She will fight for the rights of our kids.

By: Jessica Leving

Jessica Leving — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:57:22 +0000

Sarah Palin is NOT a friend of the special needs community. CNN reported that in Alaska, she cut the yearly budget for special needs funding by 62 percent. The statements and promises made by the McCain-Palin campaign are based in lies, and they are nothing but a slimy, disgusting way to lure the support of vulnerable families who will change their vote in a heartbeat if they think it means someone will help their children.

By: VictoriaB

VictoriaB — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:00:05 +0000

Thank you for submitting this article to the first edition of the Modern Families Blog Carnival.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:27:16 +0000

While it’s understandable to think “Gee, I’m sure she’s going to do something for us– I sure would if I were in that role”– let’s stop that silly chatter right now. Those of us out here on our own loving and caring for those with disabilities know darn well what’s happening: a “grasping at straws” for many folks who see limited value to this women as VP, yet are desperate to hang their collective hats on something-anything-which would allow them to stomach her a bit better. News Flash: It’s insulting to us to have our kids and families used this way.
You want to do something good for people with disabilities? We don’t need or want your sympathy based on some “awe, look how cute Palin looks on stage with that baby”. We need your VOTES. Find out who has consistently, single-mindedly championed rights for the disabled for years and years. Look into the candidates’ EXPERIENCE with things like medicaid for the disabled; IDEA funding to educate our kids; SCHIP voting histories; PLANS for a healthcare plan that will most benefit our babies so they can get the therapy they need to speak, walk and hold a pencil to write their names. Ever try to get private insurance for an autistic child? News flash for McCain and Palin: My child is not a “pre-existing condition”– she is a citizen of this country, and you have no right to discriminate against her. We know you do not support BANNING discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. But your opponent does. Period. Have an autistic child? Did you know that Palin’s sister’s child is autistic– what, exactly, did Palin do for autistics in Alaska? What do Alaskan disability groups have to say about her– is she a champion? Lots of warm and fuzzy? No? Perhaps you should check out Obama’s website, because not only does he have a plan to help your child, he is also the only candidate I’ve seen to date who knows what the heck autistic spectrum disorders are, and has a position statement on it!! Give me a civil rights lawyer anyday to get some of those for my child.
Your vote is the most powerful tool you have to help the disabled in this country. If you’re note willing to use it to help us, please get out of the way and stop influencing others who might if they knew the truth. Vote the issues in November– and not the photo op. (Note to McCain/Palin: The term is special “needs”– not special interests.)

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:14:35 +0000

She may have the ability to relate to parents with special needs but does she have the ability to do something about it?

By: Charlene Port

Charlene Port — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:37:41 +0000

I am the mother of 4 children two with autism. My 10 year old son James was denied public school in southern Colorado. I see Sarah Palin as a fake. I dont buy any of her lies what so ever. Hilary Clinton is a 180 degree turn from Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin forced rape victims to pay for there own tests in Wasilla. As governor of Alaska she not only committed fraud by claiming per diem while staying at home, she also vetoed over $275,000 in special olympics funding. Sarah Palin is a fraud and doesnt have my child at her best interest.