Year: 1994 - 95 AGM December 1, 1994 - SSAAM

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor
The conviction and sentencing of Robert
Latimer for the murder of his daughter,
Tracy, has attracted considerable attention
and sparked much debate. Response has
ranged from demonstrations of moral and
financial support to condemnation of Mr.
Latimer's actions and our justice system.
White we may each have our own views on
the issue of •mercy* killing, ft appears as if
we may have missed the underlying issue
entirely.
We have missed the cry for help that Mr.
Latimer's actions symbolize by attempting to
assign the blame to him or the judicial
system. A similar cry went unanswered
several years ago when a terminally HI man
in Flin Fton, Manitoba kHted his
handicapped son and himself. theory
came again just this week when a woman in
Hamilton, Ontario killed herself and her
disabled son. It is time we take notice! It is
time we heed their cry!
We have closed many institutions and have
welcomed people with disabilities into our
communities. They have become part of
our community and we have grown in our
understanding and appreciation. They are
our neighbours, co-workers, and friends,
and no one denies them this, their rightful
place. We applaud technological advances
that enhance the quality of life for
individuals with disabilities, and the miracles
of modem medicine that are increasingly
abte to protect and prolong even the most
fragile existence. Children with serious
lifelong disabilities are surviving well into
adulthood, and fewer are placed in
institutions. This speaks well of our society,
and I would be the last to take issue with
our progress. I wonder, though, if we aren't
just a bit too smug?
Over the years, my work has brought me
into close contact with children with
serious disabilities, and face to face with
the reality that their parents live with
each day. White we congratulate
ourselves on our inclusive communities,
the parents of children with serious
disabilities often pay the price. Home
programs to address physical, medical,
developmental, educational, and daily
living needs are recommended by
therapists, child development
specialists, and medical practitioners.
Some respite care is usually available
and all children can attend public
school, but, for the most part, the
parents do the hard work! If the child's
condition does not improve or
deteriorates, parents usually feel
responsible. For many of these parents
it is a job that does not end. For some a
Irving arrangement other than the family
home will not be available for their adult
son or daughter until a crisis develops
and the parents are no longer able to
provide care.
These parents, almost without
exception, willingly accept this rote.
They know that they provide their
children with a better quality of life than
any institution possibly could. They love
their children, and they put that love into
action every day. They do no complain,
and we fal to realize the price they pay!
What of their quafity of life? What is It
like for them personally? As a coupte?
As parents to their other children? It
takes a heavy toJ, and occasionally one
of them wifl cry for help. WiDwehear
their cry? Wifl we hear in time?
Sometimes, as we have seen, their cries
have tragic consequences!
When win we see past the events to the
underlying issues? When will we put a stop
to this inexcusable down-loading? When
wiH the money saved from downsizing
institutions be transferred to our
communities? Existing community supports
and resources are clearly insufficient to
meet the needs of our most severely
disabled children living at home. The need
is even more urgent as costs increase,
dollars shrink, and budgets are reduced.
These families need and deserve more than
our good intentions and lofty ideals.
We, as a society, must stop scapegoating
these parents. They did not choose to have
a child with disabilities. Their dreams for
their child were as magnificent as yours and
mine. It is enough that they are willing to
carry on and to find new hopes for their
child. We must now be willing to take our
share of responsibility. If we truly want
people with disabilities to be part of our
communities we must be willing to provide
adequate supports. "Welcome Home' must
be more than a catchy slogan! it is time to
heed the cry!
Sincerely,
Bonnte E. Theissen
Wden, MB
VIDEO: About Us: Adults with Learning
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Available for $25.00 from:
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Ottawa, ON K1N7Z2
(613) 238-5721 Fax 235-5391
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