Thanks

[Guest guest]

Had to share this article…and say thanks to “All

the Parents That Have Gone Before Me”.

My son turned 10 today J

and there is so much that he has done and will do because of your efforts.

http://www.asw4autism.org/aswnews/news1101.htm#THREE

Autism Society of Wisconsin

Connecting Wisconsin

*November 2001*

The Parents that have Gone Before Us *by Karyn VanRyzin*

In this holiday season we often give gifts to those in our lives that have

done something for our families or us. I realize that I have neglected a

whole group of people that have done very important, wonderful things for

our family and our son . I call this group of people " The Parents

that

have gone before me. " These are the parents that fought to get their

children an education in the public schools. These are the parents that

worked to pass Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so school

districts are mandated to educate children with special needs. I think of

the parents that originally appealed to politicians to get funding for Early

Intervention and Birth to Three. I think of those parents that raised their

children to be a part of their community even though there were no services

to support their efforts. I marvel at the effort and sustained energy it

took for parents to get funding for residential programs for their adult

children. The time and energy this must have taken, especially in a time

when there were no respite services and many children with disabilities

didn't attend school. I'm not talking about a time so long ago. Much of this

has happened in my lifetime (the last 30-35 years.)

How do I thank these people? I thank them by continuing the work they

started. I thank them by making sure that I advocate not just for my child

but also for all individuals with disabilities. I make sure that when they

are no longer able, I will advocate so their adult children continue to have

homes in the communities. When will I thank them? Every time I benefit from

their efforts - I send my child off to school, or use respite services, or

send him to camp, or feel him welcomed into the community. I will thank

them. by using my vote to elect into office those politicians that support

us and vote out those that cut needed funding. I will educate myself whom

these individuals are. I will use my checkbook to support businesses that

provide supported employment to people with disabilities. I will support

agencies and organizations that lobby in the state and federal government.

When I tell myself that I have no time, I will remember those families that

did this without any support.

Now is a critical time in advocating for not just our children but for all

people with disabilities. The political climate is not on our side and

funding is being cut for many programs. If things continue in the current

trend, there will be no residential options for our children, not even group

homes. When the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation says that it doesn't

have money to continue serving it's current clients then what will happen

when our children need their services? Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act is constantly in jeopardy. Get to know your county executive,

get to know your state and national politicians, speak up - so we don't fail

The Parents that have Gone Before Us!

Carol Nigro

Resource Specialist

UM-NSU CARD

Miami Children’s Hospital

Dan Marino Center Branch

2900 S. Commerce Parkway

Weston, FL 33331

cnigro@...

www.umcard.org

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