Monday, April 10, 2006
Share and Share Alike
I've got an essay called "Share and Share Alike" up today, over at Ragged Edge. It was written in response to the New York Times article last week, titled "Siblings of Disabled Have their Own Troubles" --see the commentary on this story at Edge-Centric, too. I don't often write about my own kids on blogs, DS,TU readers may have noticed; but this subject really required the personal approach.
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As the sister of a woman with Asperger's syndrome I read the recent New York Times article with nodding familiarity. I remember my growing awareness of my sister Beth's difference (she was 5 years older than me) the kids who teased her, our mother's struggles to get her the education she needed (mainstreaming was critical for her high intelligence, even though it was very difficult for her socially), and the ways I alternated between being her defender and wanting to slink into a corner and change my last name.
The access issues you highlight which make it possible for the whole family to go places, and therefore benefit both of your children are improving since we were kids together.
The long-term issues with support of disabled people are also critical for siblings because if all the burden of medical costs, housing those who cannot work or whose work does not pay a living wage, and other required care is placed on families, there is less available for other things that any family member might need, and long-term, once parents are gone it is siblings who are left to look out for eath other.
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