Thursday, July 1, 2010

{WE WILL FIGHT!!}

Sweetest son...Mommy is fighting for you. I don't understand this world we live in, so cruel sometimes that when things get though they immediately think to remove services from you and others who face a challenging life like you.
I am fighting to make sure you have all the same opportunities as the next person. You are special, bright, and deserve a fighting chance. This world is so money focused; we have found that only the super wealthy can get all the services medically they need ALL THE “LATEST” technology. Everything from therapy to special equipment can be a challenge to get for you as we make just over the limit to qualify for help. The cost of raising you has been more than we bargained for and believe me YOU ARE WORTH IT ALL!
In the 50's children like you were labeled Mongoloids and not allowed to attend public school, families were forced to either deal with the situation in the privacy of their own home or they would put their children in institutions they were horrible places medicating to suppress behaviors and not teaching children how to gain their own independence. Some people thought of them to be temporary solutions what the reality was, once checked in most did not get to leave.
My son you will NEVER receive less than our love and support to teach you how to be as independent as you can be. There are many people in this world who achieve much regardless of the disability they may have. You are strong, you are a fighter and so are we. We will not sit back and let life rail road you. You my sweat son will stand out in the crowd. YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR..WE LOVE YOU!!

{Write to your local Legislator}

Dearest Friends,
Currently there is a budget cut proposal that will affect the services our families and children receive.

In response to the budget shortfall, the Governor's Reduction Order has included the reduction or elimination of most services provided to children with developmental disabilities. The Order includes the elimination of all family support, elimination of Long term support for Children with Developmental Disabilities, elimination of PC20 Services, reduction in foster care, residential programs, proctor care, and raising case management ratios to 1 case manager to every 300 children.

The follow is a list of important contacts. I encourage you to send your stories to each of them so they can realize how utterly valuable these services are to each of us and the affects it will have if they are taken away or reduced.

Kathryn Weit
Kweit@ocdd.org or 540 24th Pl NE, Salem, 97301

To find Legislators in your area:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/

Governor Kulongoski160 State Capitol900 Court StreetSalem, Oregon 97301-4047

Resource for you:
GEM Children’s Foundation
http://www.gemchildren.org/
Phone: (503) 409-9502