VP pick excites families of people with Down syndrome
August 30th, 2008Analyzing McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin for his running mate, the Cape Cod Times gets the scoop on Down syndrome from people in a position to know: parents and members of support groups for people with Down syndrome.
While parents of children with Down syndrome face challenges, increased awareness and improved intervention have made it possible for affected children to enjoy fulfilling lives, said Michelle Corcoran. She said her 14-year-old son, Billy, is experiencing academic success as part of integrated science and social studies classes at Barnstable Middle School.
Like Palin, Corcoran was aware before the birth of her son that he would have Down syndrome. Corcoran’s doctor told her that “this is the time to have a child with Down syndrome” because of the advances in treatment and understanding of the condition, she said.
Palin’s potential elevation to vice president could be a boon for awareness about Down syndrome, Corcoran and others said.
“I think people are very excited to hear of her candidacy and primarily hoping that this brings more awareness to Down syndrome,” said Maureen Gallagher, executive director of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
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September 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
@ Marie,
You don’t have to like Sarah Palin because she has a baby who has Downy Syndrome.
But, I think you have to admire her based on the fact that she and her husband received a pre-natal diagnosis.
Far too many people would have opted to terminate given that news.
I think it says a lot about the kind of people they are and they certainly have my respect.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Just because Sarah Palin has a son w/Down syndrome,and I have a son w/Down syndrome, I’m supposed to like her. I don’t think so — she is a Conservative Republican and I’m Democrat (who believes in social justice). It is like telling someone that because there son has dark hair and my son as dark hair, I will really like them. Let’s get real!!!!
Must pro-lifers who voted for our current President- are talking out of both sides of their month! So lets not abort these babies - but are we willing to take care of them once the are born. Let’s look at one piece of legislation the SCHIP. President Bush VETO it. We have spent billions on IRAQ, not to mention all of our soliders who have died and are wounded. WHERE ARE THE PRO-LIFERS NOW??? Don’t raise my taxes!
Now do you believe that McCain/Palin will do what is right?? If John McCain becomes president, he will make the Bush tax cuts for the rich a permanent tax. Making this tax permanent will eliminate a number of programs that are on the books, for people w/disabilities.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Choosing her disgusts me. This is a woman who is completely unqualified to be president. Two weeks ago she admitted in an interview that she doesn’t even know that the VP does. She has ZERO foreign experience. Would you trust this woman to answer the phone at 3AM? She was clearly chosen for political reasons without any concern about what is needed for the country.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:49 am
McCain left his first wife because she was severely disabled by a car accident and was initially in a wheelchair. She lost 4 inches of height and has difficulty walking, but she looks beautiful. But she wasn’t the wife he remembered — this is so ironic since he came back a POW and still receives $58,000 of disability pension per year. Nevertheless, he doesn’t care a lot about other people with disabilities in his responses to people personally and politically. I don’t think his selection of Palin has anything to do with her stance on disability issues.
Obama’s father-in-law is disabled and he has already explicitly stated the need for disability rights in his campaign. Disability issues were also specifically addressed by David Paterson at the Democratic convention.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:34 am
It really is exciting! I was actually interviewed last night by one of Connecticut’s News Stations, the link to the newstory and video are on my blog. Check it out!