We all know that I read a lot of blogs. I read them to see what other bloggers are writing. I also read them to see the types of comments people make about them. Today, while I was blog trawling, I came across the following comment relating to educating kids with disabilities in America.
‘Why do we even bother paying for education for these kids?’ wrote a commenter named Lilly. ‘Their parents chose to have kids and now their disability and special needs amount to a rise in taxes. Their parents just get a lawyer and fight and fight until the school district ends up paying for special programs. Why? Why not divert the funds for gifted and talented students instead of kids who will need societal support their whole life.’
I shouldn’t care. It’s just one person’s opinion. But I’m human and I can’t resist. This would be my response to such an opinion …
Dearest Lilly,
We, the community, society, the world at large, educate people because everyone has potential. No one can ever be certain how a diagnosis of a disability will impact on a person’s life in the long run.
When I was first diagnosed, in the first two years of life, my parents were told I would achieve nothing and do nothing for myself, not even talk. I then went on to complete a mainstream high school and tertiary education. Who are you, or anyone, to say who is worthy of a chance and who is not?
As I am employed, I also pay taxes and would rather that money go towards someone’s education than some of the other things governments have been known to fund.
You speak of people with disabilities using words such as ‘these’ and ‘their’ - divisive words which imply you view such people as different to yourself. No doubt it would make you uncomfortable to realise just how easily you, or any of your children, could incur a disability. Chances are you, your family, or someone you know does. Even wearing glasses can be considered a vision impairment.
While parents may plan a pregnancy, no parent in the universe would, as you imply, choose for their child to have a disability. Having a child is not like choosing a pet. No one is perfect. We all have imperfections, be they physical or the result of a narrow outlook on the world.
Don’t worry; we won’t relegate you to the rubbish heap just yet. Everyone deserves a chance. I hear it’s why the Constitution was written.
23 October 2009
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