Short on specifics, parents of special needs kids seek answers from Palin

The NY Times has an article about the divided reaction of parents of special needs kids to Palin.

What the article reveals, which those of us who know parents of kids with disabilities are aware of, is that many parents are looking for specifics from Palin and are searching her record to see if her promise to be an advocate and friend if elected translates into any form of help. They deal with IEP programs and struggles with accessing services and programs for their kids, which she has not yet. They are wary of promises and words, and seek solutions to everyday problems.

One mother asks if Palin intends to do anything about the long Medicaid wait lists or work quickly to pass legislation. Another notes that Palin's state of Alaska has pending lawsuits alleging inadequate services and funding for children with autism.

The wait lists for services for the developmentally disabled in a number of states are so long that many families are suffering. Older parents who can no longer care for their children have placed videos on YouTube about the length of their wait, hoping to garner attention to their cause. A sibling in Maryland talks about her 13 year old sister Caroline, whose level of care requires almost constant support in this video.


Sometimes other family members face health issues of their own and require these programs.


The numbers on the waiting lists are staggering - and that's just one issue for which parents seek answers.

Other issues that concern parents include funding for IDEA and funding for early developmental services and programs.

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I'd like to highlight Patricia Bauer's FAQ on Palin, Down syndrome, and policy that I saw over at Disability Studies, Temple U and which should be passed along as much as possible considering its excellent content.

Also see Memo to Governor Palin over at Disability Studies, Temple U.