I have raised my mentally retarded son for 23 years.  I have struggled to provide income for our two lifetimes, knowing that some day he will be alone and he cannot do math.

In the last 4 years, under the Bush regieme, I have watched with increasing dismay as massive amounts of money have been transferred to the richest americans and as more and more middle class households slip below the poverty line. For every household going under, I slip closer and closer to their falling off point.  I went back to school and got both a B.S and an M.S. and that is still not enough to earn me a place in the Republican world.

I don't want to continue living here if the country actually elects Mr. Bush for the first time because I've already seen my savings and income erode under their policies.

But where do I go?  How can I protect what little I have amassed for my son's future in a country that respects no one and reaches out to our most vulnerable citizens only under duress?

Aging Virginia Mom

Hi Virginia mom!
I too have a daughter with retardation, and other disabilities. She's 17. And over the last few years I have seen services cut, especially in school!!! So much for No Child Left Behind! Bush doesn't care about them, this is so obvious! He doesn't care about anyone that's not in his 'have and have more' group, so how could he care about children with special needs.

Do you receive benefits for him under title 19? There was some great legislation that was passed during the Clinton administration. In Az there are programs, altho you have to do the asking, no one will tell you. But alot of these programs have had funds cut, so they are struggling.

Other than that, I don't have answers. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, and I know how you feel.

Jill

Hi Jil....had lots to do yesterday so didn't get back to this board.

I know nothing about title 19.  Here in Virginia my son as a job coach and we get tons of letters every day from social security.  One of my great frustrations is that social security, under which he gets ssi and medicaid, conducts a monthly reconcilation of his earnings.  This is bad for a number of reasons,

1 - His income varies but usually never goes above $700. This means that the monthly reconciliation is an adjustment of only a few dollars.

2 - He cannot understand the 7 page letter that comes explaining this minor adjustment.  Sending it 12 times a year rather than once a year will not make it clearer to him

3 - Montly reconciliations are extremely costly and labor intenstive.  My son was "proclaimed" disabled with a permanent disability.  Therefore, what is the advantage to either him or the social security system to conduct income reviews monthly?  There is little or no expectation that his income will suddenly increase and a bi-annual or annual review would save money, stress, and reduce the amount of indecipherable paperwork he will deal with.

I've thought about this so much.  It isn't just Mr. Bush who doesn't care.  The people of the US give lip service to helping the most vulnerable citizens, but they are much more interested in getting theirs before anyone else can get it.

Va. Mom

I am a future step-mom of a 23 year old boy with smith lemli optiz syndrome. He has the mind of about a 4 year old. He still asks to be tucked into bed,loves superman, and calls girls he thinks are pretty " dolls"...lol.
We have seen programs for "forever children" like him repeatedly cut over the years, and we donate to his care facility often. We include Christmas gifts for the kids who's parents have given custody of them to the state,and send along movies and treats periodically all year long.
I'm amazed at how anyone can leave these kids behind,polictically or otherwise. They may not vote, but I will certainly be casting my ballot on their behalf this year.
I'm not especially religious, but I am a woman of faith, so the verse comes to mind " what you do for the least of you... you do for me" ( I know thats not exact).
So, funding has been cut from research, children are not recieving basic health care, and Mr. Bush thinks all is well? Since he enjoys vacationing so much, lets retire him!
I myself have Cerebral Palsy, but I've worked my entire life, and I'm currently going to college and doing volunteer work.
Now, all I ask is that my future stepson and millions of other Americans such as yourselves are represented and heard.
I believe we need a strong military, but just imagine...what conditions and diseases could have been cured or improved with the amount of money that is being poured into the war? I know 9/11 changed everything, but there should be some middle ground here.
For now, my main concern is if I can sit down while I cast my ballot. Everything else comes in time. I hope my vote is counted and not thrown away, for I am voting for myself, my stepson, and everyone else who cannot shout from the rooftops.

I need your help on this thread..
The democratic headquarters here in Phx wants me to write a letter to the editor about this very subject.  If any of you can give me some specific ways you or your child have been effected during this administration, I will include it in my letter.

Thanks so much!

Jill

Jill,

You have written very well, explaining about your daughter.  I think you have your letter.  I would like to recommend that you place extra emphasis on the cut in Special Education funds.  Students with retardation, as well as other disabilities, are able to learn...and they can be so productive. 

When Mr. Bush, and the Republicans, underfunded No Child Left Behind, the states, and in turn the districts, had to make up the money for the mandates included in the bill.

How did they do it?  They had to cut their staffs, teachers and teachers' aides.  When aides are cut from a special education program, it creates a situation where teachers are merely baby sitting. It is so difficult to work, on an individual basis, with each child. 

It is unfair to the teachers who want to teach.  But more importantly, it is unfair to these precious children, who have the capacity to learn, but are relegated to coloring pictures.

God bless you, Jill, Va Mom and Weeza.  You have a voice that needs to be heard.

Sincerely,
Jo