As a family with a child who has “special” needs, this pandemic holds a lot more hurdles and fears for us.
First, while Hannah technically does not have an immunocompromised diagnosis, she tends to catch viruses much easier and they last a lot longer. As soon as our schools closed, I put our family on lockdown. We ONLY go out for food and TP - if we can even find it. My daughter has been in the hospital enough over the past (near) six years, I refuse to even give this virus a chance.
Folded into that point, did you know the ethical and social equality issues that lie in WHO gets life-saving treatment? “The plans struggle to address a range of ethical issues, and also matters of social equality. People with underlying medical problems may get ranked lower, yet low-income people and people of color often have more health problems because they cannot afford top-notch care.”
Washington, Alabama, and Louisiana all have guidelines that may exclude patients with dementia, AIDS, underlying health issues, or people with severe cognitive delays. It’s terrifying that someone with Down syndrome has the potential to be denied life-saving services because they aren’t deemed worth saving. I am thankful Trump has stepped in and said disability should not be a reason to deny virus care.
Finally, while ALL kids have been thrown in the deep end and parents left to fill in teaching roles, a lot of students on IEPs now lack their weekly interventions; occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. I am grateful our preschool has scrambled to get teletherapy in order; we now have weekly video chats with Hannah’s therapists. We bought a printer and have supplies and tools to help Hannah keep her tasks up to date. However, we still have to carve out the time because Tim and I both STILL HAVE TO WORK - THANKFULLY. Grateful beyond belief for our jobs.
So many of us parents feel stretched thin. Especially those with kids who had extra support. Be gentle with us.
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