MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT PARENTS

MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT PARENTS

Future Reflections Fall 1991
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MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT PARENTS
Editor's Note: I came across this gem when I participated in a NFB seminar for

parents of blind children in Pennsylvania. One of the speakers had it available

as a handout. According to the copy I picked up, it was reprinted from The

Speaker, newsletter of Sequin Retarded Citizens Association.

Myths about participation of parents of persons with developmental

disabilities in the decision-making process:

* Myth: Parents are too emotional.

* Reality: Because of their life experiences, those parents who choose to

participate in the decision-making process are almost always realistic and

knowledgeable.

* Myth: Parents are too closely involved.

*Reality: It is precisely because parents are so involved that they can be

effective in the decision-making process. They learn the system out of necessity

and so can help shape policy and services from a 24-hour practical needs

assessment.

* Myth: Parents always want more.
* Reality: Parents want some control over the lives of their children who are

disabled. They only want for their children what the law says they are entitled

to have.

* Myth: Parents have no understanding or appreciation of funding problems.

* Reality: Parents are taxpayers as well and as such do not want to increase

spending unnecessarily or irresponsibly. Frequently they are more sensitive to

unneeded expenditures for low priority programs.

* Myth: Parents are troublemakers.

* Reality: Taking part in decisions that affect the lives of family members is

being responsible, not trouble-making.

* Myth: Parents expect too much.
* Reality: Parents are acutely aware that good programs and an array of services

can maximize their children's potential. Approaching that goal for people with

special needs is cost-effective since the more independent they [the children]

can become, the less service will be needed.
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