disabled parents – mamasmunchkin

Before becoming pregnant with my son, I’d researched and contemplated having a child. Most people tried to discourage me, or said I’d be a burden to him or her. Some told me, and tell me, even today, I should tell him I’m disabled. I don’t make a big deal about it and won’t tell him because I don’t think it matters. I take care of him and love him and am his mom. Those are the most important things, also, in the long run, he’ll know but, again, it doesn’t matter.

I’d heard about a little girl who signed her Christmas play for her parents, who happen to be deaf. At the risk of sounding corny, this is one of the most loving things she could do for them. It allows them the opportunity to fully participate in her extra-curricular activities despite their limitations.

This is just an example of children showing they love their parents despite their limitations. For this reason, I don’t feel like disabled parents are burdens on their children, or that as a disabled person, you don’t have a right to have a child just because you’re disabled.

The last example I have of this is Shemar Moore from “Criminal Minds”. His mother has Multiple Sclerosis. He’s constantly trying to raise awareness about M.S. and make his mom’s life the best it can be. No matter what level of ability the parent has, the child will love them either way.

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One of my favorite things to do is go with my son to the playground. We’re very lucky that one of his mom’s friends doesn’t live too far and picks us up every week so that he can go and have some fun with his friends. As a child, I remember going to the park in Brooklyn and playing on the swings but, not much else. I also had a swing set at home and my friends used to come to my house and play for a little while when they could.

Last week, it occurred to me that most places don’t have accessible playgrounds where everyone has the opportunity not only to play but also interact with each other. Then, I heard something on the radio about accessible playgrounds so, I did a bit of research. There are some playgrounds in different parts of the country that are specifically constructed for kids with disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public places, like public playgrounds be accessible, these modifications only need to be made to playgrounds already in existence if they’re undergoing renovations. Accessibility of playgrounds also applies to those playgrounds being newly constructed.

Then, another thought occurred to me. Accessible playgrounds allow for disabled parents to play at the playground with their kids too. That’s a wonderful idea since some of the best memories we have as kids are the times we spend having fun with our parents.

What do you think about the idea of an accessible playground?

To find out more information, you can go to:

http://www.npr.org/2013/08/27/213827534/for-kids-with-special-needs-more-places-to-play

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Tag: disabled parents

Christmas 2013

Accessible Playgrounds