I am reflecting on what could happen in the future because I believe there is a future for me. I can dream and imagine. It is hard to perceive of the possibility of no future, no hope. Yet, one of my clients is facing that bleakness. She is dying of cancer. Disease is a disability and a terminal disease brings with it many fears, not just of dying, but also of what still must be done. This particular client waited to begin planning for death. Not only did she not have a will or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, but she has a child with a biological father in Florida who has not seen the child in ten years and a step-father who has raised the eleven year old. So, we have been working on a fast adoption. The bad news is that the father who has not seen the child wants the child returned to him. As a consequence, if we cannot get a termination and adoption done while the mother is alive, that father could come to Texas and take the child. Think of it, the child would lose his mother, his younger brother and the only father he has ever known all at one time and be taken from everything and everyone he has ever known. That loss would occur due to a lack of planning.

It is my opinion that the adoption will come through. If not, I have other plans. However, why do we wait? We will all die eventually. A sudden accident could take us. Illness can strike. For everyone's sake--PLAN. Please consider the consequences.

As for a will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, please take the time to get that done. I know how hard it is to think about death but think about being disabled, near death and in pain. Would anyone know what your wishes are? Why not have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and make your wishes known. Why have your spouse or parent or child make a decision for you that you would not make. Think about it.

Long-term Disability and Placement

In the past, I have discussed placement of individuals with disabilities in residential settings. The decision-making process is difficult and it can tear people apart. In fact, it can tear families apart. My suggestion is that if you must face this type of decision, explore all the options early enough to make an intelligent, well-informed decision. Again, do not wait until the last moment. And, discuss your thoughts on the matter with other family members.

I have another case, a divorce. The couple has a son with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. The prognosis for the child's progress is bleak. He is ten, not potty-trained and not educable. He is friendly and sweet. The mother has spent ten years working all day then coming home to take care of the child. The father contributed little to nothing to the child's care. After ten years, the mother is exhausted and overwhelmed. Not only does she want some sort of placement for the child but also, she wants out of the marriage. The story is sad. I wonder whether or not the marriage could have been saved had the parents taken the time to discuss the future of the child. They could have explored group homes or supervised living situations. Unfortunately, they had no idea that such places existed. They did not use respite services. They did not talk. Now, the marriage is beyond repair.

Strangely enough, within one week after coming to my office, the parents found a wonderful group home for the child. Both parents will visit the child frequently. The parents are now talking about the child and his future. However, the divorce is still proceeding.

November is Disability Arts Month

The Senate of Texas has proclaimed that November is Disability Arts Month statewide and encourages participation around the country. Disability arts programming represents all disabilities using all art forms. Last year, Fort Worth and surrounding areas celebrated November Disability Arts Month for the entire month with 10 school districts participating.

Also, selected pieces of art were on display at the Texas Education Agency with the Texas Commission on the Arts collaborating. At the heart of disability arts programming is using many diverse community resources in collaboration to provide opportunities throughout the year that highlight capabilities and possibilities. Please consider highlighting artists with disabilities in November so we can make the light shine a little brighter!