Adults with a Disability Have Increased Risk of Sexual and Physical Abuse

Adults with mental illness are approximately 4x more likely to be abused (sexually and physically) and those with intellectual impairment are 1.5x more likely.  Why?! Often times, society shrugs off what these adults claim and assume they are just "crazy" or not knowing what they are talking about.  Perhaps some of these adults aren't aware of the severity of their abuse, therefore never mention it to anyone, or they simply have no way to communicate it.

It is important to listen and BELIEVE any communication of abuse and look further into the situation.  It is also important to teach these adults about health sexuality and proper relationships.  Often times the abuser is someone the adult is close to and possibly dependent upon - making it that much more difficult for the victim to obtain help.  The abuse may have been something they have dealt with their whole lifetime, therefore don't even realize the wrong in it.

Aside from the sexual and physical abuse, they also have increased abuse in emotional and verbal abuse, as well as neglect and manipulation.  These individuals are already dealing with their disability and striving to live as normally as possible.  This abuse can often become a bigger disability in their life.  If you are in a position that works with adults with disabilities, please take the time to recognize any signs of abuse and don't be afraid to help.

Child with developmental disability denied transplant due to her disability

I am appalled as I read an article online regarding a little girl that is in need of a kidney transplant but being denied based on the reason of being mentally retarded.  This is like a modern day eugenics and apparently happens more often than one would think!  Why on earth would she not be able to have access to life?  Her parents are not giving in and they are fighting back - good for them!  Read this little girl's mother's blog for details of what happened just a couple weeks ago at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: http://www.wolfhirschhorn.org/2012/01/amelia/brick-walls/

 As I read this is reminds me of the eugenics history.  But in many ways - this is much worse.  They are not allowing a family to provide a fair fight to save their daughter's life based on her mental ability.  They aren't taking away rights such as ability to create life - they are actually taking away her own chance at life.  The hospital is denying a kidney transplant even if the kidney is provided by her own family!!!!  It should be illegal to deny any health care based on mental ability.  New Jersey senator, Steve Sweeney, has plans to do just that - make it illegal.

The Minaret states, "I don’t think any doctor should be able to determine what someone considers a “good-quality life.” Even though Amelia is at risk to have a much shorter life span than average, if a family member is willing to donate a kidney to extend her life, her disability should not be a factor."

As I write this, over 36,000 people have signed a petition to fight this disgrace: http://www.change.org/petitions/director-of-public-relations-allow-the-kidney-transplant-amelia-rivera-needs-to-survive  Please help!