The topic of equity among advocates for individuals with disabilities is being raised again as the economic crisis disproportionately affects children with disabilities and their families.
Toddlers with developmental or physical disabilities, children with mental health issues, and teens with substance abuse problems may find supporters among policy makers when they are young, but we must remember that our children do grow up, and may benefit from services and support long after funding for programs is eliminated as they reach their transition years.
As the economy has declined, waiting lists for services for even the youngest children have increased. Parents may feel that funding has favored children with other diagnoses whose families have media exposure, or better attorneys. Services and opportunities are very different from state to state, from county to county, and from school to school. This is true for mainstream kids as well as those with special needs - even from classroom to classroom.
All our families represent the diversity of our communities within a diagnosis or advocacy group. I hope that when we are building inclusive communities for our sons and daughters, we also make room for children who have different challenges than our own. We must keep moving forward, even through these troubling times.
If you have concerns or observations, please share them here.
Pam W
SE of Seattle
The Disability Hierarchy, Equity and Advocacy http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61355.asp 
