The diffence is this is an adult who has chosen when she was still
considered sound of mind and body that she would not like to live in
minimally conscious/ pervasive vegative state.  She's allowed to make that
decision herself.  I don't have to agree with it, I don't feel that anyone
should be giving her an overdose of drugs to facilitate the end but, it's
her decision.  Some people don't want life at any cost, some people want a
quality of life.
However, children don't have that choice and it shouldn't be forced upon
them.  I've had children I've worked with that people have written off as
dieing or too low functioning to be considered appropriate for care.  The
one little girl who was supposed to die by 18 months is now in 2nd grade.  I
advocated in her younger years for communication boards, adapted toys, etc
I do find it disturbing that people are drawing comparisons between children
with disabilities and adults with acquired disabilities.   Children can not
truly speak for themselves and it's a much harder decision on when to end
care for them.

Beth t the OT

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 6:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Terri Schiavo redux from Inclusion Daily Express

In a message dated 3/24/2005 6:26:17 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> Trust me, I fight for the right of children to live and work with many
> children who look very similar to Mrs. Shiavo, it's a different case
> than that.
>

Beth,
I'm curious about what you mean by that statement.  I think I know and
agree, but would like to hear what you have to say.  This case is being
discussed on another listserv I am on as a disability rights issue, with a
Mom of a child like you refer to drawing parallels between her child and
Terri Schiavo.  I don't agree with her.
Wanda