By Sarah Johnson
As a parent of disabled children, I find myself constantly having to fight for my kids to receive adequate support and understanding. From health insurance woes to accessibility issues, caring for my children's special needs frequently feels like an uphill battle. This ongoing struggle reveals gaps in our society's systems that make life unnecessarily difficult for disabled individuals and their families.
One major area that requires continuous advocacy is working with healthcare and insurance providers. Despite laws mandating coverage, many insurers still try to deny claims related to disabilities. Last year, my daughter Amy's therapy appointments were deemed "not medically necessary" by our insurance company. I had to appeal the decision and provide documentation from her doctor before they would cover the treatment she desperately needed.
Navigating the complex special education system is another challenge. When my son James started school, I had to push to get appropriate accommodations written into his IEP. The school claimed they lacked sufficient resources, forcing me to bring in advocates and threaten legal action. Securing an adequate education for a disabled child requires parents to be informed, vocal and uncompromising.
Beyond school and healthcare hurdles, there are constant accessibility barriers. Simple activities like going to a park or shopping require planning ahead to make sure my kids’ needs are accommodated. Well-meaning friends and family sometimes plan events without considering if a venue is sensory-friendly or wheelchair accessible. The work of helping others understand falls entirely on me.
While laws like the ADA have come a long way, disabled people and their families are still too often left fighting for basic rights and inclusion. As a society, we need to keep listening, learning and making accommodations to support the disabled community. My children deserve to live in a world built for them, not one they must constantly struggle to fit into. I’ll continue raising my voice for my kids and others like them until that world becomes reality.
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