I received a phone call from a single mom with cerebral palsy who was desperately searching for an attorney to represent her in a child custody hearing. Someone gave her my name and she was hoping that I could direct her to someone who could help her. I gave her a couple phone numbers, but unfortunately, I don’t think I was of much help. I also recently spoke with a friend with a disability who may be a father (the circumstances are complicated) and is concerned that the mother’s parents may prevent him from having contact with the child. These two separate events have gotten me thinking about the challenges facing parents with disabilities. In most cultures, disability is equated with an inability to care for oneself. The notion that someone with a disability could care for a child is one that does not compute for society at large. Of course, many parents with disabilities can and do raise happy, well-adjusted kids. But the legal profession seems poorly equipped to advocate for these parents when they need it.
