Parents tell it like it is

These 2 letters were published in the Sydney Morning Herald in response to Jasmine Smith's Heckler piece mentioned in my last post.

Finally a Heckler I can relate to I am also the parent of an autistic child. I can assure you Jasmine Smith is not exaggerating. A report on teh same day alleged Pru Goward advised a mother of a 31-year old disabled man to threaten to kill her son, and then herself if she wished to receive help. Thank goodness we are finally getting coverage of this rotten situation. It seems the only way we can force politicians to listen. Every little bit helps.

Lynda Slade, Oyster Bay (letters 11/6/07)

Followed by this post from Jenny Rollo:

It doesn't matter whether the exact words were spoken to Lola Marmont about suggesting murder-suicide as a method of obtaining help. The fact is that to get supported accommodation, and in many cases, respite care, parents have to show that they are in dire circumstances. Those who continue to struggle along quietly will never get help. Only 5 percent of disabled people who need it are given supported accommodation. Who, then, inherits the disabled peole when their parents die? Answer: the siblings. Lucky them.

Jenny Rollo, Putney (letters 11/6/07)