Today we remember an important anniversary for the rights of people with disabilities! 5 years ago Governor Henry McMaster signed the “Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act” into law! Able SC worked with partners to draft a bill that ensures the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities. Before this law, parents with disabilities did not have the same protections as parents without disabilities. Parents with disabilities would have their children taken away, only because they had a disability.
In addition to celebrating this law, we are celebrating the story of Angaliece: a mom who almost had her baby taken away, only because she had a disability. Angaliece, or “Angel” as she’s called by family and friends, is a mom with Down Syndrome and a rape survivor. After her child was born — who also had Down Syndrome — a private action was filed to remove her baby from her custody even though she had supports in place and wanted to parent and care for her child, Imani. Able SC advocated for Angaliece using the SC Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act. After working closely with the Department of Social Services and a Guardian Ad Litem within the court system, a settlement was reached. Angaliece and Imani were reunited. Recently Angalice celebrated Imani’s 5th birthday as a family, whole.
People with disabilities are parents. We love our children. We deserve the right to be with them
If you are a parent with a disability or thinking about becoming a parent, be sure to know your rights!
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