“I Wouldn’t Change Her if I Could”

When can one see one of the most extreme examples of “disability pride”? Ask on a message board for parents of children with Down syndrome if they would change their kids to “normal” if they were suddenly offered a magical cure. You’d be amazed at how many answer “NO”. The reasons given are usually “That’s who she is”, “She’s our special angel”, “I’m used to her like this”, and the like.

Here I am tempted to write a swear word. It is hard for me to believe this....
First, if these parents had a child with any physical disability, like diabetes or club foot, would you believe that they wouldn’t go running to the doctor for a cure? Why? Because illness infringes on living a normal life.
I hate to say it, but so does Down syndrome. I would grab at a cure. Not for my sake, not from shame, G-d forbid. For RICKI’S sake. So that she can get married and have kids that won’t be taken away by family services. So that she can understand nuances she doesn’t catch today, that warn her of danger. So that her chances of having a decent job will be improved.
As for those who say “I’m used to her like this”, I have a simple reply. My teens changed too. They became something I wasn’t used to. I never stopped loving them, though, as a result.

(PS Added note written later: It is worthwhile top read the comments. There is a whole added analysis of the matter there.)