[blparent] No Longer As Anxious :)

[Cervenka, Stacy (Brownback)]

	Thank you, everyone, for all of the encouraging and very practical advice. I do feel much better now knowing that the majority of blind parents don't face legal challenges from the hospital and also that there are ways I can be proactive in addressing any concerns the nurses or social workers might have. It had honestly never occurred to me before that I could interview doctors and hospitals. I guess I'd always assumed that I'd just go wherever my OBGYN had admitting privileges. It does makes sense that, just as one needs to be a wise and informed consumer when choosing any ordinary healthcare services or blindness rehab services, it's even more important to be on top of things in this area as well.
	Sharon, when the time gets closer, I will definitely check out the Hadley "Preparation" course. And, Dena, I now live in Washington, DC, but we will likely be moving back to Minnesota in the next few years, so I'd love to know which hospital and prenatal practice you used. Minnesota is usually pretty progressive when it comes to healthcare, so I'm glad to hear you had such a good experience.
	Also, I spoke with the President of the NFB of Missouri, Gary Wunder, last week, and he said that two members of the NFB of Missouri were visiting the blind parents that day to collect information and decide how to proceed. Gary said that if the parents were willing to go this route, NFB would hire an attorney for them. Apparently, NFB had offered to advocate for them at the initial hearing that took place last week, but the parents didn't want to rock the boat and thought they could handle it on their own. Unfortunately, it didn't go so well, and their next hearing is scheduled for June 16. I think the parents are now more willing to accept some advocacy assistance, so we can all hope that things go better at this upcoming hearing in a few weeks and that this couple is able to bring their child home very soon. 

Stacy Leigh Cervenka
Legislative Assistant
Office of Senator Sam Brownback (KS)
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Email: stacy_cervenka at brownback.senate.gov