The House of Representatives did not vote on a controversial assisted suicide bill on their agenda this week. The bill would allow a mentally competent adult with a terminal disease to end his or her life with the aid of a doctor. Opponents have stressed that the bill could lead to individuals with disabilities being pressured to end their lives.
Delaware’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) President and VP of Advocacy wrote a letter in support of Rep. Kim Williams (D) grades K-3 special education funding bill. They argue that funding for special education services for children in kindergarten through third grade serves students identified as “intense” and “complex” and neglects those students with “basic” needs who still require extra support.
A bill that would bar women from getting abortions if their sole reason is that the fetus is diagnosed with Down syndrome just passed the Pa. House of Representatives and now goes to the Senate for a vote. Supporters argue the ban promotes the civil rights of the fetus, while opponents say it is another tactic in the conservative effort to restrict abortion rights. The governor of Pa., a Democrat, opposes the bill.
UD professor Iva Obrusnikova is leading a project to develop workout regimens for people with intellectual disabilities that emphasize independence and goal-setting. Obrusnikova says exercise is especially important to people with intellectual disabilities because they have higher rates of obesity than the general public and often work in physically demanding jobs.
Reacting to the conservative initiative to add work requirements to social programs like food stamps, Delaware congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester warned the change could unfairly cause people to lose their eligibility. She cited obstacles such as lost paperwork, irregular work hours and lack of transportation.
