To the editor: LA Times columnist Robin Abcarian and reporter Karen Kaplan’s coverage of Gus Walz illustrates how powerful it is for people with disabilities to receive support in the media, online and in real life. But as the mother of a 28-year-old son with severe cerebral palsy, I fear that America’s current fascination with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s neurodivergent son is just a passing fancy.
For the sake of families like Tim and Gwen's (and my own), I really hope I'm wrong. I'd like to believe that all the tweets, posts, and news coverage about Gus represent a desire by the media and everyday people to understand, include, and support people with disabilities in meaningful ways.
“We the people,” not just parents, must advocate for and achieve better healthcare, employment and housing opportunities for people with disabilities. Inclusion is created collectively.
Let’s harness the attention and turn social media posts and media coverage into progress. Our children and communities deserve it.
Kris Burbank, Groton, Conn.
