Palin’s Promise Heard 'Round the World - 13WHAM.com

REISCH'S BOOK ABOUT HER STRUGGLES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

(St. Paul, Minn. /Rochester, N.Y.) –Sarah Palin promised in her convention speech to help families of children with special needs.

For many parents raising children with special needs, a woman running for vice president, bringing their cause to the political forefront—was a first.

“To have that advocacy for our children would be wonderful,” Sybil Reisch said. Her son had Down syndrome. She said back then in the '60s and '70s, there wasn't much support available.

Last October she published a book about her struggles to help others. She hopes Palin also can show caregivers of children with special needs they are not alone, whether in Alaska or Washington, DC.

“If she did go to Washington we'd know that someone would be there to raise awareness and keep legislation going,”
Reisch said.

But not everyone is convinced of Palin's commitment.

Sherry Battisti has a son with autism. She's also a nurse for special-needs kids and says Palin will have to reach beyond talk--and focus on what's really needed, like meal assistance and equipment. That's pretty easy for most kids to get...it's all the other equipment that's harder for them to get."

In April, Palin gave birth to a boy with Down syndrome. Both Reisch and Battisti say Palin's promise to special needs families probably won't sway their votes, though they acknowledge it might for some others.