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| Sergio Zarate |
Ten years ago in a private conversation, Sergio Zarate educated me on the real-life predicament of a physically-challenged person.
"Jim, do you know what we mean when we say a park or playground is handicapped-friendly? All that currently means is that a physically-challenged person can use the restroom facilities. Still, the swings, slides and other playground equipment are unavailable to them."
That conversation changed my perspective and I've watched from afar for several years as Zarate and his group, Down on the Border, worked in Brownsville and throughout the state to change that.
So, yesterday, Zariah's Law, named after Sergio and Dorothy's daughter, went into affect, providing students with disabilities access to athletic competition in middle school and high school.
What a great day for Texas!
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It's remarkable how the Zarate family has turned their love for their daughter into hard work and tangible results for so many others. I'm certain that Zariah, perhaps not verbally or even emotionally, but, on some level, has reciprocated that love.
ReplyDeleteNow the government pays all medical bills. Personal income no longer matters.
ReplyDelete??????
DeleteThis law says that these disabled children get their medical bills paid by the State. The parents won't have to pay anything anymore. The parents income will no longer be used to qualify them for medical assistance.
ReplyDeleteThat comment is completely false. Zariah’s Law has nothing to do with medical assistance. Zariah’s Law creates an adaptive sports program under the supervision of the University Interscholastic League to provide students with disabilities access to team sports. Zariah’s Law is somewhat similar to the 1972 Title IX law that created equity in sports for women.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. Children with disabilities can now get free Medicaid. The parents can now file an income waiver and their income will not count to qualify for free medical for the disabled child. The parents can also apply and get paid to take care of the disabled child. This was passed before Zariah's Law. So Zariah's Law has nothing to do with their free medical benefits. It's benefits they already had.
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