Article posted: 11/25/2012 6:00 AM

Disabled parents face bias, loss of kids

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Twins Abigail and Noah Thomas, 8, ride on the motorized wheelchair of their mother, Jenn Thomas, on their way to a schoolbook fair in Arlington Heights. Thomas, a 36-year-old mom who has cerebral palsy, says her twins occasionally complain about having to do a few extra chores around the house to help her.

Associated Press

Carrie Ann Lucas, right, mother of four disabled adopted children, holds up a mirror for her daughter Adrianne, 13, at their home in Windsor, Colo., before going on an outing. Lucas herself uses a power wheelchair and is reliant on a ventilator due to a form of muscular dystrophy.

Associated Press

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Carrie Ann Lucas, center, sits with her adopted daughter Adrianne, 13, as her adopted son Anthony, 11, walks past them as he gets himself ready in the morning at their home in Windsor, Colo.

Associated Press

About this Article

Millions of Americans with disabilities have gained innumerable rights and opportunities since Congress passed landmark legislation on their behalf in 1990. And yet advocates say barriers and bias still abound when it comes to one basic human right: To be a parent. A Des Plaines mother, because she is quadriplegic, endured an 18-month legal battle to keep custody of her young son. A Kansas City, Mo., couple had their daughter taken into custody by the state two days after her birth because both parents were blind.