"…in one generation people have gone from being idiots and idiots to neighbors and friends and that's been quite a journey ." Dave Hingsburger, author and disability rights activist, says no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Parents with intellectual disabilities have the human desire and legal right to become parents, but a child does not have the right to a safe and stimulating environment? The movie Is Love Enough features several stories that provide excellent talking points. Discussions involving human rights issues, intellectual disability parenting issues and children's rights issues. The question of whether love is all that is needed arises when parents with intellectual disabilities want to raise their children alone. This film addresses these issues by providing the perspectives of potential parents with intellectual disabilities, family members and social service advocates. The film presents real-life perspectives on a challenging issue. The film Is Love Enough features personal stories of individuals struggling with their disabilities and their rights. Susan, for example, is an intellectually disabled adult whose child has been removed from her care. A social worker, a lawyer and some family members help Susan fight for her baby. A college student with intellectually disabled parents named MaryAnn credits her aunt with providing much-needed care and guidance during her adolescence. MaryAnn expresses her opinions and views throughout the film. Real-life issues inevitably create awareness in viewers of what life with or as a person with an intellectual disability would be, or would be like. Two adults with intellectual disabilities named Vincent and Fran are parents who agreed to give up their child for adoption and then changed their minds. Richard and Karen are from Ontario. They are intellectually disabled and married since 1995. They passionately desire to adopt a child. As Richard says in the film, "Just because we look different and talk different, we feel love for each other and love to give a child. Each of us has a void; this is our void... give us a chance " (video) . This type of adoption would be the first of its kind in Canada. Being a parent is one of the most demanding responsibilities for mankind, proving to be a challenge for anyone. Kaatz (1992) states, “What if a parent is mentally disabled and has problems with basic skills such as reading, writing, and grasping concepts and ideas” (211). Should she trust him or her to raise a child? Do basic life skills justify the right to be a parent? Historically it was believed that by forcibly sterilizing people with mental problems the disability would be eliminated. Hunsburger (1997) states, "In 1928, the Alberta government, supported by some of society's most prominent members, passed a sterilization law. When the law was repealed in 1972, the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals had been irreparably changed." (p. .42). It is now recognized that just 10% of mental disabilities are transmitted genetically. Today, intellectually disabled people have the legal right and human desire to be parents. It is estimated that 100,000 children are born to parents with intellectual disabilities each year in North America. These "special" parents say they can provide all the devotion a child needs. But others believe that a growing child may need much more than love. By focusing on different families, the film raises the questionfundamental: how to balance the basic human desire and right to have children with the best rights and interests of the child. An intellectually disabled mother in Atlantic Canada has her child taken away at birth. A year and a half later, "Susan" goes to court to prove that she can be a good mother. She is allowed to visit her son and test his parenting skills, but is under intense scrutiny. Every move is monitored, every mistake counts against you. She feels she is judged differently by other parents. Of his daughter he says "...she is my pride and joy, she is my life" (film). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In Victoria British Columbia, MaryAnne, the daughter of two intellectually challenged parents, is about to start her first year of college. MaryAnne is apparently a normal, well-adjusted young woman. But as he grew up he had to overcome enormous difficulties. MaryAnne speaks honestly about her upbringing and acknowledges that if it weren't for the support of other family members, "it would have been a mess" (film). It's not just about parental rights, but also about "...what is in the best interests of the child" (film). MaryAnne's spoken words and her personal life experiences contribute immensely to the issue of parenting with an intellectual disability. MaryAnne says, "The issue isn't people with developmental disabilities having children; it's whether or not they can actually do what they need to do to be good parents to them. And so if there were social workers who could be there 24 hours a day, then I would say "try it", but the reality is that it isn't there" (film). Richard and Karen want to push the boundaries even further. Richard and Karen want to be the first couple with an intellectual disability in Canada to adopt a child. “There is something we have to offer, it is love for each other and for that child” (film). Turner (1998) states that before actual adoption, relevant facts must be considered which include "the physical and emotional needs and developmental level of the child; the safety of the child; and the importance of continuity in care of the child" (p.119 ). A Pittsburgh organization called ESPRIT: Education Systems for Parents with Retarded Infants and Children helps parents with intellectual disabilities ensure their children reach their full potential. A description of the program was provided to the students of the legal skills course. The program has proven to be extremely beneficial for those involved. For the most part, children born to these parents have normal intelligence. Unfortunately, without the right kind of stimulation, these children can develop learning difficulties. Conine (1998) states, “This unique organization helps these children cope with the emotional difficulties that arise from the stigma of being raised by intellectually disabled parents” (p.38). The programs mostly involve group therapy. This type of group therapy allows children to associate and explain their individual experiences as children of parents with intellectual disabilities. Group sessions engage children by offering conversation sessions and sessions that provide the child with explanations as to why they are in a particularly unique situation. Having children in an environment that does nothing but create similarity and equality will subsequently create ease and acceptance within the children and their home environment. MaryAnne, daughter of parents with intellectual disabilities from Victoria, admits how difficult it is to get ongoing help and support for parents with intellectual disabilities..