LUCASVILLE, Ohio As the wedding photographer snapped away, Sherri and Bill Adams leaned over their wheelchairs for a kiss. One felt good, so they enjoyed another. And another.
Thats enough! someone teased.
Sherri beamed. How long had she waited for this? Five years had passed since she and Bill became engaged. Nearly nine since theyd met. And decades had gone by since she first wondered whether a girl like her could even dream of love.
Sherri intended to savor every moment every hug, kiss and picture pose.
Hey! she shouted back to her heckler. Were married.
The Scioto County couple, both of whom have severe developmental disabilities, finally found a way to wed and combine households without losing a big chunk of the disability benefits they rely on.
But the so-called marriage penalty remains an obstacle for many couples in the United States. The new Mr. and Mrs. Adams, who took their fight to marry public with an online petition drive in 2016, vow to keep pushing for what they and others see as a matter of civil rights.
Although we found a loophole in our situation, we will not give up, Bill said. There are a lot of couples who are still unable to get married, and that is still not right.
The disability communitys long-running battle for change gained support last year with bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress to protect the federal benefits of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who wish to marry. If enacted, the Marriage Access for People With Special Abilities Act would keep Supplemental Security Income benefits for an individual from being affected by marital status, and ensure access to Medicaid benefits as long as the person qualifies for SSI.
The way the process works now, SSI benefits are reduced when people marry and jointly report income.
Bill said thats like snatching the American Dream from people who cant help but depend in part, or fully, on disability benefits.
This is important to us, and to America, frankly, said Ashley Helsing of the National Down Syndrome Society. Getting the word out about these stories is crucial to getting this legislation to move. There shouldnt be people treated differently when it comes to marriage.
After Sherri went to the Social Security office last year for a new card, she and Bill discovered that they could avoid a devastating reduction in their modest benefits (together they receive less than $2,000 a month) if Sherri received a portion of her disability income as a survivor benefit based on her deceased fathers Social Security.
Not many couples have that option or even know it exists.
Licking County residents Jordan Boring, 36, and Sarah Burkett, 34, had a lovely wedding in December 2018, but the ceremony didnt culminate in a legal union.
Its not fair, said Margie Goodin, a former site coordinator at the disabilities-services program where the two met. All they want is to be able to spend every day together.
Jordan and Sarah, both of whom have Down syndrome, opted for a commitment ceremony to preserve crucial benefits. They also have not been able to get a place together because combining households could jeopardize their benefits, said Sarahs mother, Patti Burkett.
Sarah said shes never as happy as when shes with Jordan. Guests cried and cheered and held sparklers aloft as the two exited United Church of Granville after the ceremony.
What I love about Jordan is that hes crazy about me, Sarah said. And hes funny. Hes sweet.
Jordan grinned. I like the way you talk, he said.
Clintonville resident Janelle Harrigill gets emotional when she discusses the married life her daughter, Michelle Harrigill, 37, envisions with her fiance, Ethan Boerner, 28.
Shes been planning a wedding ever since she was a little girl, Janelle said of her daughter. And now that shes got that ring on her finger? Shes showing everyone.
The couples families, including Michelles dad, David Harrigill, and Ethans dad, Ed Boerner, are fully supportive. Still, they fear the effect that marriage would have on much-needed benefits for Michelle and Ethan, who have Down syndrome.
Everyone wants to do something to help make their dreams come true, Janelle said. Its a shame when these individuals have limitations put on them.
Bill Adams cerebral palsy affects his movement, and his speech can be difficult to follow. But no one in Christ Restoration Branch church recently had any trouble understanding his tearful joy as he and his bride were joined in marriage.
Even the Rev. Tony Chaffin, who has presided over plenty of weddings, felt himself getting misty-eyed.
That was a special one, Chaffin said after he pronounced them husband and wife. Bill has such a good heart. And Sherri has captured it.
Sherri and Bill now are able to share a one-bedroom home in Portsmouth near the Ohio River. Bernita Corp., a local disability-services company, built the house with them in mind and provides the support workers Sherri and Bill need.
Im so happy that they are happy, said Debby Wilson, CEO of family-owned Bernita. She said Bill and Sherri are among the very few married couples with developmental disabilities in the area.
Sherri has spinal stenosis and achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism, and has faced a variety of other health challenges throughout her life. Her mother, Judy Daniel, said her older daughter always has been plucky.
Shes taken all the bumps, got right up, and went at it again, Daniel said.
So she wasnt surprised when Sherri refused to take no for an answer the first time she and Bill tried to get married. At every turn, theyd find out they couldnt make it work, Daniel said.
Rep. John Katko, a New York Republican and a sponsor of the Marriage Access for People With Special Abilities Act, said people with developmental or intellectual disabilities should not have to choose between marriage and their benefits.
This bipartisan legislation protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and enables couples to pursue happiness without obstruction, he said.
Sherri and Bill would have been thrilled if a new law had paved the way for them. Instead, theyll lend their voices in support in hopes it soon helps others.
Weve been through a lot, Sherri said. Now, were just perfect.
Their new home is decorated with lots of personal touches, including a plaque that says it all: This is our happily ever after.
Read the rest here:
Disabled couple fought red tape on way to altar - Lewiston Morning Tribune
- Cerebral Palsy: Diagnosis - May 7th, 2011 [May 7th, 2011]
- Cerebral palsy treatment NeuWellness - May 14th, 2011 [May 14th, 2011]
- cerebral palsy treatment in india-indian cerebral palsy video 1 - May 20th, 2011 [May 20th, 2011]
- CP Cerebral Palsy Acupuncture Treatment Research. www.thetole.org - May 24th, 2011 [May 24th, 2011]
- cerebral palsy treatment in india/dr vipul shah/ indian cerebral palsy - June 9th, 2011 [June 9th, 2011]
- cerebral palsy treatment in india/indian cerebral palsy/dr vipul shah/follow up - June 23rd, 2011 [June 23rd, 2011]
- TheraSuit treatment for Cerebral Palsy - July 3rd, 2011 [July 3rd, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment for Cerebral Palsy-Jerica Cole's post interview.avi - July 15th, 2011 [July 15th, 2011]
- Cerebral Palsy Treatment.... Hindi - August 19th, 2011 [August 19th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy (Periventricular Leukomalacia) - August 21st, 2011 [August 21st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy at the XCell-Center in Germany - August 25th, 2011 [August 25th, 2011]
- cerebral palsy treatment,lilou,essentis,therasuit,banana,spider,nazarov,guez - August 29th, 2011 [August 29th, 2011]
- cerebral palsy treatment,helena,essentis,therasuit,guez,spider,nazarov,guez - September 30th, 2011 [September 30th, 2011]
- walking before training lokomat for cerebral palsy treatment - September 30th, 2011 [September 30th, 2011]
- TheraSuit Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - Case 1 - October 2nd, 2011 [October 2nd, 2011]
- Cerebral palsy patient Atillia before stem cell treatment 2.wmv - October 10th, 2011 [October 10th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment for Cerebral Palsy-Jerica Cole's pre interview.avi - October 11th, 2011 [October 11th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment - Cerebral Palsy (2) - Video - October 16th, 2011 [October 16th, 2011]
- magic treatment for cerebral palsy -indian cerebral palsy treatment in india/delhi - Video - October 18th, 2011 [October 18th, 2011]
- Cerebral palsy patient Atillia after stem cell treatment 1.wmv - Video - October 19th, 2011 [October 19th, 2011]
- Cerebral Palsy: A new treatment: Part 1 - Video - October 21st, 2011 [October 21st, 2011]
- Cerebral Palsy Hyperbaric treatment in Margate Florida 954-975-3563 - Video - October 22nd, 2011 [October 22nd, 2011]
- Cerebral palsy patient Gabor after stem cell treatment 3.1.wmv - Video - October 29th, 2011 [October 29th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy - Video - October 30th, 2011 [October 30th, 2011]
- Brian's Story: Dr. Huo's miraculous acupuncture treatment of Cerebral Palsy - Video - October 30th, 2011 [October 30th, 2011]
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment for Cerebral Palsy - Video - November 1st, 2011 [November 1st, 2011]
- After Stem Cell Transplant treatment for Cerebral Palsy - Video - November 2nd, 2011 [November 2nd, 2011]
- indian cerebral palsy treatment-dr vipul shah - Video - November 6th, 2011 [November 6th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - Video - November 10th, 2011 [November 10th, 2011]
- Cerebral Palsy(CP) Scientific Treatment Research Center - Video - November 10th, 2011 [November 10th, 2011]
- Cerebral Palsy Treatment - November 17th, 2011 [November 17th, 2011]
- Stem Cells: Treatment for Cerebral Palsy - Video - December 10th, 2011 [December 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy - Cerebral Palsy Treatment || Holly Catalano Update - Video - December 29th, 2011 [December 29th, 2011]
- Lasertherapy Bular - Treatment of Infantile Cerebral Palsy - Video - January 4th, 2012 [January 4th, 2012]
- Cerebral palsy patient Bianca after stem cell treatment 3.wmv - Video - January 4th, 2012 [January 4th, 2012]
- Cerebral Palsy Treatment by Dr.Babu Sudheendra Nath - Video - January 31st, 2012 [January 31st, 2012]
- The Methodist Hospital in Houston Is First to Offer New Device to Improve Walking - February 1st, 2012 [February 1st, 2012]
- Baby Logan inspires family to help - February 14th, 2012 [February 14th, 2012]
- Santi KM Bhagat: The 8 Million That Health Care Reform Forgot - February 14th, 2012 [February 14th, 2012]
- Ben's Bells: Patient grateful for Brownies' efforts - February 19th, 2012 [February 19th, 2012]
- Family’s appeal to improve care for disabled Jack, 3 - February 20th, 2012 [February 20th, 2012]
- Families, hospitals fighting Medicaid cuts - February 20th, 2012 [February 20th, 2012]
- Barrow family’s appeal to improve care for disabled Jack, 3 - February 20th, 2012 [February 20th, 2012]
- Earnings Beat for Acorda - February 21st, 2012 [February 21st, 2012]
- Dance to support Shriners Hospital for Children - February 25th, 2012 [February 25th, 2012]
- US trip holds hope for city boy - February 28th, 2012 [February 28th, 2012]
- Santanu Mitra - February 28th, 2012 [February 28th, 2012]
- City hospital to offer walking op - February 28th, 2012 [February 28th, 2012]
- CBR's Newborn Possibilities Program Provides Cord Blood Banking at No Cost to Families with an Identified Medical Need - February 29th, 2012 [February 29th, 2012]
- Charity golfers to the fore - February 29th, 2012 [February 29th, 2012]
- Assistive Mobility Devices Designed by Mobility Research Now Offered by Rehabmart.com - March 2nd, 2012 [March 2nd, 2012]
- Help to give Aiden, 2, chance of better life - March 4th, 2012 [March 4th, 2012]
- Conman Neil Jackson jailed for six years after false sickness claims for son - March 4th, 2012 [March 4th, 2012]
- Tesco manager conned £60k out of staff for son's 'fatal illness' and spent it on holidays - March 6th, 2012 [March 6th, 2012]
- Tesco manager conned £60,000 out of staff for son¿s ¿fatal illness¿ and spent the money on holidays to Hawaii and Las ... - March 6th, 2012 [March 6th, 2012]
- Ontario At The Centre Of World-Leading Brain Research - March 6th, 2012 [March 6th, 2012]
- R5.5m claim after baby born with cerebral palsy - March 6th, 2012 [March 6th, 2012]
- Uncertainty over NHS reforms threatens future of world leading cerebal palsy centre - March 6th, 2012 [March 6th, 2012]
- Birth Injuries from Medical Malpractice Can Create a Lifetime of Financial and Emotional Challenges for Victims and ... - March 7th, 2012 [March 7th, 2012]
- Ontario brains put their heads together - March 7th, 2012 [March 7th, 2012]
- ‘PediaSuit’ helps cerebral palsy patient walk - March 9th, 2012 [March 9th, 2012]
- Charity Caudwell Children donates wheelchair to Norwich youngster - March 10th, 2012 [March 10th, 2012]
- Elgin Easter Seals gets more space, bilingual programs - March 11th, 2012 [March 11th, 2012]
- A war on brain illness should be declared - March 12th, 2012 [March 12th, 2012]
- More children now living with 'life-limiting' conditions - March 12th, 2012 [March 12th, 2012]
- Assessing innovative intervention for children with cerebral palsy - March 15th, 2012 [March 15th, 2012]
- Cerebral Palsy In Children - Innovative Intervention Evaluated - March 15th, 2012 [March 15th, 2012]
- Cerebral palsy hindering 4-year-oldâs movement - March 17th, 2012 [March 17th, 2012]
- West Fargo boy with cerebral palsy can now walk without crutches; parents credit stem cell therapy - March 19th, 2012 [March 19th, 2012]
- Cerebral palsy research brings hope to new mums - March 21st, 2012 [March 21st, 2012]
- Center offers hyperbaric treatment - March 21st, 2012 [March 21st, 2012]
- $100-million Children’s Treatment Centre to be built in lower city - March 22nd, 2012 [March 22nd, 2012]
- White Lodge Centre marks 50 years in 2012 - March 22nd, 2012 [March 22nd, 2012]
- Telethon Delivers Life Changing Services - March 23rd, 2012 [March 23rd, 2012]
- Teachers allegedly call special-needs kid 'disgusting' - March 31st, 2012 [March 31st, 2012]
- Cerebral palsy drug may offer hope for treatment - April 20th, 2012 [April 20th, 2012]
- Prevention of cerebral palsy - April 20th, 2012 [April 20th, 2012]
- Study gives new hope on cerebral palsy - April 20th, 2012 [April 20th, 2012]
- Prrvention of cerebral palsy - April 20th, 2012 [April 20th, 2012]
- PRB at Wayne State/DMC discover window of opportunity to prevent cerebral palsy - April 20th, 2012 [April 20th, 2012]