[Sampaguita]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I just heard back from one of the adoption agencies I spoke to earlier in the week.

I had called to ask about the rumors we've been hearing about CCAA rejecting wheelchair parent applicants.

CCAA informed the agency that they will NOT accept any families as applicants if any parent is in a wheelchair.

I am waiting to hear from another agency but I expect the answer to be the same.

DH and I will move on now...but I am extremely sad to not have the opportunity to find our child in China.

Good luck to you all!
-Sam

[L_M_D]

Sam,

I am SO sorry. If it is any help at all, I do know know that Guatemala has approved applicants if one spouse is in a wheelchair. Adoption Stories did a profile of a couple where the husband was in a wheelchair (I think due to paralysis from the waist down), and they both went to Guatemala to get their baby.

Laura

[Chinagirl2007]

Sam, i think that really sucks and i am so sorry. It does not make any sense -- not that much of this process makes a whole lot of sense these days.

Best of luck to you on your future endeavors. it sounds like you have other great options out there.

[SummerMommy]

Sam, I hope the news is better from the other agency. I'm also curious if the same standard applies if you're adopting a SN child. As we've mentioned time and time again, many of the SN kids have very minor medical issues. Also nobody understands SN's better than someone in a wheelchair!

You have my email... please stay in touch.

[drmalcolm]

Sam, good luck to you. Try Columbia's program--that is where the couple Laura mentioned adopted from.

Please come back and let us know where yoru child is!

Best,
Christina

[L_M_D]

Sorry!

I thought it was Guatemala!

Laura

[drmalcolm]

That's okay, Laura! I'm sorry I answered so quickly, I was on my way out the door. You know, I really used to like that show. What happened to it? After the 8th time I'd seen each episode, I decided that I'd seen enough. It's too bad that it didn't take off, though, especially since there is nothing else out there that really covers international adoption in a way that people understand it.

I've noticed that with some cable shows, though--especially home improvement shows (my distraction from real life!). They start off strong, then fizzle out.

Christina

[mom3boys]

I'm sorry that you got an answer that was so upsetting. I certainly hope that you can find another country that will be more accepting.

Christina, Adoption Stories is on Discovery Health channel every week day at 7am. I have to say though, that I haven't seen one story from China yet. I find that very odd. Maybe I just haven't watched closely enough.
Marjorie

[Sampaguita]

Thank everyone for your support and for your suggestions.

I've actually heard word back from 2 agencies (one already licensed & the other pending license) that work with Viet Nam and they have both contacted their people in VietNam (one specifically in Hanoi).

The response is that Viet Nam will accept wheelchair parents! A physicians letter stating that the wheelchair parent is in "good physical and mental health, free of any contagious diseases and in good condition to raise a child" needs to be written verbatim as required by the Vietnamese government.

I've also heard from a parent who had been in the process almost 2 yrs with China & learned Jan 06 they would not receive their referral. They have since gone with Guatemala and already have their referral.

So...I guess when one door closes to you, others will open up.

[Trace7]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

So...I guess when one door closes to you, others will open up.

So true, B!!

[morsedonna]

Best of luck to you and your family.