Parents Plan 24/7 Webcast of Disabled Daughter
Video cameras are everywhere. Whenever you're in public, whether it be a subway station or in front of an ATM, chances are that there's a device somewhere capturing your every move. And everyone's pretty cool about it, for the most part. But when Big Brother unexpectedly moves into the private sphere, people get mad. But a couple in France are testing the limits of privacy with a proposed webcast featuring their disabled and uncommunicative daughter. Anne Lamic, a 32-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, spends most of her days in bed at her family's home in southeastern France, and can neither speak nor walk. Her parents, though, want to bring her daily struggle to the Internet by way of a webcast. The entire initiative, The Huffington Post reports, is part of an effort to raise awareness about the plight of the handicapped in a country that trails the U.S., Canada, and the Nordic countries when it comes to disabled citizens' rights and accommodations. The webcast has stirred up some controversy in France, though, as some have questioned its ethicality, since Lamic, obviously, can't really have her own say in the issue. Her father, Didier Lamic, contends that the webcam "will allow people to see handicaps in ways that are real, everyday and familiar," adding that the videos "must be watched with tenderness and love."
It's a pretty delicate issue, to say the least, but no one's really questioning the Lamics' motives; they don't stand to gain financially, aside from the potential TV or radio appearance, maybe. Still, we can also understand the argument against making Anne into an Internet spectacle without her permission. But, seeing as Anne can't effectively give permission, and seeing as her life totally depends upon her parents, we could argue that this decision is really no different from any other that the Lamics have made over the course of Anne's 32 years. It's been made with great difficulty, with great love, and with her best interests at heart. [From: Huffington Post]
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
originlcin said 2:34PM on 11-13-2009
Very important for people to see the day to day realities of caring for someone with severe handicaps.
Reply
J Smith said 5:55PM on 11-13-2009
what is the web link
Heidi Ann said 2:46PM on 11-13-2009
I think it's cool in that people can see what it is like for a disabled person to live day to day. Enough judgements get made about it. It's good that people see what goes on day to day and maybe they will shut up and not criticize.
Reply
writeroffiction1 said 3:12PM on 11-13-2009
Idk, but I wouldn't want anyone watchin my every move day-in, day-out. It's one thing to raise awareness of disabilities, but I think it's another to invade someone else's privacy - even if they are disabled. Isn't that a bit disrespectful to the disabled person?
Reply
sweetpealac519 said 3:12PM on 11-13-2009
my sister is disabled, can't talk, can't walk, and has type 1 diabetes and down syndrome. I think the video will be important to show others what it's like to have a disabled child and it will make people appreciate their life instead of complaining all the time about it
Reply
srakirkland said 3:33PM on 11-13-2009
I don't like the thought of children being in any upheaval, parents need to look out for the welfare of the child, and learn not to be selfish. There are so many people teaching their children bad things.
Reply
jessica said 3:47PM on 11-13-2009
I can't say that I agree with this, I have a severly disabled nonverbal, nonamblitory son who's going to be 8 and I wouldn't think of displaying his life for everyone to galk at 24/7. Nor would I expose his brother and sister to that kind of exposure.
If the parents want to share thier story I think that's great but I don't understand the need to create a voyaristic environment for thier daughter. To me that is little better then putting her in a zoo and letting people file by.
Reply
J Smith said 7:17PM on 11-13-2009
I don't think it was meant that way. I think the parents want the world to see exactly how tough it is to take care of a handicaped son/daughter. It's not to exploit the son/daughter...but show the world what goes on in the life of a handicapped person and how much care, love and devotion is needed to do it. A child would never get the kind of caring support from any care worker that would be willing to do it around the clock. Only family members could do that sort of job. Plus you have to consider insurance, money, etc. Most people do not have the money to get the care their child needs. Perhaps as well it is for others to learn to see the other side of the spectrum and learn to be caregivers as well. A little empathy goes a long way. Not only will we see the struggles this person has to deal with every single day, but we will also see the struggles the family has to endure...and I might say with dignity, respect and love. Kuddos to the family for wanting to share. P.S. I understand what some of you are saying about it would be like the person is on display. I don't see it like that. I only see what is. God Bless that family and I appreciate their sharing their life.
rohrcheibcroh said 4:16PM on 11-13-2009
first off shes 32 .he is far from a child. her parents are wacked though. as for the big brother comment if you happen to enter a store what ever you on cam a very short time an .in some cases im glad they have it. it has captured a few crimes this way. i would like to see this in the nursing homes my self stop all the abuse a theifs of the elderly. as for this girl on the network i see it as strange. leave the girl at peace in her room
Reply
Purvi said 7:51PM on 11-13-2009
hey it's the same thing if you put cameras in the nursing homes.
I mean people live there. It's there home. You want them filmed 24/7 and invade their privacy? I mean I understand you want the abuse and theft to go down, but putting cameras there are not the answer.
islandgirl said 4:45PM on 11-13-2009
It is a total invasion of privacy. Anne needs a guardian ad litem to fight for her rights. She has the same rights as any other 32 year old woman.
Reply
rann948 said 5:29PM on 11-13-2009
Not in France.
Qbuster said 6:21PM on 11-13-2009
Can you read? She does have caretakers and she also lives in FRANCE. In case you are unaware, that is another country. Why do you think this is an invasion? I feel it is good, let the people that keep their heads up their behinds see what it is like to have a handicap and what life is on a daily basis. You must be one of those that likes to ignore what real life is for these people, out of sight out of mind...
Crytical said 5:14PM on 11-13-2009
I think they are using their daughter to show their struggle in caring for her and her disabilities with little regard to her struggle. We as a whole believe that all life is precious and special and must preserve all life at any cost. Not only do the people with severe disabilities suffer but also those around that must help them in every day to day aspects.
Abraham Lincoln said "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Sometimes we hold onto things to make ourselves feel better and we're not thinking so much about the people we think we're protecting. I think the simple fact that suicide is illegal proves a point. Ending ones life has no more effect on that person but has many lasting effects on the people around them.
I know personally if I were unable to walk or talk and all I did was lay in bed and rely on people to, in essence, live my life for me I'd be completely ashamed. More so even that I couldn't end my own suffering and so was making their suffering worse. Why should the healthy in this situation get to be the matyr just because the handicapped can't do anything about it.
I know people think I'd feel different if it were my child or friend that was disabled but I wouldn't. Hate me even more but if they could communicate they wanted something drastic - I would assist them.
This is only my opinion and how I feel about it. I have already told my family I never wish to be a burden on them and if anything were ever to happen to me they know my wishes.
Reply
tandk'smom said 6:24PM on 11-13-2009
No offense...but unless you have ever cared for someone who is handicapped you don't have a clue as to wether or not it is "suffering" to do so. I have a preschooler with autism...she needs me to help her with everything...I also have two other "normal" children...All three of them are happy, healthy and adjusted even though she cannot speak and has some physical handicaps as well. I don't see it as a burden to care for her and help her in anyway..it is a joy to me every day to be the one she looks for with a smile on her face. I'm not saying that everyone feels the same way as I do about caring for my autistic angel...there are varying degrees of handicap for everyone...and some of them are more disabled than she is....some are in pain...some are adults being cared for by elderly parents. But its not fair to say that everyone who is disabled is miserable and that their caretakers are as well. I bet that these parents would say the do not regret having this daughter...that all they want for her is the best and that they hope this will in some way help her and others like her. I know that's how I feel about my little one.
otrpu said 6:37PM on 11-13-2009
Personally, I don't want a camera on me to be on the internet. Rather like being in a zoo.
Reply
Denise said 7:21PM on 11-13-2009
Not everyone who cares for a disabled family member is miserable. I have never seen my daughter as a BURDEN! It is an act of love; its called being a family. Obviously some who are posting on here have no clue what that means. My daughter has taught me patience, compassion and the true meaning of love and family. Everyday i say thank you for having her as my daughter. NOT A BURDEN!
Reply
Edifice said 7:23PM on 11-13-2009
I think it is really beautiful that the women realize that who she is and what she is doing is something everyone, to some very real extent, cares about. People care about people. And, people caring is greater than the sum of its parts.
Reply
MICK Y said 8:46PM on 11-13-2009
that women is a human being!!! and why is her dignity unimportant it does not make it ok to broadcast her on webcam....why doesn't society broadcast their every move....this is shamful and for those of you that want to watch it......just one word THERAPY.....and myself have a disabled child and sthe thought of putting his life out there for people to view 24/7 makes me sick
Reply
Billybob said 9:17PM on 11-13-2009
Let's remember that one day the parents will be gone, and the young lady will still be here. Who will give support to her then. The remainder of her life in a home for the disabled. We all hear stories and tales but it comes to a different light when one actually views the reality of the situation. This should not be viewed as yet another story about someone with cerebral palsy, but a story of how anyone with a handicap has to deal with life when we simply get up every day and take every little thing for granted.
Many americans do not think that health care is a right but a privelage. This young lady was not given the opportunity of a choice, as were the parents, as were many many others in this cruel world.
We all need a wake up call. This young lady represents each and every one on this planet.
Reply