Special-needs housing, stop and frisk, and Social Security
A means test for Social Security benefits, a reader argues, raises a question about reimbursement. Credit: Getty Images/Douglas Sacha
Vulnerable people need more support
I agree with parents pleading for quality of life and safe housing for their special needs children so they can reach their potential [“We need housing for our loved ones,” Letters, Oct. 28].
As a pediatric nurse for more than 40 years, I’ve witnessed how parents struggle to keep their children safe at home. These challenges are endless, while coping with the worst fear of all, their own deaths before their children pass.
My child was born with a heart defect and became disabled. It was inconceivable to imagine my child living outside of my home.
My son’s neurologist said that even with an enormous bank account, I myself couldn’t give him the social, school, medical and therapeutic care offered in a residential home.
The decision to move my son to a residential facility, while beyond difficult, was the best decision for him. Thankfully, I found an upstate facility. Seeing how cared for and happy he was made my decision worth it, but I wish he could have been closer, in a Long Island home.
Shortly after he moved to an adult home here on Long Island, my son died. My professional and personal belief remains that we must do more to support our most vulnerable population.
— Dana DeRuvo, Bay Shore
Stop and frisk can cut number of guns
It would be great to take illegally acquired guns off the streets.
Maybe stop and frisk should be brought back to try to get illegal guns off the streets, not just the legally licensed ones [“Gov adds $4.6M in funds for red flag laws,” News, Oct. 25].
— Edward Stroh, Rockville Centre
Will Social Security refund payments?
The letter “Base Social Security on people’s needs” [Opinion, Oct. 21] didn’t address one point.
If a person, based on a means test, will not be entitled to any Social Security benefits, will Social Security refund (with interest) to both the employee and the employer the money they paid to Social Security?
— W.J. Van Sickle, Brentwood
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