Judge Denies Guardianship to for Groom-to-Be with Down Syndrome

Talk about self-direction and person-centerd planning ... powerful decision.

A Brooklyn Surrogate Court judge denied a guardianship petition sought by family members of a 29-year-old man with Down Syndrome, saying their objection to him marrying was an insufficient basis for appointing them guardians.

Surrogate Court Judge
 Margarita López Torres

"The right to have a family of one's own is not reserved only for persons with no disabilities," Surrogate Margarita López Torres said, "and the yearning for companionship, love, and intimacy is no less compelling for persons living with disabilities."

Va. Woman Wins Case; Moves in with Friends

A 29-year-old Virginia woman with Down syndrome who successfully fought her mother's attempt to be her guardian has moved in with friends, according to one of the people she now lives with.In a case watched carefully by advocates for people with disabilities, Margaret Jean Hatch, who is known as Jenny, had been fighting for nearly a year to be able to choose where to live. She succeeded on Friday.

Attitudes Are the Real Disability

Barbara Aden in her apartment.

BELMONT, Calif. -- Barbara Aden, 31, has a love for life seldom seen.

She wakes up in the morning with a positive attitude, sings and dances her way through the day even as she works and offers sincere compliments to just about everyone she meets.

Born with Down syndrome, Aden has worked hard since she graduated Carlmont High School in 2001 to live life to the fullest on her own terms.

Helped by family, friends and agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities, Aden not only holds a regular job, she also has her own apartment in Belmont. She moved into the apartment earlier this year, and it is the first time she has ever lived on her own.