Mum has best response to stranger who said disabled daughter is of ‘no use to society’

A mum had the best response to a stranger who told her that her disabled daughter is ‘no use to society’.

Dr Alison Pearson, a postdoctoral research fellow in education, wellbeing and resilience, is mum to 11-year-old Isabel who has trisomy 18.

The rare chromosomal condition, which is also called Edwards' Syndrome, has no cure and the condition does not usually run in families nor is it caused by anything the parents have done.

Most babies with Edwards’ Syndrome die shortly after birth however a small number of babies born alive with Edwards’ Syndrome, about 13 in 100, live past their first birthday.

Isabel has delayed development, is unable to talk and requires around the clock care.

"Isabel has got multiple difficulties, but she brings a unique and special light to the world," Pearson tells Tyla." The joy just radiates out of her and she is profoundly loving to all those who she is close to - in fact it takes us 10 times longer to do anything because we have to keep stopping for hugs.

"She has the most beautiful soul, and she makes our days happier just by being in them."

Pearson took to Twitter to share an appalling comment from a stranger online, who said Isabel has no value ‘because she will never work’.

She tweeted: “Earlier this year someone (online) told me my daughter has no value ‘because she will never work’. Well Mr Anonymous, I’m telling you the currency you’re using to assess value is so very wrong. #Ableism #DisabilityTwitter #livelife to the max.”

Pearson accompanied her tweet with an adorable picture of Isabel playing in sand.

Her tweet had a profound impact on Twitter users who came out to support Isabel and her mum after reading the stranger’s comments.

“How rude & totally wrong,” one Twitter user shared. “Your daughter is beautiful, joyful and of great worth. There's more to life than being a worker. How sad that some people can't see that.”

Another commenter wrote: “Who would say a mean thing like that?”

While someone else called the stranger’s comments ‘toxic’, writing: “I'm afraid that the person with that view has no understanding of the infinite definitions of 'value' and their life is much poorer for it. How awful to be that toxic inside.”

Parents also proudly shared pictures of their own disabled children, with one father writing: “My disabled daughter lights up the room with her smile and laughter...how valuable is that.”

Alison responded to the outpouring of love and support by sharing another picture of Isabel and added the positive comments ‘restored my faith in humanity.’

She wrote: “Oh my word, thank you to every single person who has liked or shared this and especially those who have left such lovely comments.

“I haven’t kept up at all, but you have all restored my faith in humanity.”

For help and support or more information about living with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13, please visit soft.org.uk which is the UK support organisation for those affected.