A French family that was denied permanent residency in Canada due to their daughter’s cerebral palsy will now be allowed to stay under a special deal reached this week.

David Barlagne moved his family to Montreal in 2005 to start a computer software business. But when the family applied for permanent residency, they were turned down because their daughter, Rachel, 8, has cerebral palsy, which Canadian officials said would be a burden on the country’s health care system.

The family’s plight made headlines as they attempted unsuccessfully to appeal the decision. Facing deportation, they asked last week to be allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.

The move appears to have worked. The Barlagnes garnered support from a host of politicians who helped broker a special arrangement with the Canadian government to allow the family to stay, reports CBC News. To read more click here.

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