New Ways of Thinking

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—People First Language
—Inclusive Education
—Redefining Disability
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Yes, Disability is Natural—but what do apples have to do with disability?

One of the five apples is green. One American in five has a disability, making people with disabilities the largest minority group and the only group that anyone can join at any time: at birth or through an accident, illness, or the aging process.

A green apple is more like red apples than different; a person with a disability is more like people without disabilities than different. The U.S. Developmental Disabilities Act states, "Disability is a natural part of the human experience..."

This is your source for Kathie Snow's life-changing articles and products that can generate positive change. Visit the different "Explore" sections for a variety of thought-provoking, informative articles. Visit the Disability is Natural Online Store for Kathie's life-changing book and other unique products that promote new ways of thinking about disability!

People First Language

People First Language (PFL) represents more respectful, accurate ways of communicating. People with disabilities are not their diagnoses or disabilities; they are people, first.

PFL is not about "political correctness," it's about good manners and "the golden rule."

"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you," is a very harmful myth. Words do matter! They can raise or lower expectations; hurt or help; crush hopes or create dreams; and so much more.

When we adopt new ways of thinking and talking about people with disabilities, we'll not only exert a positive influence on their lives, but on our society as a whole. We've seen the power of language on other groups; we've made changes and no longer use ethnic slurs and other harmful descriptors.

Now it's time to extend that courtesy to the boys, girls, men, and women in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities who happen to have disabilities.

Click here for a variety of People First Language articles by Kathie Snow, and take the People First Language Pledge! Isn't it time for more respectful and accurate language for all?

THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF:

Physicians and other medical personnel help parents joyously celebrate the birth of every baby, instead of crushing parents’ dreams when they predict gloom and doom because the child happens to have a disability.

Parents of children with disabilities dream big dreams for their children, and ignore the negative words of others (physicians, teachers, therapists, health care providers, service providers, family members, or anyone else).

All educators recognize that all students with disabilities are learners with great potential, and ensure students with disabilities receive the education they need, in general education classrooms, so they have the skills they need to go on to post-secondary education and/or into the job market (a real job with real pay).

Everyone presumes competence in children and adults with disabilities.

Churches, synagogues, and/or other religious organizations eliminate "special needs" (separate) programs, and welcome, support, and include children and adults with disabilities in the ordinary activities of the church/synagogue.

Parents focus on ensuring their children with disabilities are included in all aspects of society, instead of focusing primarily on "getting more services" (which usually translates into greater segregation).

We all use People First Language, focusing on the person first, and eliminating negative, pejorative descriptors (like "special needs") that marginalize and devalue individuals.

Other children treat my children as they would any of their other friends. It blesses my heart when my children are treated as equals. Their disabilities make no difference at all! From Sheri, Mom in California.

All parents of children with disabilities and individuals with disabilities had the opportunity to receive Partners in Policymaking training, and if they can't participate in person, they could take the classes online (www.partnersinpolicymaking.com). From Sherri, Parent from DC area and Partners graduate.

Care providers didn't talk about about the person with a disability as if the person wasn't even in the room. From Amanda W.

People would let a person with a disability learn the consequences of his/her actions; this provides natural learning for the person. From Amanda W.

People with disabilities are allowed to participate in sporting activities to the best of their abilities. From Amanda W.

We all would think to walk a mile in each others' shoes. From Teri W.

There were more volunteer advocates who understood people with disabilities, their issues, and "the system," and actively worked with people with disabilities to make positive changes. From Lynn S.

Educators recognized the opposite of inclusion is exclusion...would you choose to exclude a child? From Tegan, a teacher

If people realized that having a child with a disability is like taking the scenic route. You still get to where you are going, it just may take a little longer. From Dayna C.

Accessible toilets were built with benches for people with incontinence, but who do not use wheelchairs. It is very hard for a person to change herself without having a place to sit or transfer to; most bathrooms do not have a lid on the toilet seat! From Sue M.

People would realize that a person with a "disability" has the "disability"—the "disability" does not have them, nor is it them. I always say I have rheumatoid arthritis (aka "the crap"), it does not, nor will it ever, have me! From Sharon S., a chic w/rheumatoid arthritis and a teacher of students with various needs who are all taller than me!

Each person was valued and respected for being a truly unique individual. From M.S., a parent.

Parents would teach their young children that it's wrong to stare at people with disabilities. It seems many are not aware, or don't care, that their child is staring, and the child never learns that it's wrong. Encouraging the child to ask the person questions isn't always right, because many people with disabilities don't like to answer questions or call attention to themselves, and if the person gets angry, he/she is blamed for the reaction, not the child asking the questions. From Lisa Kooper

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This is a work in progress. I'll be adding to this list on a regular basis, and I'd like to add your ideas, too! I'll be happy to include your suggestions that reflect:

• the principles and ideals of equality, respect, and dignity for people with disabilities;
• inclusion in all areas of life (educational, social, recreational, employment, etc.);
• people with disabilities as competent, self-determined individuals who can and should live the lives of their dreams: a real life in the real world!

What are your ideas on how people with disabilities, parents, educators, service providers, health care providers, legislators, and/or others who influence the lives of people with disabiliteis can make the world a better place? By submitting your contribution, you're authorizing its publication in this section of the website, and you can decide how you want to be identified.  I'll be back in touch after you write to me, and I appreciate your interest! Click here to submit your contribution.