New Ways of Thinking

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Learn More About:
—People First Language
—Inclusive Education
—Redefining Disability
—Strategies for Success
—Children/Family Issues
—Kathie Snow's Presentations
—Disability is Natural Online Store

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.

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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?

Listen to this radio interview as Kathie talks about the importance of language, inclusive education, and other topics in an "Inclusive Classroom" program.

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. Kathie Snow

We would accept people with disabilities for who they are and not spend so much time trying to fix them. Rebecca, a person with autism who works with people who have disabilities/different abilities

Individual autonomy were valued, instead of helpful conformity. I am tired of having my life planned out around what suits the powerful. Professor Sean Dineen, History professor and wheelchair user

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). Kathie Snow

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! Sheri, Mom in California

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). Kathie Snow

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.

Everyone presumes competence in children and adults with disabilities. Kathie Snow

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

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. Kathie Snow

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

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). Kathie Snow

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). Sherri, Parent from DC area and Partners graduate.

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

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

We all would think to walk a mile in each others' shoes. 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. Lynn S.

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. 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! 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! 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. 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. Lisa Kooper

We realized that we're all utterly dependent in infancy and senility, and we all experience disability at one time or another, in sickness or in health. Since we cannot escape the need to give and receive care at these times, disability is not "abnormal," but entirely normal—or as Kathie Snow says, "it's natural." By embracing a "new abnormal," we exclude no one and promote tolerance for one another in our infinite diversity. Sal Amenta

People would appreciate that progress for some people happens in small steps and deserves to be celebrated. Lisa, a teacher.

Public transportation was accessible to everyone. Amanda Crowley, Coordinator of Training and Safety at Abilities First, Poughkeepsie, NY

We recognize that the system is so poorly-managed and misleading. Misguidance and roadblocks in the system during a person's childhood years result in more costly support systems needed with the person is an adult. Karen, parent and professional

Everyone stopped using the word "special" when referring to services and supports that assist adults and children. The term "special Education" does not accurately describe anything. Kathie's article [The Case Against "Special Needs"] is correct: the word "special" has become the new word for segregation. Sharon

The fashion industry recognized people with disabilities as viable fashion consumers. Stephanie Thomas, a Disability Fashion Stylist

We would focus more on the social model of disability. Rebecca, a supporter of Autism Rights/Neurodiversity Movement

We focused on the person, and not the person’s disability. Just like we have five different fingers on one hand, there are different people in society. Tasks are easier to do when our fingers work together, and life is better when we all work together without focusing on disability. Smita

Schools provided all children with the education they need, with no need to use labels to get the extra services, and parents did not need to fight for what their children need.  Frances, a parent

We would stop presuming we "know" the extent of another person's potential, and (even worse) assigning a value to that presumption. Different is not less, nor more; but simply different. Those who presume to judge the worth of another human being need to look at their scales. Anita K., parent

The disability community and the long-term care community came together. Carmen Bowman, Consultant in long-term care, the culture change movement.

All children were accepted by their peers without reflection of their parents' attitudes or external prejudices, and learn from each other. Liz Prosser

Everyone in the community said "Yes!" instead "No," so parents wouldn't have to convince businesses, schools, or community members at-large, that their children can and should belong there. It would be a much smoother ride for everyone, and represent the true meaning of inclusion. Shannon, parent and professional, Kamloops, BC, Canada

Universal design were considered in every instance of remodel, renovation, or upgrade, and not just in new construction. Michael Forman, Educator

When taking your child to the neighborhood school for the first time, you are NOT told that you must take your precious child to some other school, far away from your neighborhood. Jaime Pachón Spanish Interpreter/Translator

If everyone embraced the fact that diversity is beautiful—whether it's abilities or disabilities or languages or skin tones. No one wants to eat a soup with only one flavor, why would we want to live in a world with only one type of person? Amanda, Eureka, CA

All people were respected and treated with dignity through the eyes of "seeing beyond disability." Debra Fader, RCALD Voc-Rehab Coordinator, Middleton, NY

When everyone belongs; no one feels excluded; we recognize each person's unique abilities; and we're all side-by-side. Renee Farrow-Bennett, Side-by-Side Community Parent Support Team

We allowed people with disabilities to particiate in all things, in all stages and levels. Evelyn Cabgion, Social Inclusion Advisor, China

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 disabilities 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.