New Ways of Thinking

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—People First Language
—Inclusive Education
—Redefining Disability
—Strategies for Success
—Children/Family Issues
—Kathie Snow's Presentations
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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 to go to the Language-Communication section to see a variety of People First Language articles by Kathie Snow. 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).

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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 self-determined individuals who can and should live the lives of their dreams
• in other words, people with disabilities as real people who want real lives.

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? Click here to go to the Contact Us form to send me your idea. But wait—please read the rest of this info first! Provide your name and Email address, write your idea and tell me it's for the "Better World" list. Tell me a little about yourself, too, and let me know if I have your permission to use your name if your idea is published here, or if you want to be anonymous. I'll be back in touch after you write to me, and I appreciate your interest!