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Welcome!

Isn't it time for some common sense, new ways of thinking, and good news about disability issues? You'll find it all here!

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Let's get beyond all the doom-and-gloom that is often the norm regarding disability. My son, Benjamin, and others with disabilities are Real People who can and should live Real Lives, included in every aspect of their communities, and living the lives of their dreams! It's happening in our family, and in many other families, too.

The articles on this website can help you move beyond the status quo, whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, or you work in the field. Check out all the innovative articles in the EXPLORE sections. You can download articles and make copies to share as a handout. For other uses of any material on this site, please see the Terms of Use.

If you use a screenreader and experience difficulties with coded security boxes, please call toll-free 1-866-948-2222 for assistance. We're working on finding security with decent audio output, and we appreciate your patience.

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 Kathie's People First Language articles. Isn't it time for more respectful and accurate language for all?

Click here to listen to Kathie's interview about language, inclusive education, and more.

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!

IT'S TIME FOR POSITIVE CHANGE . . .

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia

Let's think—and do some talking to each other—

about how we TREAT children and adults with disabilities . . .
Click on the links below.

January Newsletter: Treatment

A Culture of Caring Article

First, Do No Harm Article

Assume the Best Article

Those Who "Cared" Often Didn't See the Real Me (Your Stories)

She Felt Loved (Your Stories)

Assume the Best Products

Cure Prejudice Now! Products

Equal, Not Special Products

Check back often to see different topics that will be included in this section—ways we can create positive change!