Disability Is Natural Books and Media

Can they imagine what it’s like to be the mother or father, wondering if your child is safe with the teacher at school? Wondering if your child is crying, bored, happy, feels safe and cared about, and so much more?

Kathie Snow

When my son was five and included in a regular ed kindergarten classroom, the teacher and I were somewhat at odds. At my urging, we met with the principal to try to resolve our differences. During one of my many efforts to maintain a positive relationship with her (for the ultimate benefit of my son), I told her that this was all about my son’s education, not about the two of us, and added, “You must know that I think highly of you: I trust you enough to turn my son over to you every day.”

Just saying the words that day brought home how important trust really is. Every school day that year, I relinquished physical control of my precious five-year-old son, and turned him over to this teacher (and others). When you really think about it, doesn’t that entail an enormous degree of trust?

Nineteen-year-old Trey moved into a group home about six months ago. His mom, Christine, took this step reluctantly, and drives three hours each way to visit her son several times each month. She routinely expresses her worries and fears. On several visits, she became aware that things weren’t as they were supposed to be. Christine and Trey met with the staff to resolve the issues, and she’s hoping and praying that her trust in the staff is not misplaced.

Every day, as regards the care of their children, millions of parents put their trust in others. Countless children and adults with disabilities put their trust in teachers, service providers, therapists, and others. These people are paid to provide care, education, or services of one sort or another. Do they truly understand the importance of trust?​ Click here to continue.

It's About Trust

 DISABILITY IS NATURAL!

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