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REVOLUTIONARY COMMON SENSE LIBRARY
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The 10 Commandments
of Creating Community
(or How to Get Out of the System
and Into Your Community)
Revolutionary Common Sense by Kathie Snow
www.disabilityisnatural.com
1. See yourself as—and become—a “regular” (not “special”) person or family.
2. Expect inclusion. First and foremost, inclusion is a state of mind. See yourself or your family members as citizens of your community who belong!
3. Develop and nurture relationships with people in natural environments
and typical activities: community activities, church, school, leisure,
etc.
4. Use natural supports and generic services instead of services
and programs from the system (like soccer, ballet, swimming, etc. in
place of formal therapy). What would we do if there was no system? Would we really go without or would we find what we need in our communities?
5. Ask for others’ help, and then give back to others—however
you can—in return. Community is all about reciprocity!
6. Be specific about what you want and need from the community,
but also be flexible.
7. Be patient with others and with yourself as we all try new ways
of doing things. If your first effort fails, learn from the experience
and try again.
8. Experience the “dignity of risk.” Be willing to try things you’ve never done before!
9. Be proactive, not reactive, when dealing with others. Think “win/win” not “win/lose.” Negotiate
and compromise.
10. Act as if—no matter what—you cannot fail! See yourself
as successful. Attitude is everything!
©2001-06 Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com. Clip art from Adobe In-Design. Permission is granted for non-commercial use of this article: you may print this web page and photocopy it to share with others. Click here to download the PDF handout version of the article. As a courtesy, please tell me (kathie@disabilityisnatural.com) how/when you use it. Do not violate copyright laws: request permission before reprinting or republishing in newsletters, on websites, or in other media
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Disability is Natural
BraveHeart Press
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Fax: 1-719-687-8114
P. O. Box 7245
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Copyright © 2001 - 2008 by BraveHeart Press
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Our words reflect the way we think, so let's get rid of descriptors like "handicapped, physically disabled, mentally retarded, learning disabled" and other words that focus on the condition instead of the person. People First Language promotes dignity and respect for all!
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