Disability is Natural Free Press

• Better Than Ever! Disability is Natural/2nd Edition is Now Available!
• Featured Article: Independence Day
• New Revolutionary Common Sense Articles
• Jenneil's Journey: A People First Language Victory
• Send Your Happy-Face Pics and Be Showcased on the Web Site!
• The Disability is Natural Store

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Better Than Ever!

Disability is Natural/2nd Edition is Now Available!

If you've wondered why it's been four months since the last Disability is Natural newsletter, now you know---I was working my fingers to the bone to get the 2nd Edition of Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities to the printer! It's new and improved, rewritten from cover to cover---not just a few revisions here and there. The 2nd Edition is easier to use in a larger format with self-study pages, introspective questionnaires, and handy tips you can put to work immediately to improve your child's life and your family's life! It's chock-full of new real-life stories, entertaining artwork, and strategies to ensure children with disabilities of all ages lead successful lives, included in their homes, schools, and communities.

Like the first book, this 2nd Edition examines conventional wisdom and explores why today's traditional practices in early intervention, early childhood, special education, therapies, and other disability-related activities aren't getting the job done! Eye-opening education statistics included in the book tell the unfortunate tale. We can do better (and our children deserve better) when we learn from some of the stars of this book: an innovative, caring principal of an inclusive school; therapists who are creating a new therapeutic landscape; a behavior expert who goes beyond "positive behavior supports;" a human service professional who is way ahead of his time; and more!

Written for parents, by a parent, this book will also be an extraordinary resource for teachers, human services professionals, therapists, grandparents, and anyone else who cares about the success of children and young people with disabilities. Readers of the 1st Edition: you'll want this 2nd Edition, too---it's a new book like no other!

Visit www.disabilityisnatural.com or call toll-free 1-866-948-2222 to order your copy today! Large format (8 1/2 x 11), 324 pages, $30.00. If you'd like a personalized, signed copy, fill in the pertinent details in the "comments/more information" box on the order form. For example, tell me who you want the book signed to---if you're purchasing the book for yourself and you're a parent, tell me the parents' and children's names; if you work in the field, tell me what you do. The more info you provide, the more personalized the inscription!

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Featured Article:

Independence Day

by Kathie Snow

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America led to the birth of a new nation. Of the 1,321 words in the Declaration, the 35 words above promote both a grand philosophy and a daily way of life that represents the best of America.

Throughout our history, however, these precious few words haven't always applied to all Americans. In response, people of color, women, and others have worked diligently to ensure these words did apply to them. Thanks to their efforts, our society has made great strides in living up to the beliefs of our Founding Fathers.

As we prepare for another 4th of July celebration---while we're planning a weekend trip, shopping for burgers and buns, or anticipating an extra day off from work---I hope we'll give thought to these words and the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

In your mind, is it "self-evident" that people with disabilities are "created equal"? And what does this mean? According to history books, Thomas Jefferson and our other Founding Fathers included these particular words based on their belief in a "higher law" than the law of man-made government.

If we do profess to believe that individuals who happen to have disabilities are, indeed, created equal, why do they continue to live unequal lives, physically separated and socially isolated in segregated classrooms in schools and in congregate living and work settings?

Or do we consider them to be "equal" only if and when they achieve an "able-bodied standard" or someone's definition of "normal"? That criteria isn't found in the Declaration of Independence, but it seems to be the driving force behind many of today's programs and services, as well as our personal attitudes and actions.

As a society, do we truly believe people with disabilities are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights [to] Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness"? If so, why are so many children and adults with disabilities denied opportunities to lead the Life of their dreams, included in their schools, communities, and workplaces? Why are they denied the Liberty to make their own decisions, to freely associate with others, and enjoy other common, but valuable, opportunities of personal freedom over their own lives that most Americans take for granted? And why are they not allowed to pursue Happiness? Why is the American Dream an empty promise for too many children and adults with disabilities? Why are their hopes routinely dismissed as "unrealistic"?

Many believed our Founding Fathers were unrealistic when they attempted to free themselves from the shackles of an oppressive King in England. But their determination and belief in the rightness of their cause, coupled with the support of others who shared their beliefs, led to success in the Revolutionary War and the birth of a new nation.

Isn't it time for Independence Day to have meaning for the millions of adults and children with disabilities in our country? Perhaps it will when we follow in the footsteps of our forefathers. We can take active steps to believe all people with disabilities are created equal, and take actions to ensure they enjoy their inalienable Right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. We can also support their determination to live the lives of their dreams, instead of trying to change them to fit our expectations.

Unlike our forefathers, we don't need to go to war to make these changes. We can, instead, free people with disabilities from the invisible shackles that bind them, by creating a gentle revolution with our words, attitudes, and actions. Think about it as you celebrate this Independence Day.

 

Copyright 2005 Kathie Snow. If you would like a handout version (PDF) of this article, please send your request, along with the title of the article (Independence Day) to: kathie@disabilityisnatural.com. You may share and/or distribute this Email or the PDF version of the article to others (non-commercial use only). As a courtesy, please let me know how/when you use it. Please do not violate copyright laws: request permission before reprinting in publications or on websites.

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New Revolutionary Common Sense Articles

More thought-provoking articles are now available on the Revolutionary Common Sense page at www.disabilityisnatural.com for you to read and share with others, available as PDF hand-outs and as TEXT files for screenreaders. Check out the descriptions below:

The 10 Commandments of Creating Community

It's all about attitude, and it's easier than you think! When we adopt these ten ways of thinking and acting, inclusion in the community will become a reality for all. Did you know that inclusion is, first and foremost, a state of mind? We'll get what we expect: when we expect inclusion, we'll do what it takes to make it happen!

Remember the Bicycle!

Why do we still see so many children and adults going without the assistive technology devices which would help them lead more successful lives? In too many cases, this is a result of presuming a person is incompetent to use the device. But this bicycle story can help us see the error of our ways! When your parents bought your first bike, did you know how to ride it? Probably not, but your parents presumed competence and believed you could learn. Isn't it time to do the same for people with disabilities?

Who's a Consumer?

Words matter! They create our daily reality. "Consumer" is one of many descriptors used about people with disabilities, but is it a word they chose? No, it's another label assigned by the System. Everyone is a consumer--of one kind or another---but some businesses call us "customers" or "guests" and for good reason. What if we change this label in Disability World?

Home, Sweet Home: Behavior Supports

Creating welcoming environments is one way to ensure the success and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities. (We don't need to try to change them; we need to change the environment!) When we put the right behavior supports in place, our homes, schools, and other settings will be friendly, welcoming places for all!

Inclusive Recreation: A Passport to Real Life

It's time for summer fun, and it's also time for inclusive recreation, instead of segregated, "special" sports and other activities. This interview with Mark Ohrenberg details strategies and ideas successfully used by the Missouri Access Recreation Project. Mark shares real-life experiences of children and adults in sports, churches, and other community activities, and details how success in inclusive recreation can lead to success throughout a person's life!

Look Before You Leap

People with disabilities and their family members are often surprised, unhappy, frustrated, and/or confused about the services they receive and how they're treated by those who provide services (including educators). Frustration and confusion can be reduced if we look before we leap, and investigate the policies of an organization ahead of time. "Buyer beware" is tried-and-true advice that can protect us in the business world; let's put it to work in the world of disability services, too!

Is Our Nation Serious About Educating Students with Disabilities?

This article poses some provocative and mind-boggling questions. The intent of special ed law (IDEA) is to ensure a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. But this same law---because it creates a separate, special set of rules---has led to a substandard and separate educational experience for too many children with disabilities. Other laws leave no doubt about our nation's effort to eliminate discrimination---but the structure of IDEA should make us wonder about our nation's commitment to educating students with disabilities.

Redefining Disability

Disability is a social construct: man-made laws, policies, and procedures have defined the concept of what we call a "disability." What if we redefine it in ways that make more sense, are more accurate, and are more respectful of the people who have been placed in a disability classification?

Self-Advocacy: It's Never Too Early!

Read this and rejoice! Meet several children with disabilities who proudly speak up for themselves. In the process, they're educating others, sharing new attitudes, and paving the way to success for themselves and other children, too. With their parents' support, these young people found their own voices early!

Take a Walk in Their Shoes

Some receive services; others provide them. Dilemmas arise. What's it like to be on the receiving end of services? Are people with disabilities asked if they want services? Are services provided in ways that truly meet the needs of the individual with a disability? Those who provide services---and family members---have the opportunity to make positive and powerful changes if they'll take a walk in the shoes of children and adults with disabilities.

Visit the Revolutionary Common Sense page at www.disabilityisnatural.com to see these thought-provoking articles!

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Jenneil's Journey: A People First Language Victory

Jenneil Watkins, a resident of Sioux Falls, SD and a participant in the South Dakota Partners in Policymaking leadership development course, is making a difference in her community. Jenneil understands the importance of using People First Language, and eliminating antiquated, pejorative terms from our vocabulary. She and I Emailed a few times several months ago about this issue, and her determination and persistence paid off: she successfully influenced the local newspaper (The Argus Leader) to replace "handicapped-accessible" with the more respectful and accurate "wheelchair-accessible" in its restaurant reviews. Here's part of Jenneil's letter to me (used with her permission):

I first wrote to one of the restaurant reviewers on February 19, 2005, to request that the Argus change the terminology from "handicapped-accessible" to more appropriate language...I received no response and no changes were made. Once or twice a month, newspaper subscribers are able to ask questions on-line, so I took that opportunity. I first thanked them for having published some very nice articles about people with disabilities, as well as an article about Partners in Policymaking. I mentioned that none of those articles included the word "handicapped," and added that I was disappointed this word was still being used in the newspaper's restaurant reviews. I recommended alternative terms that could be used, including the universal access symbol. I then asked why they chose to use this word in the restaurant reviews. Perhaps there was a reason, and if so, I wanted to know. Well, the rest is history! Caroline Lalley, editor of the "Link" section of the newspaper responded, "Thank you for pointing this out. We certainly can use the term 'wheelchair-accessible' in our reviews, and we will start doing that immediately." I was delighted with her answer, and even more thrilled when the next restaurant review included "wheelchair-accessible"! It made my day! I wrote Caroline to thank her for listening and making the change. And thank you, Kathie, for your help, guidance, and encouragement to make it happen.

Thank you, Jenneil, for your dedication and perseverence! With every restaurant review that includes "wheelchair-accessible," newspaper readers in Sioux Falls are learning new ways of thinking and talking---and it's all the result of Jenneil's efforts! I hope Jenneil's success motivates others to work proactively to create change in their local newspapers. We can do this!

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Send Your Happy-Face Pics

and Be Showcased on the Web Site!

It's that time again---time to add new faces of children and adults with disabilities to the Disability is Natural web pages! Adults with disabilities, send me a photo of yourself; parents: send me a photo of your child with a disability. Share yourself or your child with the world and help change attitudes and perceptions at the same time!

Here are the important details to know:

• Save the photo in a jpeg or gif format, and send as an attachment to kathie@disabilityisnatural.com. If possible, crop the photo (as needed) before you save it.
• In the body of your Email, include your name, full address, and phone number, along with the name(s) of the person(s) in the photo (I will only use the first name, to protect privacy), and state that you're giving permission for the photo to be posted on the Disability is Natural web site.
• If the photo is of more than one person, I'll need permission (and details, as described above) for everyone in the photo. For example, if you send a photo of your child playing with other children, I'll need their names and addresses, as well as permission from their parents.
• If you would prefer to "snail mail" your photo, include the information described above, and send to BraveHeart Press, PO Box 7245, Woodland Park, CO  80863. Be sure to send a copy of your favorite photo---not the original---as photos cannot be returned.

I am not able to guarantee that every photograph that's submitted will be used; and depending on the number of photos received, some photos may be added to the web site immediately, while others will be added later. I will, however, notify everyone whose photos will be used. And I thank you for allowing me to share yourself and/or your child with the world!

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The Disability is Natural Store

A variety of products that promote new ways of thinking are available from the Disability is Natural Store! Tote bags, T-shirts for children and adults, badges, stickers, mini-posters, and note cards can be imprinted with your choice of a variety of designs. The Presume Competence logo is a perennial favorite, and you'll find other bright, colorful logos at the Design Gallery. While you're browsing in the Disability is Natural Store, check out the brand new 2nd Edition of the Disability is Natural book, learn about the companion Disability is Natural video, and other great products in all price ranges to buy for yourself or as gifts for others! 

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Thanks for your interest in new ways of thinking! Feel free to share this Email newsletter with others. We'd also like you to contact us and share your comments and ideas about this newsletter, the Disability is Natural website, or anything else of interest. (Note: please do not hit your reply button to write us, as your communication will be delayed. Instead, click on the Email address below.) If you received this Email from a friend and would like to subscribe, visit www.disabilityisnatural.com or send an Email to kathie@disabilityisnatural.com with your request.

And thanks for all you do to create a more inclusive society where everyone belongs!