Disability is Natural Free Press

• The Season

• Bookmarks; Voices; and Equal, Not Special

• Featured Article: The Power of Imagination

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The Season

It's a busy day, a busy week, a busy month---and because everyone is so busy, this is a shorter-than-usual newsletter! The January newsletter, however, will include new Revolutionary Common Sense article, News to Use, and other regular features---so we'll be back on track in 2006!

In addition to being a busy time of the year, this is also the Season of imagination, when children dream of sugar plums---I mean electronics---and other gifts. It's a time when adults imagine how the New Year will be different than the old. Imagination is a valuable tool that can help create a new and better reality. With this in mind, the featured article in this newsletter focuses on the importance and power of imagination when it comes to the lives of children and adults with disabilities. And imagine what can happen when we listen to the Voices of people with disabilities---more about this in the next section.

I appreciate having this opportunity to offer Season's Greetings to you and yours! I hope you have a Merry Christmas, a Festive Hanukkah, a Joyous Kwanzaa, a Happy Festivus, or simply a peaceful and enjoyable time with loved ones. During this time of reflection, I also appreciate and am grateful for all who are interested in New Ways of Thinking about disability issues, and hope the New Year brings positive and powerful change in our attitudes and actions.

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Bookmarks; Voices; and Equal, Not Special

The Disability is Natural Online Store has been updated, making it easier to find what you're looking for, and for the first time, you'll also find "Combos and Gift Ideas" --- products bundled together at savings of 10-20 percent!

We're now offering bookmarks, available in all designs! These are oversized (2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches) and sturdy, and priced at only $1.00 each, with lower prices on larger quantities! These make wonderful little gifts throughout the year---share them with family members, students, co-workers, and customers.

The words and beliefs of children and adults with disabilities were the inspiration for seven new designs under the umbrella of "Voices:"

• Your Words, Attitudes, and Actions Impact My Life More Than My Disability

• Know Me: By My Name, Strengths, Abilities, Hopes, and Dreams, Not My Diagnosis

• I Have Dreams! Do You Know What They Are?

• Walk in My Shoes

• Ask Me; Don't Assume

• Work With Me, Not On Me. Do With Me, Not For Me

• Help Me Learn How to Help Myself, In My Own Way

All of these new designs are available as mini-posters, and on T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, note cards, badges, and bookmarks.

Check out the new Equal, Not Special design! It's available as a mini-poster, and can also be imprinted on T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, badges, and note cards. Heartfelt thanks for the inspiration of this design go to ACT---Advocating Change Together (www.selfadvocacy.com). As I've described in articles and my presentations, I believe the "special" and "special needs" descriptors are anything but special! When used about children and adults with disabilities, these labels can result in lowered expectations, "placement" in "special" (segregated) settings, and other less-than-desirable outcomes. And the way it's currently practiced in many school districts, "special" education is often "irregular" education.

I've never met an adult with a disability who likes "special"---most abhor it. They do not want to be treated as "special"---they simply want to be treated equally! Still, far too many people, including parents, educators, and others, continue to embrace the "special" mentality, to the detriment of children and adults with disabilities. Isn't it time to learn from people with real experience (adults with developmental disabilities) and move beyond the "special" descriptor?

Visit the Disability is Natural Online Store today to see the many ways to learn and share New Ways of Thinking!

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Featured Article: The Power of Imagination

Copyright 2005, Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com

According to the 9/11 Commission, a "failure of imagination" on the part of the intelligence community and our nation's leadership was a contributing factor in the horrific September 11th tragedy. If officials had let their imaginations roam, it's possible they could have anticipated what terrorists were capable of doing; then measures could have been taken which might have thwarted a terrorist attack.

This same conclusion is being applied to the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. The author of a new book on the subject details that American political and military leaders exercised little or no imagination related to what the Japanese government might be planning. And the Failure of Imagination criticism is now being heard in the wake of the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina.

The opposite of a Failure of Imagination is an Abundance of Imagination. Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." We can see one example of this Abundance in the success of businesses where the imagination of employees results in new products and services that make life better.

What if we applied the Failure of Imagination and Abundance of Imagination concepts to disability issues? Let's get the bad news over with first.

During the past 35 years, our nation and our 50 states have dedicated more laws, programs, services, and funds (billions and billions) for people with disabilities than at any other time in history, and we probably have more "disability stuff" than any other nation in the world. Early intervention services are intended to "maximize the potential for individuals with disabilities to live independently in society;" special education is supposed to educate children with disabilities so they can enter the workforce; vocational-rehabilitation and other employment services are ---duh!---supposed to help people with disabilities achieve gainful employment. But after decades of "progress," too many children with disabilities are in segregated special ed classrooms; the estimated (and shameful) 70-75 percent unemployment rate of people with disabilities has changed only a few percentage points; and children and adults with disabilities continue to be excluded from the mainstream of American society despite all the laws and programs designed to encourage inclusion.

We have the money (billions) and we have thousands of people to do the work (teachers, service providers, therapists, and professionals of all kinds). So what's the problem? A Failure of Imagination to see the possibilities for people with disabilities.

We're hypnotized by labels and what we think they mean ("deficits" and "problems"), while ignoring the strengths and abilities of those we have labeled. We're seduced by the (false) promises of treatments, interventions, and cures, and pay little attention to what people with disabilities really need. We react to IQ scores, standard deviations, and any "abnormalities" with more tests and evaluations, which so cloud our vision that we can no longer see that people with disabilities are more like people without disabilities than different. Our senses are dulled by rules, regulations, and red tape, so we robotically go through the motions.

You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. Mark Twain

These issues and many others sabotage our ability to imagine what's possible. And just as a Failure of Imagination contributed to the tragedies of 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and Katrina, our Failure of Imagination can lead to tragedies---the loss of hope, diminished opportunities, an uncertain future, and more---for people with disabilities.

Now for the good news. Great things are happening for some people with disabilities. Some boys and girls are successfully included in general ed classrooms and typical community activities. Some men and women are working in real jobs for real wages---some are self-employed---and living in their own homes! These "exceptions to the rule" are the result of an Abundance of Imagination within people with disabilities, parents, teachers, service providers, and others who are making things happen regardless of the type or "severity" of disability.

Let's turn the "exceptions" into the "rule." We can begin by imagining the "worst-case" and the "best-case" scenarios, and letting those images drive our actions: doing what it takes to prevent the worst and ensure the best. And throughout this process, we need to continually ask, "What if..." for both the best-and worse-case scenarios.

When my son, Benjamin, was three, I met several adults with developmental disabilities in the Partners in Policymaking leadership development  program (www.partnersinpolicymaking.com). A few were employed and living Real Lives; most were not---they were in congregate living settings and day programs. My husband and I wanted Benjamin to live a Real Life, just like his sister. We imagined that outcome, then did what was needed to make it happen, while also doing everything possible to prevent our son from living a life of segregation, helplessness, and dependency. Along the way, experts told us we were "unrealistic." We turned away from those who had a Failure of Imagination and embraced those who imagined with us. Today, at age 18, Benjamin is enjoying his first year of college.

Maintaining an Abundance of Imagination can change people's lives---and it's fun! Once the Imagination Machine is turned on, actions that cause change are automatic. So begin: create pictures in your mind, write your ideas, draw pictures in a "Beautiful Future" scrapbook, talk with others, or use any mechanism to imagine with abundance! As you brainstorm, keep in mind the "Tools" needed to ensure successful lives: assistive technology (AT) devices, supports, and accommodations. And remember, these are not the unique needs of individuals with disabilities---people without disabilities need AT of one kind or another, supports, and accommodations every day!

Parents: imagine your child's future, in the short- and long-term. Imagine your 3-year-old who's not talking; now listen to him say, "I love you, Mommy," with his communication device. What a sweet, precious sound! Imagine your 3-year-old who's not walking; now see her rushing to hug you while driving her power chair. Imagine your 7-year-old child on a T-ball team, taking karate lessons, and playing with friends. Keep going up the age ladder and imagine. What will it take to make these things happen?

Think long-term now: imagine your child as a successful adult, employed, living in the home of his choice with whatever supports he needs. What experiences, opportunities and Tools does he need today to grow into a successful young adult tomorrow?

Teachers and Parents: Imagine a child with a disability in a general ed classroom. What great potential is in that child! What Tools do we need to provide so her potential will be realized? How can we support her learning? Imagine the pride everyone---including the student---will feel when she demonstrates her success! Imagine what a great friend she'll be to others. Imagine how much others will learn from her! Now imagine her in college or entering the workforce. She can do it, if we imagine for her and do whatever it takes to make it happen. We're not only imagining, we're investing in her future!

Parents, Therapists, and Early Childhood Providers: Imagine a child with a disability participating in typical age-appropriate activities with children who don't have disabilities. Are your attitudes and actions making that possible? Does the child have the Tools to make it happen? Imagine the child helping around the house, spending an allowance, and engaging in other ordinary (and precious) childhood activities. All children need these typical opportunities and experiences!

Adult Service Providers: Imagine a person with a disability in his dream job. You have asked what that is, haven't you? What will it take to make it happen? Who else can you call on for help---like someone outside the system who has expertise in that field? Better yet, imagine helping a person with a disability learn how to get his own job, instead of you doing it for him! Imagine the power you're transferring, imagine the pride and excitement you'll both feel when he makes it on his own! Next, imagine a person with a disability in her own home or apartment. You moved to your own place before you were ready, and you made it! Imagine the same can be true for people with disabilities, with assistance from the natural supports in the community. Now imagine a person with a disability as a contributing citizen. Everyone needs to be needed! Imagine him joining a service club or participating in other inclusive activities.

Think "what if..." not "what is." Don't think, "Yes, but---." That's not allowed when imagining! Be unrealistic, daring, and wild---and expect great outcomes! But don't expect perfection. In the river of life, the water is not always smooth, and it's wise to change course when the current is too rough!

This brief article has just scratched the surface of what can happen when we have an Abundance of Imagination. So much more is possible and so many lives can be changed. In my own family's life, imagining and then achieving success---large or small---was energizing and affirming, which then led to more imagining and more great outcomes. And it's contagious---an Abundance of Imagination in one person can quickly spread to others! If, however, you choose to not exercise your imagination, the least you can do is get out of the way of those who are creating positive change with their Abundant Imaginations!

Begin today. Imagine, and it will be.

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Copyright 2005 Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com. Clip art from Adobe In-Design. If you would like a handout (PDF) of this article, please send your request, along with the title of the article ("The Power of Imagination") to: kathie@disabilityisnatural.com. You may share and/or distribute this E-newsletter or the PDF version of the article (in entirety and unedited) to other individuals and list serves (non-commercial use only). As a courtesy, please let me know how/when you use it. Do not violate copyright laws---request permission before reproducing in any format: in printed publications, in chat rooms, on web sites, etc. Please do not hit your "Reply" button to respond---your message will be delayed. Instead, click on the Email address link above.

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