Fwd: The Disability is Natural Free Press

[Guest guest]

FYI

Good News LTR

Recieving 4 6 months

MS

In a message dated 2/2/02 11:33:19 AM Eastern Standard Time,

announcements@... writes:

> Subj:The Disability is Natural Free Press

> Date:2/2/02 11:33:19 AM Eastern Standard Time

> From: announcements@... (Disability is Natural)

> sav425@...

>

>

>

>

> Disability is Natural Announcements

> http://www.disabilityisnatural.com

>

> The Disability is Natural Free Press

> Copyright February 2002 by Kathie Snow

>

>

> IN THIS EDITION:

>

> --- HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY (AND A SWEET FEBRUARY DEAL)!

>

> --- WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN . . .

>

> --- REVOLUTIONARY COMMON SENSE

>

> --- PRESUME COMPETENCE GOODIES COMING SOON!

>

> --- SUBSCRIBER'S GOOD NEWS!

>

> --- OTHER GOOD NEWS!

>

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

>

> February is the month of hugs, kisses, candy, and other sweet gifts! I hope

> your Valentine's Day is full of love. When you're sending out your

> Valentine cards, make sure people with disabilities in your life get their

> fair share of love notes! And if you're the parent of a child with a

> disability, let your child send Valentines to as many other children as

> possible! Let's create community this month!

>

> In the spirit of Cupid, BraveHeart Press is offering a FREE GIFT OR A

> SPECIAL OFFER with every purchase of my book, " Disability is Natural:

> Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with

> Disabilities " during the month of February.

>

> Here are your choices when you buy the book:

> a free " Disability is Natural " mouse pad,

> a free " Disability is Natural " five inch window decal,

> or $5.00 off one " Disability is Natural " T-Shirt.

>

> HERE'S HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SWEET FEBRUARY DEAL (and this offer is

> only available to readers of this Email announcement):

>

> If ordering on the web (http://www.disabilityisnatural.com), go to the

> " store " page, place your order, and type which special offer you want in

> the " promotional code " box.

>

> If you choose the discounted T-Shirt, your credit card will be billed the

> full amount, but you'll receive a $5.00 rebate check with your order.

>

> If ordering by phone (toll free 1-866-948-2222), mention the " Sweet

> February Deal " and tell us which special offer you want.

>

> If ordering by mail (BraveHeart Press, PO Box 7245, Woodland Park, CO

> 80863), write

> " Sweet February Deal " on your order and indicate which special offer you

> want. If you choose the discounted T-Shirt, deduct $5.00 from your order.

>

> Make your Valentine or yourself happy on the 14th (but this " Sweet Deal " is

> good for the entire month of February)! Remember, this offer applies only

> with the purchase of the " Disability is Natural " book.

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN . . .

>

> (The following is excerpted from the February/March issue of the

> " Revolutionary Common Sense " subscription newsletter.)

>

> Parents and friends of people with disabilities are routinely faced with

> questions, comments, and/or stares from both curious (rude?) and

> well-meaning strangers. While many of us have developed a " stock answer " we

> can repeat without thinking, we sometimes wish we had a snappy comeback. I

> have some answers! We'll let humor come to the rescue!

>

> First, however, it's important to recognize that we can take the time to

> educate people, if we feel like and if we have the time. At the same time,

> we don't owe anyone an explanation about a person with a disability.

> (What's happened to good manners???)

>

> Here's a little story to illustrate this last point. When a child with

> autism, for example, goes ballistic in the grocery store check out line,

> many a Mom will take the child by the hand, turn to the congregated

> onlookers, and say, " He has autism " as a way to explain the child's

> behavior.

>

> How many children who DON'T have disabilities go ballistic in the grocery

> store? And when that happens, does the mom grab her child's hand and say,

> " He takes after his father? " She doesn't feel the need to apologize or

> explain about her child's behavior. ly, it's nobody's business! So if

> people don't apologize or try to explain the behavior of individuals who

> DON'T have disabilities, why should we?

>

> Now, on to using humor! (Keep in mind you need to tell the person with a

> disability what your plans are, so he or she can be in on the scheme.)

>

> When someone asks, " What happened to him? " a husband and wife can point to

> each other and simultaneously say, " He/She did it! " and then laugh

> uproariously!

>

> Or, you can say, " A meteor landed in our neighborhood last night, and every

> (boy, teenager, or whoever) was affected like this! Do YOU know what it

> could be? "

>

> If a stranger asks, " Was she born like that? " respond with a big grin. And

> with great pride oozing from your voice, say, " Yes, he has the Albert

> Einstein syndrome! " (You can substitute the name of any other famous

> person---Marilyn Monroe, Zoo, Barbie, Bob Dole, etc.---or use any other

> funny descriptor like eggplant!)

>

> Alternatively, you can respond with, " Gee! I don't have much time right

> now, but let me take your number and I'll call you tonight. What time would

> be good for you? " and start digging in your purse for a pencil and paper.

>

> If you're being stared at, grin your biggest grin, wave like you're Miss

> America, and call out, " Hi! So good to see you! " as if you've just laid

> eyes on your favorite movie star!

>

> As much as possible, the person with the disability should take part in

> these responses! Kids can do the grinning and the waving, and an adult with

> a disability can proudly state, " I have the Eggplant (or any other silly

> term) Syndrome. "

>

> Humor can protect a person's privacy and feelings, and it can take the

> power away from slings and arrows. Instead of feeling hurt or angry, let

> humor come to the rescue!

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> REVOLUTIONARY COMMON SENSE

>

> The February-March issue of the " Revolutionary Common Sense " newsletter is

> arriving in mailboxes in the next few days. Here are three of this issue's

> many features:

>

> ---Developmental Age vs. Chronological Age: Children and adults with

> disabilities are frequently measured against a " developmental scale, " and

> then assigned a " developmental age. " This practice results in a variety of

> harmful effects on an individual with a disability. Isn't it time to

> replace this practice with common sense strategies that include supports

> and accommodations?

>

> ---On Becoming a Business Owner: Cary , one of the leaders in

> state-of-the-art employment practices, shares strategies which can lead to

> self-employment for people with disabilities.

>

> ---Life Beyond the Label: What can happen when we stop using disability

> labels? How will life change for an individual with a disability when we

> focus on people's interests and needs instead of the labels they've been

> assigned?

>

> The " Revolutionary Common Sense " newsletter is available for $16.95 per

> year, for six bi-monthly issues. It can be ordered from the web site

> (http://www.disabilityisnatural.com), by phone (toll-free 1-866-948-2222),

> or by mail (BraveHeart Press, PO Box 7245, Woodland Park, CO 80863).

>

> Upcoming issues will include features on inclusive recreation, reinventing

> DD agencies, informal assessments for inclusive education, and much more

> revolutionary common sense!

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> MORE " PRESUME COMPETENCE " GOODIES COMING SOON!

>

> The poster, badge, and key ring which proclaim, " When you see, meet, or

> think about a person with a disability, PRESUME COMPETENCE, " have been

> popular items. Many of you have asked when this powerful message would be

> available on T-Shirts and stickers! Well, the answer is very soon! Once we

> receive these items from our suppliers, we'll add them to the web site

> store and announce it via Email. Thanks for letting us know what you want!

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> SUBSCRIBERS' GOOD NEWS!

>

> Several subscribers generously agreed to share their good news and stories

> with readers of this announcement.

>

> Dolan (http://www.disabilitytroubleshooters.com) and I were in

> agreement that we didn't care for the label of " consumers " for people with

> disabilities. She then added, " I often tell our fellow parents to make sure

> THEY are in charge of the 'names' people put on their children. Otherwise,

> it's like naming your child Johann Sebastian Bach and letting everyone call

> him 'Stinky' the rest of his life! "

>

> Lynne McKeag from Scotland (yes, SCOTLAND!) wrote about a recent parent

> support group meeting held shortly after the holidays. " Everyone was so

> positive about their children. I think this is the first meeting where we

> didn't have a parent in tears or on the verge of tears. When asked why

> everyone was so positive, it came down to the fact that they were among

> friends who understood how they felt and who didn't criticize or look down

> on their children. What a lovely way to start the new year! "

>

> Lynne also shared this story: A dad heaped praise on his son, who happens

> to have Asperger's syndrome. The dad finished his compliments by proudly

> adding, " I don't know how I got a son like you. " The 8-year-old immediately

> replied, " Come with me, Dad, and I'll show you on my Bodyparts CD-ROM. "

>

> Wake of My Neighborhood, a self-determination project in Tennessee,

> shared the

> success story of a man with a disability who was finally able to get his

> own home. " He had to step through many hoops (including being told he

> couldn't sign for a mortgage, despite his competency), but this man now

> lives in a home he owns and shares with a friend. He still has many things

> he wants to accomplish, but having a house that belongs to him was a major

> accomplishment that he is very proud of. Thanks for reminding us to tell

> the stories of joy. "

>

> Gregg Schiller of Canada announced that http://www.selfadvocatenet.com

> recently won a major computer technology award from Reboot Canada for " Best

> Public Value. " Check out this web site, by and for people with

> disabilities.

>

> " Peggy " shared a story that illustrates how many of us have lost our common

> sense in disability-world. Another mom--- " " ---took her child with a

> disability to an expensive sleep clinic, looking for a cure which would

> ensure her son would sleep through the night. After a three-hour visit, the

> mom was given the following professional recommendations: don't give the

> child a bottle in the middle of the night, let him cry for awhile, and be

> consistent. Peggy noted that these same recommendations can be found in

> almost every " baby book " she's ever read. But because 's child has a

> disability, the " problem " was seen in a totally different context and the

> family's insurance paid for this " sleep cure! "

>

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> OTHER GOOD NEWS!

>

> The TrackIR is a " reasonably priced ($300) mouse alternative " that allows a

> person to control his computer with head movement. Isn't assistive

> technology great! Check it out at http://rjcooper.com/trackir.

>

> Rollershades Corp. is a new business started by Goens, Jr., a

> person with a disability. The Rollershade is a wheelchair canopy that can

> be attached in minutes to any wheelchair that has grip handles on the back.

> It is designed to keep you cool on hot summer days, and dry on rainy/snowy

> days (the shade is waterproof). The Rollershade is available in hunter

> green, burgundy, and navy blue, and is priced at $80.00. Contact

> via Email at goensr@... or by phone at (626) 961-7702.

>

> " Just Being Kids " is a new video about " supports and services for infants

> and toddlers and their families in everyday routines, activities, and

> places. " A facilitator's guide accompanies the video; price for both is

> $75.00 plus $4.75 shipping and handling. The video and guide are from Larry

> Edelman and JFK Partners at the University of Colorado Health Sciences

> Center and Early Childhood Connections at the Colorado Department of

> Education. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-232-8902 or visit the

> web site at http://www.media-products.com.

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> Please feel free to share this Email with others, and invite your friends,

> family, and coworkers to visit http://www.disabilityisnatural.com and check

> out what's new! While you're there, take a moment to share your comments,

> suggestions, questions, and ideas.

>

> Happy Valentine's Day! And what better month than this one to remind you to

> always lead with a brave heart?

>

> Kathie Snow

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> The Disability is Natural Free Press is being sent to you because you

> subscribed on our web site, signed up at a seminar, or otherwise requested

> to be on our list.

> You are subscribed as: sav425 @cs.com

> ===========================================================

> * PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE! *

> ===========================================================

> This is an automated process. Replies to this message are only used to

> determine e-mail failures. If you need to contact us use the following

> methods:

> TO UNSUBSCRIBE:

> To be removed from our announcement list, send an email with " remove " in

> the subject line to:

> mailto:announcements@... & subject=remove

> Or visit http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/unsubscribe.htm

> TO SUBSCRIBE:

> If you received this message from a friend and would like to subscribe to

> our email announcement list, send an email to:

> mailto:announcements@... & subject=add

> Or visit any page at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/

>

>

>

Mike Savory

AWAK(e)A © 2001

" Advocacy With Abundant Keys to

Excellence and Access "

Offering Advocacy in: Community Service,

Student Advocacy, & Facilitation

(Volunteer)

Adolescence Doesn't Die

IT Just Gets Buried !...

Don't Give Up The Fight.

Advocate for Children &

Persons Who Experience

Disabilities in daily living.

© 2001