FW: Semantics and Inclusion

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DISABILITY IS NATURAL

July 26, 2012

In This Issue

Semantics...Inclusion

Think About It

News

Disability is Natural

Presentations

DISABILITYIS NATURAL E-NEWSLETTER

What do apples have to do with disability?

A green apple is more like red apples than different,

and a person with a disability is more like people without disabilities than different.

The U.S. Developmental Disabilities Act states:"Disability is a natural part of the human experience."

Yes, Disabilityis Natural!

LINKS TODISABILITYIS NATURALPeople First LanguageAre You Readyfor a Change?Your StoriesNewslettersPresentationsTerms of Use Reprints

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Disability is Natural Online Store

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Is It "Just Semantics"?

You are normal if only you are not abnormal. But by the time abnormality is defined, you are left with the disturbing suspicion that there is no one, including yourself, from whom abnormality is entirely absent. Wendell

"Oh, it's just semantics," is a commonly-heard response when people disagree on language, concepts, or ideas. When this phrase is spoken, the speaker isn't simply sharing an opinion. When coupled with a dismissive wave of the hand, "it's just semantics" is a weapon used to shred the value and the validity of another person's words. Read more...

Mainstreaming, Integration, Inclusion: Is There a Difference? Lots of words are bandied about to describe people with disabilities being "in," or "part of" ordinary environments, such as school, community activities, work, etc. These words--mainstreaming, integration, and inclusion--are often used interchangeably. But do they mean the same thing? Let's examine the issue. Read more...

You may make copies of the PDFs of these articles to share with others as a handout. Do not republish on websites, in newsletters, etc. without permission; see our Terms of Use. ©2012 Kathie Snow, all rights reserved. Please click on the icon to forward this Email, instead of using your Email's forward. This will prevent you from being inadvertently unsubscribed if the recipient(s) of your forward report this as spam or click on the unsubscribe link.

THINK ABOUT IT...

We expect definitions to tell us not only what is, but what to do about it...A label is the first step toward action. Janeway

Language is neither innocent nor neutral. Linguistic habits condition our view of the world and hinder social change. Carmen ez Ten

One way for us to curtail the use of the language of oppression is for those who find themselves being defined into subjugation to rebel against such linguistic suppression. It isn't strange that those persons who insist on defining themselves, who insist on this elemental privilege of self-naming, self-definition, and self-identity encounter vigorous resistance. Predictably, the resistance usually comes from the oppressor or would-be oppressor and is a result of the fact that he or she does not want to relinquish the power which comes from the ability to define others. Haig Bosmajian

URGENT REQUEST!

In the previous newsletter, I shared information about an awesome one-person wheelchair accessible vehicle for zipping around town--the Kenguru. The current model, manufactured by Community Cars, Inc. in Texas, is designed for people who use manual wheelchairs. Zoern, an Austin attorney, who uses a power chair, is the CEO, and she's working hard to raise money to move forward on a "joystick" version for people who use power chairs. Please consider donating to The Joystick Model Project; every donation, small or large, will make a difference. This is a time-limited campaign, so let's get moving! Please share this with your networks--via social media, around the office, and any other way. OTHER NEWS Happy Birthday, A.D.A.! The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation has generated many positive changes (and we still have more work to do). Check out this video from the A.D.A. National Network. Henry Holden is a great friend and a wise man--he's an actor, writer, and more, as well as the originator of the awesome saying, "Attitudes Are the Real Disability." He's a shining example that the presence of a disability is not a barrier to success. Get to know Henry! Finding the cold hard cash or other funding for things needed by people with disabilities and their families is an issue for many. There are alternatives to traditional resources; our federal and state governments have surplus property and auctions! And on the subject of money, check out a helpful publication: "Money Tips for All Ages: Your Finances at Different Stages of Life." If you have some interesting news to share, let me know!

VISIT DISABILITY IS NATURAL

Our Online Store also features life-changing books and media, and one-of-a-kind (and affordable) products that promote new ways of thinking about disability: posters, note cards, badges, bookmarks, magnets, and T-shirt transfers.

Our popular Presume Competence poster is now available in a small size ($6.00) and a medium size ($9.00)!

Do you need to educate others about the importance of more respectful language? Download and distribute the valuable People First Language article. We also have People First Language bookmarks ($1.00 each)--buy a handful to share with family members, teachers, staff, and others.

"Your Stories" spotlights a variety of amazing, insightful, and powerful testimonies from real people!

Check out over 200 FREE articles. Download your favorites for yourself, or to share.

"The World Would Be a Better Place If..." features thoughts and ideas worth considering. (Scroll to the lower half of the page.) Why not contribute your own suggestions?

PRESENTATIONSI'll be presenting in Florida; Missouri; North Carolina; Virginia; Louisiana; Oklahoma; Oregon; Idaho; Wisconsin; South Dakota; Texas; Alaska; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Toronto, Ontario in the coming weeks and months, and events are pending in other locations. I'd love to see you at any of those events, and I'd also love the opportunity to present for your organization! Click here to learn more.

THANK YOU!

Thanks for your interest in Disability is Natural! Feel free to forward this Email to others. Please use the link at the bottom of the page (instead of the "Forward" button in your Email program). Before using the contents of this E-Newsletter on websites, blogs, newsletters, etc., click here for our Terms of Use. Remember to Presume Competence in people with disabilities!

Kathie

Disability is Natural; BraveHeart Press

©2012 Kathie Snow; all rights reserved.

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