Building Community | People First Language

People First Controversy Background: There is controversy in the disability community about the use of People First or Person First language. I’ve written several posts about People First language: *Rosa’s Law, *Stigma and segregation caused by labels like...

Do You Hear What I Hear?|Music and Visual Art

Do You Hear What I Hear? Do You See What I See? In 1962, the song Do You Hear What I Hear? became an instant success when its lyrics asked us to hear, see, listen and “Pray for Peace, People Everywhere.” 1962 was a time of fear and uncertainty–much...

Dream Plan for Aaron: 2016 (Part 4)

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn I will soon be celebrating my 66th Birthday. I used to think 66 was old. Now I just think 66 is experienced with...

Test Questions| Segregation or Inclusion?

Test Questions | Segregation or Inclusion? Friends and family members send me newspaper stories about people with disabilities. Some stories make me shout with joy and others make me want to cry and give up. Often my friends can’t figure out which ones are which. For...

Building Community: Wheelchair Becky vs. Flat Stanley

Clueless Barbie Some of the major stores are already advertising their holiday toy sales. This made me think of Barbie and her friends. Some say the Barbie doll was the most influential icon of late 20th century American culture. In fact, she rated no. 43 on the 101...

Dream Plan for Aaron: 1981 (Part 1)

Build a dream and the dream will build you. R. Schuller. What is Normalization? In 1981 when Aaron was 6 years old, my friend Debbie Wetzel and I drove to Louisville, KY to hear Wolf Wolfensberger give a presentation on “Normalization” or “Social...