Synopsis
This is not the usual book for parents of children with disabilities, about a child's so-called problems and how to fix them! Instead, the Third Edition of this book (updated and expanded to 350 pages) demonstrates that the presence of a disability is not a barrier to success. Aren't you ready for new ways of thinking? Isn't it time for children with disabilities to live happy, fulfilled successful lives, as first-class citizens, included in their homes, schools, and communities? Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities (Third Edition) challenges today's conventional wisdom and provides innovative and commonsense strategies to help ensure children with disabilities lead Real Lives: the lives of their dreams (and their parents' dreams). Multitudes of books have been written about parenting children with disabilities, but this book is like no other. Parents and professionals sing its praises and several universities are using it to train emerging professionals. Chapters include: 1) Good News; 2) Our History: Out of the Shadows and Into the Light; 3) Yesterday's Influence on Your Child Today; 4) Disability World; 5) New Attitudes and Actions; 6) A New Therapeutic Landscape and Tools for Success; 7) Real Lives at Home and in the Community; 8) Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers; 9) Inclusive Education; Resources, References, and Bibliography are also included.
About the Author
Since the way we think drives the way we act, Kathie believes real change can only occur if we first acquire new attitudes and perceptions about individuals with disabilities. Kathie is the parent of two young adults, one of whom has a disability diagnosis, and she combines her earlier career in the media with personal experiences in the disability arena to ignite positive and long-lasting change. Kathie also believes the inclusion of people with disabilities can best be accomplished when they move from clienthood to citizenship, and replace traditional special and segregated services with assistance from the abundant supply of natural supports and generic services that exist in every community. And everyone has an important role to play in this effort! In lively and insightful workshops in more than 40 states and in Canada, Kathie questions today s conventional wisdom, suggests alternatives to traditional services for people with disabilities, and covers a variety of topics including: People First Language, developing new attitudes and perceptions, using natural supports and generic services to create inclusive communities, cooperative advocacy, inclusive education, legislative issues, effective partnerships, systems change, empowerment, disability history, and more. While she s been a trainer since 1991, she still considers herself a student learning from individuals with disabilities, family members, and others who attend her presentations and touch her life in a variety of ways. A graduate of the first class of Texas Partners in Policymaking (a disability leadership training program) in 1991, Kathie now presents at Partners programs in many states and provides technical assistance to many Partners coordinators. In addition, she presents keynotes and workshops at international, national, and state conferences, and has coordinated conferences and developed training curriculum. Kathie and her family have resided in the Colorado mountains since 1991. Before the births of her children, she was a broadcast television writer, producer, and director and a print journalist. She's energetic, positive, and determined to help create a society in which all are valued and all belong.
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