Read: "Words are powerful. The ways we talk about and describe people with disabilities do not just affect our beliefs and interactions with our students; they also provide models for others who hear these descriptions." -- Julie Causton-Theoharis, The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms, this week's featured book.
Reflect: What sort of model do I provide for others when I talk about my child? Am I presenting the disability as the most important thing about my child?
Respond: Sometimes, it is necessary to put the disability first, when you're seeking accommodations and modifications and understanding. When you spend much of your time advocating for those things, it's easy to get stuck in that mode. Challenge yourself to use person-first language more often, and to emphasize other important things about your child as much as possible.
Every weekday, take a moment to read, reflect, and respond to a passage from a book, blog, or article. ... More Reflections
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Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing