How can I help our rural community learn more about my daughter, who just happens to have a disability? I want them to be able to see the abilities she has, and not treat her any differently than other young adults. Any ideas?
It is evident that you are very proactive and want your community to be able to see your daughter just as a person, first and foremost. You are comfortable with your daughter, and love her for whom she is. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world has developed the comfort level with individuals with disabilities that you have achieved. Many people are uneasy or uncomfortable around people with disabilities, and see them as “different”. Remember that familiarity encourages comfort! Are there community activities where she can become involved? Can members of the community become a part of her support or person centered planning team? The more people get to know your daughter, the more they will begin to see the “person first”.
There is a great web site called www.disabilityisnatural.com. Check it out for resources about community inclusion and community supports.
Michelle Reynolds, Director of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Last update: Wednesday, April 14, 2010