How To Navigate A Special Needs Encounter

You all know I’m a big fan of Amy Webb/Miggy and her posts and advocacy for those with disabilities. 

Her article on How to Navigate a Special Needs Encounter has been making the rounds again, on USA today even! 

I think it’s very important to read not only as a parent but could also apply to adult encounters. 

Also of note – I keep reading that the term “special needs” is not preferred by those who actually have differing needs - I know, it’s hard to keep up and know what proper language to use. I still use “special needs,” but frankly, Hannah doesn’t have special needs, her needs are just like everyone else, right? 

I found this article super eye-opening - mainly because the author is speaking with her adult peers with disabilities. 

3 Reasons to Say “Disability” instead of “Special Needs.”

Some interesting quotes:

---------------

“Disabled people should control the conversation about their disabilities, and the language used about them, not their parents.”

“A need isn’t special if other people get to take the same thing for granted.”

“Handi-capable,” “People of all abilities,” “Different abilities,” “Differently abled,” and “special needs” were made up outside of the disabled community, by people without disabilities. 

‘Dis’ = Another Way of Doing and Being

“Disabled” meaning an ability to do or be something in another way.

“Disability” meaning an ability to do or be in another way.

---------------

Interesting to read and important to hear from those who actually have the disabilities!