Living Real Lives and Community Inclusion

The Northwest Area Two Family Care Council sponsored Kathie Snow, author of “Disability is Natural” to provide training to the Panama City and surrounding communities on June 16, 2015, at the Gulf Coast State College.   Snow entertained the providers, APD staff, individuals with disabilities and their families and groups of Sunland residents with her humorous and inspirational stories from her own experiences with her son and what she learned.  The #1 need of most people with disabilities is having friends, not more services or benefits, or acquiring more “life-skills” or walking or talking or behaving appropriately.   Words, Attitudes, and Actions have a greater impact on the lives of people with disabilities than the actual disability.   Every community has an abundant supply of generic services and natural supports.

To promote inclusion, children and adults with disabilities need to follow the model that works for people without disabilities where individuals are connected based on interests, strengths, abilities, hopes, and dreams.  Getting involved in the community is the key to making connections and dispelling the fears while educating those touched. 

Check out Snow’s website at www.disabilityisnatural.com.

The Northwest Area Two Family Care Council sponsored Kathie Snow, author of “Disability is Natural” to provide training to the Panama City and surrounding communities on June 16, 2015 at the Gulf Coast State college.