Families are the backbone of our social service system. About 80% of people with developmental disabilities live with their families. Even if a family has significant resources, their child is at risk of being harmed by an ableist and racist society that only values people who can contribute to capitalism. Families are sold “cures” and “interventions” with the hope that their child will escape the stigma, fear, isolation, shame, and ostracizing that society visits upon families. Even “progressive” states allow schools to isolate and segregate children, and most states allow some form of physical restraints and “special resource rooms” reserved only for children with developmental disabilities.
Families endure a lifetime of social ills because we as a society still do not understand that disability is a natural human experience, and we do not value the non-capitalistic contributions of disabled people. The messages families receive from the moment they believe something is wrong with their child is that their only hope is for their child to be “fixed.”
Resources curated below are offered to support families on their journey to fully love, embrace, and support their child exactly as they exist today.
For further understanding, read and connect:
Allies and Obstacles: Disability Activism and Parents of Children with Disabilities
Recovery to Normalcy: the Politics of Hope
Beyond Behaviors and Brain Body Parenting
Explosive Child Book and Neurodiverse affirming trainings for any parent, teacher, social worker or caregiver
Low Demand Parenting (affirmatively supporting children in any setting) A shorter summary article lives here!
Alliance Against Restraint and Seclusion
In Washington State, connect with:
Neurodiverse Connections
Emma’s Exceptional Equipment Exchange
Sensory Toolhouse in Olympia Washington
Kindred Joy Coaching for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Complex Medical Needs