Choose your words wisely. Language of Us/Them by Mayer Shevin

[Guest guest]

I remember the first time I read this. I remember the moment, where I was,

and how it changed my world view. Things became clearer for me in the way I

saw " the system. " It forced me to focus my energy on the goodness of my son

and working to be sure he knew he is worthy of our love and encouragement.

It was the beginning of believing he can be a valued citizen. He isn't the

problem.

Choose your words wisely. Everyone is listening.

Thank you, Mayer - you're one of the best.

~

Language of Us/Them

by Mayer Shevin

We like things

They fixate on objects

We try to make friends

They display attention seeking behavior

We take breaks

They display off task behavior

We stand up for ourselves

They are non-compliant

We have hobbies

They self-stim

We choose our friends wisely

They display poor peer socialization

We persevere

They perseverate

We like people

They have dependencies on people

We go for a walk

They run away

We insist

They tantrum

We change our minds

They are disoriented and have short attention spans

We have talents

They have splinter skills

We are human

They are . . . ?

Partridge

Northern Illinois Field Organizer

Illinois Association of Microboards and atives

www.iambc.org

815-262-0699

3028 N. Trainer Road

Rockford, IL 61114

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A life changed for the better is practice based evidence.

The Illinois Association of Microboards and atives is intended for

those who want to explore possibilities of alternative services for

themselves or their loved ones. The project assists persons with

disabilities and their families and friends to create non-profit

corporations that allow them to live self-directed lives through the use of

person-centered planning, community supports and resource management.