Introduction to Pennsylvania’s Disability, History, Culture and Pride

Session Dates

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Webinar

Closed

---

This session will provide participants an opportunity to explore why disability history is important to their work, their families and/or themselves. Participants will learn about key points in disability history and how these events shaped the language we use to talk about disability today. The session will cover disability paradigms, and best practices around disability inclusive language and etiquette. We will discuss how disability culture, pride, and ableism exist in society today, and how these concepts can impact how we see “disability”. Participants will engage in self-reflection and small group discussion to apply these concepts to their own lived experiences and the provision of early intervention services and the support of children and families.

Objectives

Participants will:

1. Explain the importance of understanding disability history and culture
2. Describe different models of disability, including old approaches and new paradigms
3. Reflect on how different definitions of disability impact people with disabilities, families, and their support team members
4. Identify current best practices for inclusive language and disability etiquette

Target Audience

All Early Intervention professionals, practitioners, and families. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Molly Martz, at mmartz@pattan.net, or 717-901-2151.