In his own family, although the issue of disability was accepted, it was also denied. Yet, family support gave him the internal strength to speak up for himself. Nicholas Patti discussed the dilemma of the definition of disability. Yet, under the ADA, acceptance of the disability label can allow for reasonable accommodations. Heumann replied that she defines her disability for herself.
Disability is a political word.
However one defines one's disability is up to that individual. In her case, disability enables her. Her interest is to ensure that individuals can join together under a common umbrella. Siggy Shapiro spoke of families and their role in empowerment. She suggested making homes usable for and accessible to people with disabilities, She expressed frustration about exclusionary experiences, where the physical environment limits the participation of those with disabilities in common life experiences.