SHINING A LIGHT: Creating Pathways to Equity, Safety, Healing, and Justice With People with Disabilities

I worked in a state developmental center for many years and taught new employee orientation and annual refresher classes to direct support staff. I would often get asked ,"Why does she/he act like that?" To answer, "She/he has a disability" was never a sufficient answer. I would encourage staff to read the Iengthy histories that were available in people's files back then. Sometimes that's all we had to figure out "what was wrong." Shirley's book answers that question. Because of work done by people like Shirley, we now know the reality...70% of people with disabilities have been or are being currently abused, many sexually. But what I really like about this book is it not only shines a light on this reality, it offers workable ways to mitigate the trauma such violence leaves behind. The format of the book makes it a perfect tool for staff development of service providers, new and seasoned. And my favorite chapter about dreams goes beyond mitigation to healing and building a full life.

SHINING A LIGHT author Shirley Paceley boldly, yet respectfully, details the horrific experiences she has encountered throughout her career working with people with disabilities, many of whom are survivors of sexual violence.Her book intimately examines the structural disregard for victims with disabilities and the injurious barriers that can end up silencing members of marginalized communities.Guided from the knowledge imparted from her dedicated career spent towards social justice and equity, Ms. Paceley tenderly exposes the violence revealed by the survivors and offers community-based solutions and strategies which empower the survivor.She intricately breaks down the predetermined and structural biases which can distort the image of the victim, underscoring that the key to advocacy is inclusion with a person-centered approach to care. Shining a Light illuminates the best possible outcomes for the person who has been sexually assaulted, denied access to justice, and silently dismissed.The subject matter is disturbing but important, and as a crafted storyteller, Ms. Paceley unravels each experience with a tremendous respect that gives readers a sense of optimism and hope for a more inclusive tomorrow. A must read for advocates or anyone who is an agent of change.Nancy L. Connor, Change Agent & Advocate

Beautifully written and should be in the library of anyone working with individuals with disabilities. Shirley showcases her experience and subject matter in a way all can use. An extraordinary resource!!

Shirley's book is about her journey to break through the road blocks and change the ingrained prejudices that plague people with disabilities. She creates a future that empowers people with disabilities. She teaches how to change accepted beliefs and laws through the system. The book is eye opening. Shirley states the facts without blame and clears the way for change to happen.Shirley's vision is to free people with disabilities from accepted and sometimes unintentional judgments. Her journey is to educate people who have power to make changes and to empower those with disabilities to build on that change. Her work has created life changing views for all involved in this process. People with disabilities are now able to say “NO” to those in power over what they eat, wear or watch on TV.. They are now able to report abuse and sexual assault to authorities without permission from anyone including their Personal Assistant (who may have been the culprit). They are finally able to speak up in our court system and change laws. Shirley facilitated that.I had the pleasure to work with her for 5 years though Illinois Imagines. I was invited to contribute as a disabled person. I have disabilities that cannot be seen, such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc. This team consisted of such bright, knowledgeable and dedicated people that I often felt overwhelmed. These were (and are) kind and generous people. I never once felt excluded or inferior. My opinions were not only accepted, but sought after. The work we produced will continue to be built upon. I am humbled and proud to have been part of that process.And, imagine, this is only a small part of Shirley's accomplishments! Read the book. It will leave you with a smile.

Shining a Light: Creating Pathways to Equity, Safety, Healing, and Justice with People with Disabilities by Shirley Paceley is a wonderful career memoir. Shirley shares her own experiences and what she learned through narratives of the people she met along the way. Shirley spent her career working with people with disabilities and those who care for them in a variety of capacities. She noticed the indignities, inequalities, and injustices that people with disabilities face all too often and began to question many of the systemic and institutional practices that cause harm to the people she was meant to help and serve. Shirley illustrates the impact of those practices through narratives of real people and shows us how to use questioning, persistence, and creative problem solving to find solutions that benefit rather than harm. In addition, Shirley demonstrates how advocacy work and teaching self-advocacy to those with disabilities can be a tool for empowering them and providing opportunities to shape the world they live in.This book should be read by everyone who provides services for people with disabilities. While there are specific chapters addressing those who work in agencies providing services, those in the criminal justice system, and those in administrative or consulting positions, Shirley’s experiences and insights could also benefit educators, anyone in the medical field, and anyone designing spaces or practices using Universal Design.

A personal look into the eyes, heart and mind of the disabled---some views everyone should grasp in the walk of life. You will encounter situations that this book will help you do better. .