This article covers current trends in disability rights and raises questions about how society's views of disability influence the music education of students in need of special education services. Brief overviews of the disability-rights movement in the United States and of federal laws pertaining to disabilities and education are included. Next, there is a discussion of the "social model of disability," which defines disability as a social position rather than a medical condition. Finally, "people-first language" and how it applies to music teaching are examined. The article also offers some suggestions to help educators incorporate these ideas into their teaching. (Contains 3 figures and 20 notes.)