Did you know that WORDS hurt? I'm sure you do. But do you also know that the use of the wrong words can also inflict pain? I'm sure you do also.
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
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