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/
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year
Welcome to 2010 --a year of promised memories that will change your life.
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
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