The term stakeholder is used across many disciplines to reflect different levels of input or investment in projects or activities. What are politically correct terms? Consider using words other than stakeholder when appropriate for your audience and subject matter, recognizing it may not always be possible to do so. You can read more of her thoughts in that link. And looking back, person first language seems to have been promoted mostly by non-disabled people for our benefit, not by us. Don't use: "Schizophrenic, psychotic, disturbed, crazy or insane". New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Some people consider it best to use person-first language, for example "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person." [1] Note: Tribes, American Indian and Alaska Native urban communities, and federal agencies define AI/AN Elders aged 55 years. As Michelle Swan says in her essay My Needs are not Special, My needs are not special, they are just my needs, and I have the same right to have my needs met as any other person.. If youre reading this, got this far and are still saying to yourself, Words, schmords, it sounds nicer so who cares? Heres one for you. More Appropriate: people who are developmentally disabled have Downs Syndrome, Less Appropriate: Sam is epileptic, Tony is CP (cerebral palsied),- spastic, Helen is LD (learning disabled), is AD/HD. Why? It also groups all parties into one term, despite potential differences in the way they are engaged or interact with a project or activity. Comment: One commenter observed that there are "many gradations" in the type or severity of intellectual disabilities, which the term "intellectual disability" could encompass. How should nondisabled people refer to disabled persons? The condition that causes dwarfism may also cause other symptoms. By doing so, a disabled individual intentionally chooses an identity rather than allowing others even well meaning others, such as family, friends and medical professionals to do so for them. Ugly is ugly and kindness prevails always! Take note of their choices in written language. I suggest you read the entire essay. The keyword here is 'people.'. Say handi-capable instead. Synonyms for DISABLED: impaired, challenged, deaf, blind, paralyzed, differently abled, exceptional, incapacitated; Antonyms of DISABLED: nondisabled, abled . Incapacitated. Disabled. Disability. Theres nothing wrong with trying to avoid offending others. (2010). Similarly, placing people with disabilities on a pedestal ("You are so brave to keep trying despite your disability! The term "mental retardation" is finally being eliminated from the international classifications of diseases and disorders. We are all judged on how we communicate, no laws are necessary for this age old ritual. For example, use "people with mental illnesses" not "the mentally . Field Placement & Career Accommodations and Resources. But my guess is that within the next few years, this term will fade away. But the way we refer to other people affects how we think of them. Exploring disability practices, policy, politics, and culture. Its also an understandable but ultimately wrongheaded effort to promote equality not by elevating disabled people, but in a sense trying to deny the reality of disability as a meaningful concept or experience. Its not something special we do for them. The terms used for people with disabilities all too frequently perpetuate stereotypes and false ideas. These are all terms which should never be used in conversation, and there would be little loss in communication if we did just stop using them except for historical or explanatory purposes (like their appearance in this article). Some of us hammer away at words we find outdated and offensive. any physical or mental defect, congenital or acquired, preventing or restricting a person from . She earned her BS in psychology from Michigan State University, and her PsyD in clinical psychology from Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio. And yet they have always carried the assumed prejudices of those times towards the people those terms represented. However, different people prefer different terminology. No. More Appropriate: wheelchair user, uses a wheelchair, wheelchair using, Less Appropriate: Anita is crippled, a cripple; That guys a crip, Comment: Cripple is an epithet generally offensive to people with physical disabilities (from Old English to creep). Less Appropriate: (the) disabled, (the) deaf, (the) blind, (the) mentally retarded, Comment: Terms describe a group only in terms of their disabilities (adjective) and not as people (noun). The commenter was concerned that blanket use of the new term by various entities . Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools are required to provide education services to students with disabilities. Almost no term is as insulting as a non-disabled person patiently or aggressively explaining to a disabled person why their own way of talking about themselves is wrong. Using disability language that puts the people first, then mentioning their disabilities when appropriate, is the preferred and recommended language according to ADA guidelines and documents. The term "intellectual disability" is gradually replacing the term "mental retardation" nationwide. The other strives to be more sober, but also elegant and comfortable when spoken and written. Person-first terminology is used . Disabled is a describing word and should not be used to categorize a group of individuals. Other terms, tribal communities/populations or indigenous communities/populations, could also be used to refer to groups with multiple tribal affiliations. They say people with disabilities and you say disabled.. As a nephew of a Downs uncle (whom I am proudly named after), and an enthusiastic supporter of the community, long-time S.O. A disability is present when activities usually performed by people (such as walking, talking, reading or learning) are in some way restricted. How he will access them is different. Deaf-mute is a term which was used historically to identify a person who was either deaf and used sign language or both deaf and could not speak.The term continues to be used to refer to deaf people who cannot speak an oral language or have some degree of speaking ability, but choose not to speak because of the negative or unwanted attention atypical voices sometimes attract. In itself, its not a negative or a positive necessarily in terms of describing the person or experience, but something which combines with everything else to make you, YOU. Use disabled people not the disabled as the collective term. I sometimes wonder is there some genetic marker theyll find one day that shows a link between Downs Syndrome and traits for kindness, good-humor, a sweet (if occasionally ornery) disposition, and a loving nature? Do you say none of the words? Not all people who have had a mental or emotional disability have it forever or to the same degree all the time. One reason why disability language is still so controversial is that there is an almost hidden but quite fundamental clash between what people are trying to do with the words they choose and the phrases they craft to talk about disability. "Impaired" means weakened, diminished, or damaged. I think the important thing though is NOT whether either is "politically correct" but what is helpful or hurtful! What term do we use for disabled person *? I can tell you that in my childhood and young adulthood I spent a LOT of time and energy being utterly disturbed by what I personally saw and heard, in terms of other peoples response to, understanding of, and interaction with my uncle Christian and other people who may be a little different from average. Thus, someone with congenital blindness has a disability, as does someone who must use a wheelchair for mobility purposes. Term no longer in use: the handicapped. It also reflects how some disabled people experience their disabilities, as simply an aspect of themselves, but not something that defines them. What is the politically correct term for disabled? Part of an identity. Normally, I would never say that I am the deaf girl, I always use my name. Do not use underserved when you really mean disproportionately affected. Now that we know the distinction between disability and handicap, how do we refer people who have disabilities? But its widespread use as a generic term for a set of common experiences and social positions make these terms as close to value neutral as can be possible, and therefore useful in the much more achievable goals of accurate identification, equality, and basic respect. Lawrence Carter-Long, who founded the movement called Disabled, Say the Word, says, "The language we use mirrors the ways we think," he says. Im learning. Disability and disabled work elegantly simply to describe the shared social identity of all people who have any kind of disability. Emphasizes the heart string or telethon-ish perspective. And read things written by disabled people, too. But just like those derogatory words, the term "retardation" has become an insult, along with . Used as a put-down in most cases. The current terms in use by the deaf community today are deaf and hard of hearing. Language for disability can pose a challenge, especially because no one wants to offend another person or to appear to be insensitive. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. A disability is present when activities usually performed by people (such as walking, talking, reading or learning) are in some way restricted. Disability . For now, because I am not disabled, I am going to follow their lead, as we all should do. Language in communication products should reflect and speak to the needs of people in the audience of focus. 3. potatomoonlight 6 yr. ago. Perhaps the thinking is if we can make disability a positive thing than we can diminish our own fears about the . I occasionally get email from folks, and much of it is condescending and patronizing, telling me to use PFL and stuff. This doesnt work. The reasoning goes like this: Phrases like "disabled person" or "amputee" focus on a condition more than the person who is affected by it. If your key groups are organizations or people directly involved in the project/activity, use terms that describe the nature of their influence or involvement. Finally, non-disabled people shouldn't lecture disabled people on correct terminology. That is, people outside of our community who care about us and our kids, people who want to be our friends and allies, people who want to do and say the right thing. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Sure, not all of them and not all the time. In between my life lived with disabilities and being a parent of a child with a disability, Ive seen an awful lot of upset over words that are directed towards the disability community, however inadvertently. volunteer, etc I have a keen interest in this topic, and a lifetime of experience. Lets try and follow a story arc. In this case, a wheelchair user is handicapped her mobility through use of her wheelchair is disrupted by the missing ramp. And the weariness easily switches to wariness. We recommend using this section as a guide and inspiration to reflect upon word . - Father Joe Carroll. I also know that there are people who disagree with me, and thats ok too. Which means, it should no longer be socially acceptable (was it ever . What is the politically correct term for the disabled? Note that it is widely used as a legal term in documents, on signs, etc. In regards to accessible facilities: Acceptable: accessible toilets/parking, parking for blue or orange badge holders. People will speak about other people as they see fit, and that is that. Dunn, D. S. (2015). In Australia people with disability want to be acknowledged as people first. To take another quote from the blog post I mentioned earlier: Disability. Despite my best efforts and intentions, I still am only a parent and not a disabled person. This discussion of banning or rendering certain words taboo inevitably leads to what-aboutism aimed at people from marginalized groups reclaiming insulting terms for their own internal purposes. Neil has to use other words to describe me. The word disabled is a description not a group of people. Consider these guidelines when communicating with or about disabled people. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. People with lower socioeconomic status should only be used when SES is defined (for example, when income, education, parental education, and occupation are used as a measure of SES). [/vc_message][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]When I first started my job at UC Berkeley, coordinating a program in conjunction with the state of California, Read More The Gift of a Moment: Understanding Difficult Times and ChoicesContinue, Anyone who says, its just a word is forgetting that the pen is mightier than the sword, forgetting that words wound more deeply than any knife could. As a counselor, it's also a place in which I offer you wellness, support and resources. However, many deaf people whose first language is BSL consider themselves part of the deaf community they may describe themselves as Deaf, with a capital D, to emphasise their deaf identity. Knowing how to sensitively refer to members of diverse groups is also important. You are not a person with deafness, you are a deaf person but my daughterMoxie is not a Down syndrome child; shes a person with Down syndrome.. Disability is a normal part of human diversity. Evolving terminology allows . The term disability is perceived as negative and not politically correct. Here are a few tips to sort through the competing schools of thought on disability language, and ride the various waves of popularity and revision that disability language goes through. A few highlights of the document: Put the person first. Best practices include engaging people from the population or community of focus to find out what they prefer. Andrews has presented and published nationally on a wide range of disability topics. The following is intended as suggestion, not censorship, in choosing more appropriate terms. But wait YOU said it was okay, YOU say that yourself -? Were not doing disabled people a favor by giving them a ramp. We are carefully taught by one wave of credible activists and diversity consultants to say people with disabilities, only to be told by a later generation of disabled people that this diminishes the experience and meaning of disability, and is in any case awkward and a little condescending. Person issecondary to disability. Non-U.S.-born or foreign-born persons may also be used to refer to individuals born in a country other than the U.S., similar to the international migrant concept. Say the word: disability. "There are going to be readers out there, for sure, who are going to think that we really mean learning disabilities and we're saying learning differences to be politically correct," said Alex Dreier, an Instructional Design Lead at N.C. State's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. The most essential guideline for disability language is to use whatever words each individual disabled person prefers. In the world of disability, this most notably applies to cripple and crip, which disability activists and participants in disability culture still use to refer to themselves, either ironically or defiantly. Debilitated. Stakeholders are persons or groups who have an interest or concern in a project, activity, or course of action. At the end of that post, I said this:Up next: Ill be tackling special needs. Because that vernacular is seeing a shift too. However, conscious thought about what we say, and when we say it . Suffers from or is afflicted with [condition], People with a pre-existing mental health disorder, People with a pre-existing behavioral health disorder, People with a diagnosis of a mental illness/mental health disorder/behavioral health disorder. Even U.S. law has changed from using the term "mental retardation" to the term "intellectual disability." Just Politically Correct? Now, it's just a term that you should be staying way the hell away from (see this post) "Disability" is a particular way of seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, moving, learning, sensing, being. Dunn is the author or editor of 29 books and over 150 journal articles, chapters and book reviews. Say "person with disability" rather than "disabled person." Say "people with disability" rather than "the disabled." Roll with their example. While some words/phrases are commonly used by many, including those with disabilities, usage is likely due to habit rather than intentional meaning. Not all members of the disability community think person-first language is the best choice. Political correctness (PC) refers to language that avoids offending persons of various genders, races, sexual orientations, cultures, or social conditions. Its the constant little pin-pricks of being called what we specifically ask to NOT be called from the handi-capable, special needs, the references to wheelchair bound, and the differently-abled.. Acceptable: people with disabilities. Mortal flesh heals quicker than an immortal soul, and that soul is what has the potential to be hurt in a word. It should be noted however, that the same terminology does not necessarily apply in other countries. We are still friends. They are somebody's son, somebody's daughter. American Indian or Alaska Native should only be used to describe persons with different tribal affiliations or when the tribal affiliations are not known or not known to be the same. disability, speech disorder, or communication disability ; CP victim, spastic . Comment: Terms reflect negative and tragedy and connote pitiful helplessness, dependency, defeat. 4. Some try to use language to reshape the entire concept of disability, or redefine it out of existence somehow. Personally I consider "disability" and "handicap" acceptable. Stay tuned. Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability. (Sorry, the link I had is no longer valid and I cannot find it). 2023 A Day In Our Shoes with Lisa Lightner, Disability Acceptance, Advocacy and Activism. Before I became disabled myself, I worked in a field that served people with a variety of disabilities. Like, nervousness about saying something offensive. Arrrrrghhhh! That is, its person-first language a person with a disability until the person sees disability as an identity, then it becomes identify first. I will use them interchangeably too. Not everyone will agree on everything but there is general agreement on some basic guidelines. If you want to hear me reading this, just click the link below. Its not negative. Even the term "disability" is not universally accepted. Lets try and write our way through the whole arc of our connection with disability, and then lets gather the posts at the, Read More Summer Blog Hop Series: Challenge!Continue, [vc_row][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style=outline style=round]This is an opinion post about recognizing and leaning into moments that can transform us, specifically, moments related to disability acceptance. Person with a disability is now referred to as a disabled person. With that in mind, some basic guidelines for politically correct and the disabled: Meriah Nichols is a counselor. An impairment may just mean that some things are done in a different way. It happens something like this with the Down syndrome community: Someone famous says something offensive (- usually involving the word, retard), With the greater (cross-disability) community, its more of a matter of never ending-ness. ), More Appropriate: Anita has a physical disability; Tom is unable to walk, Less Appropriate: sightless, blind as a bat, four eyes. It doesnt work! It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Here's why you shouldn't use them, and what to say instead. Common phrases that may associate impairments with negative things should be avoided, for example deaf to our pleas or blind drunk. No easy answers. Terms like "differently abled" do more harm than good. So while moron and idiot in the 19th and early 20th centuries were clinical terms for different levels of intellectual disability, the horrifically disdainful and disgusted opinions about intellectually disabled people helped make those words insulting, at the time and especially today. This term can be used to reflect a power differential between groups and has a violent connotation for some tribes and tribal members. And others need to recognize the limits of their power to regulate this practice. The term has often been used derisively . a beggar but that may not even be factual. The Term "Intellectual Disability" Is Too Broad and, Therefore, Unclear. I completely get it and I dont think there are easy answers because I think so much of this depends on individual preference. I was at an event yesterday, and some stewards were helping me up a hill. When describing a combination of racial/ethnic groups (for example, 3 or more sub-groups) use people from some racial and ethnic groups or people from racial and ethnic minority groups. A PC term for mental retardation is "intellectual disability". Specific disorders are types of mental illness and should be used whenever possible (for example, when not referring to people with different mental health disorders collectively). Its use may be considered on an audience-specific basis. Is saying "the disabled" or "disabled people" acceptable, for example?