Our words can empower or disempower; choose wisely By Chris Jones Posted: 09/30/2014 08:55:14 PM PDT# Comments Updated: 09/30/2014 08:55:39 PM PDT times-standard/opinion/ci_26639119/our-words-can-empower-or-disempower-choose-wisely Recently I read a column by Eric Duff regarding accessibility for people with disabilities (Handicapped accessibilitys no afterthought, Times-Standard, Sept. 19, page A4). It is a message that we at Tri-County Independent Living have been bringing to the community for over 35 years and I am always appreciative of those who confirm what we have to say. He is correct in acknowledging that all people deserve access to public places and yet many are denied because of structural and attitudinal barriers. However, having said that, I must comment that Mr. Duffs use of outdated language to describe the situation and words to label people with disabilities contributes greatly to perpetuating old stereotypes. Times have changed for people with disabilities ... but language lags behind. Life for most people with mental or physical disabilities is vastly improved over what it was twenty or thirty years ago. The Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws assure that people with disabilities have the same basic rights as people without disabilities. Some things have been slower to change; namely, attitudes and perceptions about people with disabilities. Ignorance and discrimination can be serious impediments to achieving integration, productivity, and independence for people with disabilities. We should not view people with disabilities as helpless or tragic victims. Awareness is the first step toward correcting this injustice. If public opinion about people with disabilities is to be brought up to date, the public needs to hear and learn to use appropriate language. It is especially important for the media, elected officials, public speakers, and others in leadership positions to portray people with disabilities sensitively and realistically. There are many locations online where one can find the appropriate language to use when discussing disability and disability issues. But here are a few simple rules: Using statements such as handicapped and wheelchair bound only further our stereotypes of dependent and helpless individuals. We should use disability rather than handicap to refer to a persons disability. It is okay to use handicap to describe accessibility accommodations, such as handicap parking; but it is better to use accessible in those instances. It is also OK to say that a person is handicapped by obstacles, such as architectural barriers or the attitudes or ignorant or insensitive people. Never use cripple or crippled in any reference of disability. Further, one should never say wheelchair bound or confined to a wheelchair. People who use mobility or adaptive equipment are, if anything, afforded freedom and access that otherwise would be denied them. Its no different than one who uses crutches or eyeglasses. Avoid negative or sensational descriptions of a persons disability. Dont say suffers from, a victim of, or afflicted with. Dont refer to people with disabilities as patients unless they are receiving treatment in a medical facility. And never say invalid. These portrayals elicit unwanted sympathy, or worse, pity toward individuals with disabilities. Respect and acceptance is what people with disabilities would rather have. And please, dont portray people with disabilities as overly courageous, brave; this implies that it is unusual for people with disabilities to have talents or skills. They are simple people no different than you and I. When referring to a persons disability, try to use people first language. In other words, it is better to say person with a disability or man who has autism rather than a disabled person or an autistic man, particularly in a first reference. Positive language empowers. Considering that approximately 16,000 people in Humboldt County report to having some type of disability, it is important that we all do our part to ensure that each and every citizen be treated with the courtesy and respect that we all deserve. Chris Jones is executive director of Tri-County Independent Living.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:16:02 +0000
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