Does it make you unhappy when someone in the media or public makes reference to “the handicapped” or uses such phrases as “confined to a wheelchair” or “stricken with cerebral palsy”?

It should, because these labels are demeaning; they tend to define the person in terms of his or her disability, and nothing more. We can all actively campaign to weed these usages out of our vocabulary and conversations, and what better time to start than in a New Year!

When people use these kinds of labels, it is good to proactively address the issue, letting them know that their use of such terminology is inappropriate.

Here are some suggestions for speaking up verbally, composing a letter or an email, and a sample form you can use as a model when addressing someone’s use of language.

It is best to begin with praise – perhaps for the person addressing the subject of disabilities and bringing it to the community’s attention. 

Next, it’s important to get to the point by saying something like, “However, I feel that the use of such terms as ‘handicapped child’ tends to belittle the child – as if the child’s identity is broken and determined solely by his or her disability. Explain that the phrase “a child who has a disability” is preferable and more accurate and respectful. 

Offer alternates. Never criticize without suggesting solutions. For example, it is preferable to say she “uses a wheelchair” rather than “is confined to one.” After all, the primary function of a wheelchair is to assist people who use it to access the world when walking is difficult. When you think of a wheelchair as supporting the function of walking, wheelchairs no longer seem confining; they seem liberating.

Keep the conversation or letter positive, concise, and clear, being sure to stay on the topic. Be polite and consider this opportunity to be a teachable moment. The person you are communicating with may never have been “enlightened” on the subject of person first, respectful language and that is the purpose of your interaction.

And, make sure to be mindful of your own language!

Below we have provided a sample letter template that could be utilized specifically when writing to someone in the media. In this New Year, let us all be vigilant and steadfast in our campaign that will move everyone to use person first, respectful language when speaking about all people, particularly people with disabilities. 

 

SAMPLE LETTER

[DATE} 

To the [EDITOR/STATION MANAGER/REPORTER]:

[I/WE] appreciate the recent story about [TOPIC] by [REPORTER]. The article was [USEFUL/INFORMATIVE], but [I/WE] object to the use of such terms as ‘[CITE THE OFFENDING WORD OR PHRASE].” When used this way, labels tend to define the person; in other words, the disability seems to be the person’s most outstanding characteristic, when in fact their disability is only one part of who they are. 

[I/WE] prefer terms like [OFFER AT LEAST TWO WAYS TO REPHRASE]. This distinction may seem insignificant, but [I/WE] believe that language very much affects the public’s behavior toward and attitudes about people with disabilities.

As [PARENTS or MEMBERS OF A GROUP], [I/WE] strongly urge your [NEWPAPER/TV STATION] to set an example for the community.

Thank you [EDITOR/STATION MANAGER] for your and [REPORTER’S] interest and concern. [I/WE] would be happy to share ideas about how to keep future language used to describe people who have disabilities positive and respectful.

Respectfully,

[YOUR NAME AND ORGANIZATION, IF APPROPRIATE]

 

PEAK Parent Center www.peakparent.org - New Year's Special Edition 2012 SPEAKout Newsletter

Copyright 2012 © by PEAK Parent Center, Inc.  All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce may be obtained from PEAK Parent Center. Permission to utilize the Sample Letter section is granted.

Amplify Truth graphic included under Creative Commons License by Psd.