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Disability Terminology in Cerebral palsy


DOs:

Do Use Terminology Properly

Become aware of proper meaning behind terms. Improper use leads to hurt feelings, offended individuals, and disrespectful use of language.

Do Respect the Person, First

Referring to an individual by their impairment is no longer acceptable. Acceptable terminology accentuates the person first, then mentions their impairment, only if pertinent. Labeling an individual is inappropriate. Describing an individual is appropriate. Do this by placing emphasis on the person, not their condition. It is proper to say ‘person with disability’ as opposed to ‘disabled person.’ It is proper to say ‘person with epilepsy’ versus ‘the epileptic.’ It is appropriate to state ‘the boy with quadriplegia’ versus ‘the quadriplegic.’

Do Get to Know the Level of Impairment

A person with total hearing loss is considered ‘a person who is without hearing,’ but is not considered a ‘deaf person.’ Likewise, a person with partial hearing loss is referred to as ‘a person with hearing impairment.’ A person with total sight loss is considered ‘a person who is blind,’ but is not considered a ‘blind person.’ A person with a varying degree of sight — a person who can see but is not considered legally blind, for example — is ‘a person with vision impairment.’ A person who displays trouble speaking, uses voice prosthesis, or appears to stutter is ‘a person with speech impairment.’




DON’Ts:

Don’t Intentionally Misuse Terminology

Don’t intentionally misuse terminology in a misleading, hurtful, disrespectful or offensive manner. Do not use slang terminology to label a person. Words such as crippled, retarded, disabled, impaired, spastic, special ed, or handicapped are offensive labels. Slang terminology is disrespectful and hurtful.

Don’t Use Outdated Terminology

Terms like physically challenged, differently-abled, physically-handicapped, and wheelchair-bound are outdated. The current trend is to limit the use of labeling terms with negative connotations. Descriptive terms without judgment are accepted. For instance, ‘the individual using the wheelchair’ is deemed appropriate only if the use of the wheelchair is relevant.

Don’t Refer to a Person with Impairment in a Negative Way

Negativity is disempowering. The impairment is a condition, not a result of violence. A person should not be given a label that insinuates inappropriate treatment. For instance, do not use victim, sufferer, stricken by, deformed, incapacitated, unfortunate, invalid, or afflicted with. For instance, ‘John may have cancer,’ but John is never ‘a cancer victim.’

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