Disability Blunder Apology

ExchangeEveryDay readers are quick to comment when something incites them.  Many readers rightfully expressed their displeasure at the headline for the message on Thursday, September 8 — "Advice to Families with Disabled Children."  Readers suggested we follow the guidelines of the People First Language as described in the Disability is Natural web site...

"For too long, people who happen to have conditions we call 'disabilities' have been subjected to devaluation, marginalization, prejudice, and more.  And the first way to devalue someone is through language, by using words or labels to identify a person/group as 'less-than,' as 'the others — not like us,' and so forth.  Once a person/group has been identified this way, it makes it easier to justify prejudice and discrimination.  Our language shapes our attitudes; our attitudes shape our language; they're intertwined.  And our attitudes and language drive our actions!

"Using People First Language — putting the person before the disability — and eliminating old, prejudicial, and hurtful descriptors, can move us in a new direction.  People First Language is not political correctness; instead, it demonstrates good manners, respect, the Golden Rule, and more — it can change the way we see a person."

Readers may also be interested in viewing the YouTube video "People First Language"

Join the experts in early learning for 5 powerful webinars!

Only $6.00 per order and 50% profit on every sale.  Your bank account will start Greening up!

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site