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Incorrect Labels
by: Christina Fitzpatrick
Deaf,
dumb, mentally retarded, physically challenged, cripple, birth defect,
handicapped parking, Think there’s anything wrong with these terms? You can
gather that they are all referring to disabilities and you have likely heard
or even used them yourself. But do you know if they are appropriate?
You’d
assume they would be, after all “Handicapped Parking” is scrawled on the
parking stalls closest to the shops. Though in reality these terms are
unsuitable for describing people with disabilities.
A person should not be referred
to as deaf or dumb but as a person with a hearing or speech impairment and
mentally retarded is better explained as a person with an intellectual
disability. Physically challenged is more suitability called a disability
and the term cripple should be exchanged for a person with a mobility
impairment. A birth defect should simply be stated as a person who has had a
disability since birth. Finally handicapped parking ought to be referred to
as accessible parking.
Hopefully you’ve noted that the
more appropriate labels remove the negative contrast of the former, yet more
commonly used ones. Dumb, retarded, challenged, cripple and defect all
create negative views on disabilities and in these times disabilities
shouldn’t be viewed in such a way. Removing negative labels allows others to
see them for who they are, which assists in opening up communication lines.
This also helps deflate the preconceived idea that people with disabilities
are incapable in some way because with today’s technology most people are
capable of functioning and leading their lives.
So next time you are
referring to an individual with a disability, consider whether what you are
about to say will portray the person in a negative or positive way and alter
your words accordingly, because a little consideration can go a long way.
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