Disability Links and Resources
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The following items are the six sections in 'Disability Links and Resources'.
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[Disability Services in Your Area]
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[Other helpful links]
[ADA Information Services]
[Resources]
Words To Use When Communicating About People With Disabilities
People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else
in this world: to hold down a job, to acquire an adequate education and to Participate
in their community. Above all, they have a right to self-esteem. Please help
ensure these rights by referring to individuals in terms that acknowledge their
abilities, merit and dignity.
The following is a list of terms to avoid when communicating
with or writing about people with disabilities.
- AFFLICTED: Very negative and a definite downer. Person who
has or is affected by is much better.
- DISABLED: Sounds like an inanimate object instead of a person.
Instead use individual, person or people with a disability.
- CRIPPLED OR CRIPPLER: This paints a mental picture at which
no one wants to look.
- DRAIN OR BURDEN: Added responsibility is a better term to
use.
- POOR: Disabilities have nothing to do with how wealthy someone
is. A person's character determines the richness of his or her life.
- SUFFERS FROM: If someone with a disability is independent
and copes with life as well as most of us, then this phrase definitely does
not apply.
- UNFORTUNATE: What's unfortunate is that this word is often
used to describe people with disabilities. Don't offend with this one.
- VICTIM: A person with a disability was neither sabotaged
nor necessarily injured in a plane, train or car crash.
- WHEELCHAIR BOUND: Leaves the impression that the wheelchair
user (a better descriptive term) is glued to his or her transportation.
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