Talking about disability (1)
It is extremely important to know the correct terminology for talking about disability because the terms we use may not reflect how disabled see themselves. In carrying out this simulation it is important that you learn how to talk about disability and use terms which are acceptable to people with disabilities and their organisations.
For instance, use of the expression 'the disabled' is not considered acceptable as people with disabilities do not form one homogeneous group, but we can talk about 'people with disabilities', which is the preferred term within the social model of disability. The Disability Rights Commission give some advice on terminology for disability. For instance it is not acceptable to say 'handicapped' but we should say 'people with disabilities'; it is not acceptable to say a person is suffering from...but you should instead say a person has a particular problem, for instance 'he has arthritis' or 'he has a mental health problem'. The articles you will read also talk about PRMs, that is persons with reduced mobility.
Don't use |
Use |
Handicapped |
People with disabilities |
Crippled |
People with impairments and long-term health conditions. |
The disabled |
People with rights under the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Suffering from... |
Has ... arthritis, a mental health problem, diabetes etc. |
http://www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/key_drc_facts_and_glossary/glossary.aspx
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
What is the DDA? Go to the following website to find out about it http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068
What rights does it give people with disabilities? Who exactly are people with disabilities?