People first: How to talk to people with disabilities without sounding so awkward
Think of the person first is a great care taking tip when giving care to others!
Think of the person first. My friend Amy Silverman says that’s the easiest way to know how best to talk about disability and people with disabilities. She has a daughter Sophie, who’s 15 and has Down syndrome, not a Down syndrome daughter. Because a person’s disability doesn’t define who they are.
Amy understands that sometimes it is hard to know what to say.
People feel awkward or unsure, so they don’t say anything at all for fear of offending someone.She recently updated a language style guide for the National Center on Disability and Journalism at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. A journalist for nearly 30 years, she said it was one of the toughest assignments she’s ever had.
The guide is designed to help journalists writing about disability, but it works for everyone.Most people have figured out the word “retarded” is outdated and offensive to people with intellectual disabilities. But it’s about more than the r-word.
Defining people by only their disabilities dehumanizes them, which makes it easier to discriminate against them. So, use what is called “people-first” language.
An entry in the updated language style guide from the National Center on Disability and Journalism at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
It is more complicated because some in the autism community prefer the term “autistics.” For them, autism is not a negative. So Amy started with A for “able-bodied,” a term used to describe someone who does not have a disability. It can be insulting because it implies that all people with disabilities lack “able bodies.” Use “non-disabled.” Dwarf, not midget.
Hard of hearing, not hearing impaired.
She ended with W for “wheelchair user,” not “wheelchair-bound.” For many, wheelchairs are liberating, a way to be independent.
If you’re not sure what words to use, or unsure whether to offer assistance or shake hands with someone with a disability, ask.
It might be awkward but so what? “Life," Amy said, "is awkward.”
To learn more about social care and new care etiquette please - Click Here
BrightStar Care of Phoenix / Tempe provides the full continuum of home care services comprised of companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more to improve clients’ health and quality of life.
To learn more about our local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals and home health care support for Phoenix and Tempe families and businesses - CLICK HERE