Interesting interpretation of the term "people with disabilities." I had not
to thought of it associated to individual model. The way that we in Canada
tend to use that terminology is that you are placing the person was first.
I recall reading some of the work by several British authors that
enlightened me to the realization that "disabled people" implies that the
emphasis was on the oppression that we still lived. On the other hand,
those advocating disability culture, say that "disabled people" among other
terms is about to reclaiming oppressive terms. Upon reflecting on this I
can't help wondering if culture, history, particularly in English-speaking
cultures has not been more reflexive? I don't see the same debated on
terminology in either French or Italian. In some countries, like Greece, I
understand that there is no word for disabled. In a bilingual country like
Canada\Québec there's always a problem in trying to be even in both
languages, with such political word.
Maria
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pam Thomas" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2002 10:27 AM
Subject: Re: language
> Language is important because it influences how we act.
>
> If we act as if "disability" is within certain people as a result of the
way
> their bodies, minds or senses work then the term "person with a
disability"
> makes sense. We can then try to solve the issues of disability by
focussing
> on the individual. This is an individual model of disability.
>
> If we act as if "disability" is what results from the social and economic
> exclusion of certain people because of the way their mind, bodies or
senses
> work the term "disabled people" makes sense because it means those people
> who are disabled by society. There are issues relating to the way our
minds,
> bodies and senses work but these should not be confused with the social
and
> economic exclusion. Then we can try to solve the problem of disability by
> finding ways to stop that exclusion. This is the social model of
disability.
>
> I prefer and use the social model of disability and use the term "disabled
> people". This way of thinking about disability is becoming better known
and
> used, but not everyone knows about it or uses it.
>
> Pam.
>
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