Imogen,
Sorry to be controversial, but I would suggest that you just stop looking.
As a disabled person myself, I've absolutely no time for all this language
faffing. As if we hadn't got more serious issues to sort out without
pussy-footing around trying to keep everyone happy with something as
abstract as language. I don't much care whether I'm visually impaired,
blind, or that old sod with no sight. It's not going to change anything
after all. What if I personally decided I no longer like the term visually
impaired? Where do we draw the line? I suggest at good old-fashioned
commonsense politeness. I've never been able to work out just who decides
what's in and what's out, and I always feel sorry for those of you who are
not disabled having to constantly worry--woops, split infinitive--about what
you can and can't say nowadays. I said to the priest the other day, I've
decided I'm no longer CAtholic, just Romanly challenged!
This is a very personal view, and not that held by Queen mary College, as
all the emails say.
Good luck with your search, but don't lose sleep over it.
Paul.
Paul Jarman,
Disability Support Officer,
2.39 Francis Bancroft Building,
Queen Mary, University of London,
Mile End Road,
LONDON. E1 4NS
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7882-2757,
Fax: +44 (0)20 7882-5223,
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Imogen Bowers
Sent: 12 February 2007 16:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: language
Hello
I am trying to find a reference that I can quote that states that using the
term disabled person, rather than person with a disability is the preferred
option as it better reflects the social model i.e. the person is disabled
because of the environment, not because they have a disability per se. I
have googled this with no luck. Does anyone know of a reputable source that
I can quote on this?
Thanks
Imogen Bowers
Senior Mental Health Adviser
The Equality and Diversity Office
Academic Division
Humphrey Booth House
The University of Salford
Tel: 0161 295 2152 / 9000
Fax: 0161 295 2018
email: [log in to unmask]
www.equality.salford.ac.uk
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